He said its purpose was to hear what happened in the lead-up to the resignations, and allow people to express their views and hear about the board's new directions.
Mrs Hovey began by giving a long statement on behalf of staff, about events leading up to their resignation. She started work at CES in 2009, the year government made a cut in its funding. In March 2012 Mrs Bullen joined the board, and in 2013 several other new members were elected.
Mrs Hovey outlined an increasing disconnect between staff and board.
Mrs Bullen said the board's new direction was a focus on sponsorship, marketing and making connections with businesses and the community. The board was to undertake much of the sponsorship work, with staff following up. It also wanted staff to open an hour earlier - 10am to 3pm rather than 11am to 3pm.
CES was in a precarious financial position, board members said, and the new approach was needed to ensure its survival.
It gets about half its funding from the Tertiary Education Commission and UCOL, one of them said, and has to raise the rest. It would be in trouble if government's contribution was cut further.
Former staff and board members said CES had always been in a precarious financial position, and always managed to survive. Mrs Hovey said it made a small surplus in the last year, and a smaller loss in the previous one.
Board member Kerry Girdwood clarified that the board decided not to pursue offering New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) qualifications.
Board member Deb Frederikse said the board had treated very good employees disgracefully, and she intended to resign from it.
Mr Visser said he could see faults on both sides.
Mediation between former staff and the board was suggested. But some wondered what was the point, since the staff had been replaced.
Mrs Bullen said CES was for next year and members dissatisfied with the board should go to its annual general meeting in March to voice their concerns.