New Academic Director for Bay of Plenty Polytechnic
Newly appointed Academic Director Dr Amanda Torr was welcomed by more than 30 guests to Bay of Plenty Polytechnic last
week at a special powhiri at the Windermere Campus.
Dr Torr brings a great deal of experience to the Polytechnic with a career spanning almost 30 years in the tertiary
sector. With a skillset mix of management, governance, policy and quality assurance, Dr Torr will be a valuable asset to
the senior leadership team.
Dr Alan Hampton, Polytechnic Chief Executive, said it was a real pleasure to welcome Dr Torr to the Polytechnic.
“Amanda brings experience and skills to the institution at a time when our sector is changing rapidly and the ability to
identify and capitalise on opportunities for institution development and growth are crucial,” says Dr Hampton. “That
future must have a strong focus on supporting our students to succeed and meeting the skills needs of our region and
Aotearoa New Zealand.”
“Amanda will be an important member of the Senior Leadership Team, creating a strong future for Bay of Plenty
Polytechnic and our region,” he says.
Formerly at Waiariki Institute of Technology, Dr Torr has also held directorships at Polytechnic West (Perth,
Australia), WelTec and Open Polytechnic, as well as taking on secondment positions in places as far flung as Cambodia
undertaking health system and policy reform.
“I believe the polytechnic sector is a vitally important part of the tertiary education environment and its focus on
active, authentic and project-based learning means that it is able to provide education that is highly relevant to
industry, employers and the wider community,” says Dr Torr.
“Bay of Plenty Polytechnic is uniquely placed in the Bay to really meet the needs of learners both young and old and I
am excited to be a part of that.”
Dr Torr believes it’s vital to have people working in the polytechnic sector with a broad understanding of the policy
environment. She is looking forward to making a significant contribution to the direction and leadership of Bay of
Plenty Polytechnic.
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