Two appointments on the new combined Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic council were announced by Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce today.

Michael Chapman has been appointed as deputy chairman while Ian Macrae has been appointed as a member.

"I welcome the valuable knowledge and experience that these people will bring into their new roles. Both have extensive knowledge of The Bay and a deep connection to the region. I'm confident that they will contribute to the successful leadership of the polytechnic," said Mr Joyce.

"I also wish to thank Ian Turner, outgoing council member and former deputy chairman, for the significant contribution he has made to tertiary education in the Bay of Plenty region. Mr Turner was appointed as deputy chairman of the newly merged Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic earlier this year, having previously served as the chairman of the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic."

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"I want to recognise the stability and continuity Ian has been able to contribute to the successful transition of the new entity," he said.

Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Council Chairperson, Cathy Cooney, was pleased by today's announcements.

"Ian has significant industry connections across the region, nationally and internationally with many years of engineering experience and as Managing Director of Page Macrae Engineering."

"Ian's appointment also means that we now have a fully constituted council of eight members. The breadth of experience and expertise across the council mean we are in a strong position to tackle the workload ahead. This is a very exciting time for both our new institute and the region and we look forward to working with all stakeholders going forward."

Mrs Cooney also acknowledged the significant contribution Ian Turner has made to tertiary education in the Bay of Plenty.

"Ian has been a part of the tertiary landscape here in the Bay of Plenty for many years and his knowledge and expertise is widely valued. He has been integral to the success of the merger to date and I thank him for his contribution."

Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic continues to consult their community about their intended name and branding.

A final decision is likely to be made later this year.

Biographies:

Ian MACRAE has been Managing Director of Page Macrae Engineering since 1992 and led the firm through a successful period of diversification and innovation and continues to provide the overall strategic management of the business. Mr Macrae is a Tauranga-based industry leader, a specialist in engineering with demonstrated business acumen and strong strategic and financial skills, and with a commitment to training.

Michael (Mike) CHAPMAN is a council-appointed member of the Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and is the CEO of Horticulture NZ. He was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in 1982 and has core skills in strategic planning and development, stakeholder liaison, negotiation and communications. Mr Chapman has previously been CEO of both NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated and Kiwifruit New Zealand.