Te Pūkenga’s chief digital officer quits

Wednesday, 29 November 2023

Te Pukenga, the education organisation that's taking over the 16 polytechnics and most industry training organisations, is cutting millions from its head office costs.

Te Pūkenga’s head digital officer has quit just 18 months after she started, the latest member of the executive to resign.

Teresa Pollard joined the national institute last July to oversee its multi-million dollar digital transformation programme.

Her departure follows the Wellington-based Richard Forgan, deputy chief executive strategy and transformation, who left in February this year, deputy chief executive Merran Davis who quit her “dream job” after eight months in April 2021, and Matthew Walker resigned as chief financial officer after less than 12 weeks in September last year.

Te Pūkenga’s head digital officer, Teresa Pollard, is the latest member of the executive to tender her resignation ‒ just 18 months after starting in the role.

And the high profile resignation of former chief executive Stephen Town, who left the organisation in August last year after weeks of controversy about being on special leave while drawing a salary of up to $13,000 a week. The Post later revealed he was paid out close to $200,000 as part of a “mediated confidential settlement agreement”.

Te Pūkenga chief executive Peter Winder confirmed Pollard’s resignation, saying she had resigned to spend more time with her young family.

Her last day will be December 13, with chief information security officer Steven Turnbull to act as chief digital officer while recruitment is underway.

Winder said the focus remained on finalising the digital team structure and developing the digital transformation programme plan, which is being funded by a $220 million Crown loan.

The programme is in the design and planning phase, with consultation on the proposed digital group structure having closed on November 17.

Feedback is being reviewed with an announcement expected in early December.

Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, was formed three years ago to run the country’s 16 polytechs and nine industry training organisations.

Its future remains uncertain with National having previously planned to disestablish the organisation.

Te Pūkenga Council chair Murray Strong, said via statement, the Crown Entity’s role was to implement Government policy.

A comprehensive briefing has been prepared for the new Tertiary and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds, and the organisation hoped to meet her soon.

“At all times, we will strive to ensure that we deliver high-quality vocational and on-the-job learning throughout the country so that it meets the needs of all ākonga (learners), employers and communities,” Strong said.