New Wintec Council appointments

Two Waikato regional leaders Simon Lockwood and Vicky McLennan have been appointed to the Wintec Council. 

Their appointments, which come into effect from tomorrow, are for a three-year term, dependent on future sector reforms. 

Wintec chair Barry Harris says: “We welcome the appointments of Simon and Vicky, both of whom are well known leaders and influencers in the Waikato region.  They will bring a variety of skills, experience and knowledge well suited to current and future governance needs of Wintec.”

Simon Lockwood, the Regional Branch Director for Crombie Lockwood, has worked in the insurance industry for the last 24 years in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.  He is currently the Chairman of the Institute of Directors (IoD) and represents the Waikato on the National Council of the IoD.

He also is involved in a variety of governance roles with organisations including Enrich+, Habitat for Humanity, Wintec Student Resident Trust, and the Lottery Grant Regional Committee.

Vicky McLennan has over 35 years of experience in the educational sector. She began her career as a secondary teacher in Christchurch and most recently was Principal of Waikato Diocesan School in Hamilton from 2008 until 2017. Currently she is working as an educational consultant and providing professional development to school boards. Her current governance roles are with Trust Waikato, Alandale Foundation, and the Perry Outdoor Education Trust.

Simon says: “It is a time of change and an opportunity for Wintec to be at the forefront of sector transformation and I’m excited to be part of it.”

Vicky says: “I am excited to have this opportunity to contribute to effective, learner-centred vocational pathways that help our young people into employment,while supporting our community and economy.”

Simon and Vicky replace outgoing members Aaron Rink and Sandie Gusscott whose terms ended today.

“I’d like to thank and acknowledge the significant contribution made by Aaron and Sandie over the years to Wintec and the Wintec Council. They have been true champions of Wintec and contributed to making it one of New Zealand’s leading institutes of technology through their sound and strong governance. Aaron in particular served 14 years on the Council, and I know that his passion to see vocational education succeed and improve at Wintec has been a big driver for him over the years,” says Mr Harris.

The members of the Wintec Council from 1 May, 2019 are: Barry Harris (chair), Niwa Nuri (deputy chair), Des Brennan, Margaret Devlin, Kiri Goulter, Simon Lockwood, Vicky McLennan and Ping S’ng.