New Deputy CEO, Waiariki Institute of Technology

New Deputy CEO for Waiariki Institute of Technology

Waiariki Institute of Technology has just appointed a new Deputy Chief Executive (Maori). Mr Keith Ikin (Ngati Maniapoto) comes to Waiariki with a broad experience of tertiary education. His experience includes lectureships at the Universities of Waikato and Canterbury and at the Auckland Institute of Technology (now AUT). He was a member of the Seafood Industry Training Board and the Industry Training Federation Executive and was the Manager for Maori Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education. He was also the Director of the School of Sustainable Business Management at Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

The appointment is a senior position within Waiariki. The purpose of the role is to work primarily with iwi and the wider Maori community to develop and implement education and training that meets Maori expectations and to support relevant and effective research. Waiariki has a broad range of programmes including business, tourism, information technology, forestry, Maori development, nursing and trade training that provide excellent opportunities for learners. The institution is committed to bicultural education and ensuring a positive learning environment for all learners.

Mr Ikin replaces the inaugural Deputy CEO Maori, Mr Miki Roderick who is completing his doctoral studies. ‘ In the short time I have been at Waiariki, I have been impressed by the commitment and professionalism of staff and the buzz around the campus with students starting the new year of study,’ Mr Ikin said. ‘ This is an institution that is committed to working positively with the wider community. We understand that iwi and the community need to have a say in how education and training is designed and delivered for it to be relevant and useful. I look forward to continuing the good work Miki Roderick has put in place,’ he said.

In the immediate term, Mr Ikin is looking forward to meeting and establishing relationships within Waiariki and connecting with the wider community within the Waiariki rohe.

ENDS

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