12 December 2000 Media Statement
Maharey announces appointments to Tertiary Education Advisory Commission
New appointments to the Tertiary Education Advisory Commission were announced today by Associate Education (Tertiary
Education) Minister Steve Maharey.
Victoria University of Wellington Chancellor and Education New Zealand Chair Russell Marshall will Chair the Commission
and businessman Hugh Fletcher has been appointed as an additional member. Established in April, the Commission is
charged with advising the Government on how to refocus New Zealand's tertiary education system to meet the challenges of
a globalised economy and a knowledge-based society. Mr Maharey said that Russell Marshall and Hugh Fletcher bring
excellent skills to the Commission.
"Better linking the tertiary education system to our economy and society is a key task the Government has set for the
remainder of this term. The Government is fortunate to have been able to secure the expertise of Russell Marshall and
Hugh Fletcher.
"Russell Marshall was a former Minister of Education and is currently Chancellor of Victoria University of Wellington
and chair of Education New Zealand. He has broad experience in the tertiary education sector, particularly of the issues
faced by universities and polytechnics. He also brings an extensive international perspective to the Commission through
his work as the former chair of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO.
"Hugh Fletcher brings his considerable business and industry experience to the Commission. He has a detailed knowledge
of the commerical world through his directorships of many boards and has taken an active interest in tertiary education
issues through his membership of the University of Auckland Council.
"Both Commissioners join the TEAC at an opportune time. Starting next year plans for significant change to the tertiary
education system will be discussed and it is essential that the Commission has the right mix of skills on board for the
job ahead," Steve Maharey said.
ENDS