Attn: Educational / Regional
Bay of Plenty Polytechnic welcomes Dr. Helen Anderson to the senior management team.
Dr. Anderson joins the Polytechnic as Director Academic, bringing a wealth of experience in nearly all levels of
education. Her previous posts in the tertiary sector include Academic Director at Manukau Institute of Technology and
roles at Unitec and the University of Auckland. She is looking forward to the challenge of her new role, which she
describes as “complex and exciting”.
Dr. Anderson has a deep interest in the connection between learning and space design so was particularly interested in
the first phase of the Polytechnic’s new ‘learning commons’, Ako Atea, opened earlier this year. Of special relevance
are her recent publications which include a paper on the ‘The Challenge of Learning Space Design for Vocational
Education’ written in 2011.
“Research in learning space design, especially in the tertiary sector, indicates that big changes are on the cards if we
are to meet the needs of future students their communities and employers,” says Dr. Anderson. “The next few years will
provide challenges for all tertiary providers in this area but it also provides so many fantastic opportunities for the
Polytechnic and more importantly, for our students.”
The Polytechnic already has a well balanced portfolio of certificate, diploma and degree programmes aligned with
regional needs,” says Dr. Anderson. “However it is our role to not only offer the programmes needed but to deliver them
is such a way that prepares our students for the workplaces of the future. I look forward to helping further develop
this exciting area.”
Chief Executive, Dr. Alan Hampton commented on the significance of the appointment. “The role of Bay of Plenty
Polytechnic as the principle provider of applied and vocational education and training is paramount to the continued
development and performance of our region. The institution is particularly fortunate and excited therefore to have a
person of Helen’s calibre and experience join the senior management team at this time. “
ENDS