Chief Executive appointed to lead New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
Stephen Town has been named as the inaugural Chief Executive of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
(working name). Currently in his final year leading the Auckland Council, Stephen will formally take up his new role on
July 6, 2020.
IST Establishment Board Chair, Barry Jordan, said the Board were delighted to have attracted a candidate of Stephen’s
high calibre after an extensive search for the right person to lead the creation of the new national Institute, which is
due to come into effect on 1 April 2020.
"With more than 25 years as a Chief Executive, including a distinguished career in the local government sector, Stephen
has a proven track record of bringing people together through periods of complex change. He has led initiatives to
create jobs for long-term unemployed in South Auckland and built enduring relationships with iwi and hapū," he said.
"We were looking for someone who is a strong relationship builder with deep strategic experience successfully leading
large and complex organisations to achieve significant improvement. The interview panel, which included a number of
experienced leaders from across the sector, were unanimous in their decision to offer the role to Stephen."
Jordan said the panel was impressed with Stephen’s composed and strategic focus, his ability to form enduring and
productive relationships with stakeholders, and his long-term connection to the tertiary sector where his leadership
journey began.
A graduate of Wanganui Regional Community Polytechnic, Stephen has maintained a deep interest in vocational education.
He has two sons in the BCITO system who will both qualify as carpenters this year.
"I’m honoured to take up this role and excited at the challenges ahead. Change leadership is our greatest opportunity
and New Zealand’s needs will require much greater agility from the vocational education and training sector in the next
two decades," said Stephen.
"Before us is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a sustainable and world-class vocational education system that
strengthens communities and ultimately New Zealand. I am looking forward to working collaboratively with everyone in the
sector to effect meaningful and lasting change."
Biography
Stephen has held executive positions in the public sector for over 20 years in tertiary education, local government and
transport. He is currently in the last of his seven years as Chief Executive of Auckland Council, where he has been
leading a new organisation to serve the people of Auckland.
Stephen has previously been Chief Executive of Franklin District Council, Chief Executive of Tauranga City Council and
Regional Director of the NZ Transport Agency in Northland/Auckland.
His first chief executive role was at the Wanganui Regional Community Polytechnic in 1994, making him the youngest Chief
Executive in New Zealand at the time.
Stephen holds an Executive MBA from Massey University.