26 January 2005
New chairperson for Tertiary Education Commission
Education Minister Trevor Mallard announced today he is appointing Hon Russell Marshall as chair of the Tertiary
Education Commission (TEC).
“Russell Marshall has had a long and impressive public service career which includes 18 years as a member of parliament,
during which time he held ministerial portfolios in Education, Foreign Affairs and Pacific Island Affairs,” Trevor
Mallard said.
“The Tertiary Education Commission is a relatively new organisation that has developed well in its first two years of
operation. It plays a vital role in implementing the government’s strategy for tertiary education and in allocating the
funding for tertiary education organisations. It is important that the leadership of the Tertiary Education Commission
is strong to ensure that the progress made so far continues.
“Russell is an ideal candidate to take on the role of chair. He helped set the platform for the Tertiary Education
Strategy as chair of the Tertiary Education Advisory Commission (TEAC) in 2000/1. The work of TEAC led directly to the
establishment of the Tertiary Education Commission.
“Leadership of the commission requires an understanding of how the broad range of entities in the tertiary sector
operate. Russell has that range of knowledge, having been a former university chancellor and through his involvement
with the polytechnic sector and international education. He has also been chair of the New Zealand National Commission
for UNESCO.”
Russell Marshall will shortly be returning to New Zealand after a term as High Commissioner to London. His appointment
is effective from April 4 but in the interim he will have a role as chair elect, in the appointment of a new chief
executive.
“Since April 2004 the role of chair has been filled by the deputy chair Kaye Turner and I am grateful to Kaye for her
work in the role during that time. Kaye will be continuing in her permanent role as deputy chair and her input will be
vital in ensuring continuity for the organisation.
“I am pleased to have such strength in the governance of the commission as it moves to appoint a new chief executive and
continues with the work of implementing a co-ordinated tetiary education strategy,” Trevor Mallard said.
ENDS