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.