19 February 2007
All TEC directors now in place
Key senior leadership positions in the newly-structured Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) have been filled, with the
announcement today of the rest of the directors who comprise the senior management team.
“TEC directors have pivotal roles to play as we begin to implement the tertiary education reforms over the coming
months. They will also play vital internal roles as transition to the newly-structured TEC continues,” said TEC Chief
Executive Janice Shiner.
The TEC is in the middle of implementing the tertiary education reforms announced by the Minister for Tertiary
Education, the Hon Dr Michael Cullen in July last year.
The reforms will ensure the tertiary education funded by the government delivers on regional and national priorities,
and better meets the needs of key groups such as learners, employers and communities.
In order to be able to fulfil its new functions under the reforms, the TEC is realigning its resources and a new
structure will be fully in place by 1 July 2007.
Ms Shiner said appointment of the directors was the culmination of a thorough selection process.
“I was heartened by the number of excellent internal and external candidates with such a strong commitment to tertiary
education and the goals of the tertiary education reforms.
“I am confident the balance and the complementary mix of experience and expertise in the new team will provide the TEC
with the strategic strength, leadership and energy it needs to implement the reforms.”
Announcements on appointments to the other key new senior roles of Stakeholder Engagement Managers and Investment
Managers are expected by the end of March.
Biographies
Janice Shiner
Chief Executive
Janice Shiner started as Chief Executive of the TEC in July 2005 and is leading reform of the tertiary education sector.
Janice came to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, where she held several senior positions in the education sector.
Most recently Janice was Director General of the Lifelong Learning Directorate of the Department of Education and Skills
based in London, where she was responsible for tertiary education.
Janice also has a background in human resources and management.
Colin Webb
Deputy Chief Executive/Chief Advisor
Colin Webb joined the Transition Tertiary Education Commission, the unit that established the TEC, in September 2001,
and has held a range of strategic policy positions since.
Colin was the Acting General Manager for six months between December 2004 and July 2005, after which he was appointed as
Deputy Chief Executive.
Colin has particular responsibility for the strategic direction of the tertiary education reforms. He also contributes
to the TEC’s work with universities and on research activities.
Colin previously worked in strategy positions at the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (where he was also
responsible for all funding allocation), and the Crown Research Institute, Landcare Research Manaaki Whenua.
Susan Shipley
Director Policy Advice and Government Services
Susan Shipley has been TEC Group Manager, Policy and Advice since 2003. During this time, Susan has played a key
leadership role and headed up services to the Minister for Tertiary Education.
Prior to that, Susan was Policy Manager at Skill New Zealand, the funding body and lead agency for Industry Training,
Modern Apprenticeships and targeted training programmes in the 1990s.
Susan is a career public servant and has worked in a range of government policy and implementation roles relating to
education, training and employment.
David Nicholson
Director Tertiary Network
David Nicholson joins the TEC from the Ministry of Health, where he has been a general manager for the past three years
and been responsible for co-ordinating strategic and business planning functions, financial planning and funding and
purchasing decisions.
David began his working life as a teacher and since then, has held management roles in the Department of Child, Youth
and Family Services, and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
Carolyn Murphy
Director Tertiary Providers and Service Centre
Carolyn Murphy has been with the TEC for nearly three years and is currently acting Group Manager Liaison and
Development.
Prior to joining the TEC, Carolyn has held the position of Dean in the Faculty of Applied Management at Waikato
Institute of Technology.
Carolyn has extensive experience in senior operational and strategic management roles in the health and
telecommunications industries, and has practised in the areas of commercial and employment law.
Barbara Tebbs
Director Stakeholder Engagement and Investment Guidance
Barbara Tebbs joined the TEC in September last year after eleven years working in industry training, five as General
Manager of the Seafood Industry Training Organisation.
Barbara served two years as Deputy Chair of the Industry Training Federation and has represented the industry training
sector and seafood industry on a wide range of government planning and advisory groups.
Barbara’s previous work involved a variety of management and development roles in teaching and in adult education and
training.
Pauline Barnes
Director Strategic Services
Pauline Barnes has over twenty years experience in various consulting, management and leadership roles in New Zealand
and overseas.
Pauline joined the TEC in 2004 when she returned to New Zealand following nine years in Romania, where she helped set up
and manage a humanitarian foundation.
Pauline has held a number of roles in the TEC including Manager Foundation and Community Funds, Acting Group Manager
Steering and Investment, and her current role leading policy development and implementation around funding as part of
the tertiary education reforms.
Geoff Williamson
Director Corporate Services
Geoff Williamson comes to the TEC from the National Library where he was most recently Chief Financial Officer, after
holding other roles in financial and corporate services at the library.
Geoff has also worked in auditing and business services at accounting firm Deloitte, in both Wellington and London.
Ends