17 April 2014
Tertiary education leader takes up senior position at Waiariki
Waiariki Institute of Technology is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Jefferies as Director of Partnerships
and Planning.
Richard is an accomplished senior tertiary education leader, having been Provost (Deputy Chief Executive) at Te Whare
Wānanga o Awanuiārangi for five years and with 20 years consulting experience in the tertiary education sector. He has
led a wide range of research projects in the tertiary sector focusing in particular on Māori economic and professional
development while also leading and editing the translation of English language books into te reo Māori.
Richard’s passion for education, his wide ranging experience and extensive networks and stakeholder links in the area of
Māori educational, community and economic development will be extremely valuable to Waiariki and its distinctive
bicultural focus.
Chief Executive Professor Margaret Noble said, “We are delighted to welcome Richard as a member of Waiariki’s senior
management team. His leadership and academic skills will make an important contribution to achieving our aim of being a
first choice institute, developing student potential through our strong links with business, iwi and the community.
Richard will be leading a range of strategic areas including student recruitment and administration, secondary outreach
and regional development, and business and stakeholder links.”
Richard said, “I am excited to be joining Waiariki Institute of Technology, its values reflect the key attributes to be
an organisation that is distinctly bicultural. The education offered by Waiariki has the potential to transform lives
and to develop the future prosperity of the Bay of Plenty region and I am looking forward to ensuring that Waiariki
students – Māori, Pakeha and international – are well prepared to provide effective contribution to the regional economy
and role models for future generations.”
Richard completed a Bachelor of Management Studies and Diploma of Teaching at Waikato University, and is currently
undertaking a PhD on renewal in Māori - medium education. Richard will commence his employment with Waiariki on 28th
April.
ENDS