New Wintec Council appointment and changes

Waikato business leader Kiri Goulter has been appointed to the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) Council.

Kiri’s appointment, effective from 1 May, 2018, is for a four-year term, and was announced by the Minister of Education this week. She replaces Steven Howse, whose term ended on 30 April, as a ministerial appointment to the Council.

Kiri is an accomplished executive having held leadership and governance roles primarily in the tourism and economic development sectors. 

Wintec chair Barry Harris says: “We welcome the appointment of Kiri who is well known within the Waikato region and beyond. Her diverse skills and knowledge will be well suited for the Wintec Council.” 

Kiri’s current governance roles include the Waikato Regional Economic Development Agency Establishment Board, Waikato Chamber of Commerce and Te Awa River Ride Trust.  She was previously the chief executive of Hamilton & Waikato Tourism having re-established the organisation in 2011. Early in her career Kiri had first-hand experience in education as a school teacher.

Kiri now has her own consultancy company specialising in strategy and planning, destination management, product development and thought leadership regarding local government, tourism and economic development. 

Kiri says: “I’m delighted to be appointed to the Wintec Council. Wintec is a significant and valued contributor to our city and region’s communities and economy. I have always been impressed by the quality of programmes and graduating students, and commitment to working collaboratively with employers and industry to meet our future workforce needs.

“I look forward to contributing to its ongoing success,” says Kiri.

In other changes and updates to the Wintec Council, the role of deputy chair, previously held by Steven Howse, will now go to Niwa Nuri who was appointed early last year to the Council.  Council appointed members Aaron Rink and Des Brennan both had their terms renewed by the Council effective from 1 May 2018.  Aaron’s term will be for a further year, and Des’ until April 2021. 

Mr Harris acknowledged the contribution made by Steven Howse during his five years on the Council.

“Steve has been a great contributor to the Wintec Council - his manner, critical thinking and great work ethic have really stood out to me in the time I’ve worked with him, and for others who have governed with him over the years. He’s certainly helped guide Wintec into continuing to being a high performing institute of technology.” 

Outgoing deputy chair Steve Howse says: “Wintec is among the best performing ITPs in New Zealand, reflecting many years of strong leadership and effective decision making.  I feel privileged to have been part of continuing this legacy during my term on Council.”

“The Waikato community can be proud of Wintec’s contribution to our regional and national economy.  While it has strong roots in local vocational training, Wintec now also delivers on a national and international stage.”  The end of Steve’s term on Council coincided with his appointment as an executive director with the Australian Stock Exchange-listed company HRL Holdings.

The members of the Wintec Council are: Barry Harris (chair), Niwa Nuri (deputy chair), Des Brennan, Margaret Devlin, Kiri Goulter, Sandie Gusscott, Aaron Rink and Ping S’ng.

To view the Minister’s release on appointments, click here. 

Image: Waikato business leader Kiri Goulter