New boss for Toi Ohomai formally welcomed

Dr Leon Fouri is speaks to Toi Ohomai staff at today's powhiri, Tangatarua Marae. Photo/supplied

New Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology chief executive Dr Leon Fourie has officially been welcomed to the tertiary education provider.

More than 400 Toi Ohomai staff and people were on hand to welcome Dr Fourie onto the Tangatarua Marae in Rotorua, and at Pomare in Tauranga in two separate powhiri.

Dr Fourie was accompanied by his family and more than 25 staff from Unitec Institute of Technology in Auckland, which Dr Fourie was formerly deputy chief executive.

Toi Ohomai's council chairperson Cathy Cooney said Dr Fourie's appointment marked the next stage of development for the tertiary education provider.

"Dr Fourie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position and coupled with his energy and enthusiasm we look forward to considerable progress in 2017 for the institution and for tertiary education in the region," said Mrs Cooney.

The powhiri coincided with the institute's inaugural graduation ceremony in Tauranga.

More than 2000 students are expected to cross the stage at Tauranga's Holy Trinity Church over five ceremonies held from today and through to Wednesday, starting with a parade from the CBD on Monday afternoon.

Toi Ohomai was formed in May 2016 with the merger of Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and Waiariki Institute of Technology. Toi Ohomai is the largest provider of tertiary education in the Bay of Plenty region and the third largest institute of technology in New Zealand.