CHIEF EXECUTIVE,
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
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Executive Summary
THE OPPORTUNITY
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology (Toi Ohomai) is one of New Zealand’s larger tertiary and vocational educational providers, with a strong regional presence across Bay of Plenty and South Waikato. It has five main campuses (Rotorua, Tauranga, Taupō, Tokoroa, and Whakatāne), plus approximately 80-90 delivery (satellite) sites across the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato. These delivery sites vary in scale: some host full programmes, others are satellite locations or outreach-based teaching hubs under the supervision or support of campus staff.
Serving more than 13,000–14,000 students with over 200 programmes ranging from certificates through to postgraduate levels, Toi Ohomai delivers in fields such as business, creative arts, engineering, forestry, health and nursing, tourism, hospitality, trades and more. Toi Ohomai plays a central role in supporting local industries including health, forestry, agriculture/farming, tourism, energy sectors, and wider trades. It also maintains strong engagements with iwi, hapū, communities, and regional stakeholders to ensure its educational offerings align with community and industry needs.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will lead Toi Ohomai through a period of strategic consolidation and growth. This is an opportunity to shape the future of vocational and tertiary education in the region, ensuring financial sustainability, academic excellence, and stronger community engagement. The role offers a dynamic, hands-on leadership experience in a culturally rich and economically diverse region, ideal for an innovative leader ready to make a tangible difference.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Board, the CEO will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across the Institute. Key priorities include:
- Driving financial sustainability: Building on recent efficiency gains, managing budgets, and identifying growth opportunities, including international education and government-funded programs.
- Academic leadership: Ensuring high-quality, vocationally focused education that meets community and industry needs, with a clear understanding of teaching, learning, and program evaluation.
- Organizational leadership: Engaging, motivating, and retaining staff after a period of restructuring and downsizing, fostering a high-performing, values-driven culture.
- Community and industry engagement: Acting as a visible, credible, and connected leader who can build strong relationships with students, staff, iwi, industries, local government, and other education providers.
- Innovation and growth: Identifying new funding streams, partnerships, and initiatives to diversify revenue and enhance the Institute’s profile across all constituencies.
The CEO will be a visible and accessible leader, regularly visiting campuses and communities, connecting with staff and stakeholders, and championing Toi Ohomai’s brand.
THE CANDIDATE
The Board seeks a proven, values-driven leader with a strong academic and vocational training background, ideally with experience in New Zealand’s tertiary education sector. The successful candidate will combine strategic insight, operational capability, and community engagement skills with the energy and drive to take Toi Ohomai to the next level.
The ideal CEO will be:
- An experienced and inspiring leader, capable of rallying staff and communities alike.
- Culturally competent, able to operate effectively in diverse iwi, regional, and industry contexts.
- Financially astute, balancing efficiency, sustainability, and growth.
- Academically credible, with experience in vocational or tertiary education, able to make informed program and curriculum decisions.
- Community and stakeholder-focused, building strong relationships with local government, industry partners, and funders.
- Innovative, with the ability to generate new revenue streams and enhance the Institute’s profile nationally and internationally.
This is a hands-on, high-impact leadership role for a candidate motivated by challenge and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students and communities.
We invite you to discuss this exceptional leadership opportunity with David Price from the HardyGroup
M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211 | E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com
Toi Ohomai Institute
of Technology
Toi Ohomai – At a Glance
- Established: 2016 (merger of Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and Waiariki Institute of Technology)
- Students: Approx. 12,000 across multiple campuses and learning hubs
- Staff: Over 700 full-time equivalent staff
- Campuses: Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatāne, Tokoroa, Taupō.
- Additional delivery sites: 80-90 learning hubs and satellite locations across Bay of Plenty and South Waikato that vary in scale.
- Regional Impact: Strong connections with iwi, industries, and local communities; significant contribution to regional workforce development
- Programs:
- Business, IT, and administration
- Health, nursing, and social services
- Engineering, trades, and construction
- Creative arts, hospitality, and tourism
- Forestry, agriculture, and environmental studies
- Māori and Pasifika studies
- Specialist Facilities:
- Health and nursing simulation labs
- Engineering and trades workshops
- Creative arts studios and media labs
- Forestry and environmental research facilities
- Te Ao Māori cultural learning hubs
About Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
We aim high to achieve great heights; we want to be awakened by learning.
At Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, we are dedicated to empowering your journey towards success. With our wide range of qualifications, from post-graduate degrees to diplomas, certificates, and foundation-level courses, you have the perfect pathway to achieve your goals and become work-ready with the skills employers need.
We offer flexible study options to fit your lifestyle, including part-time, full-time, and online courses. With campuses in Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupō, Tokoroa and Whakatāne, we’re the largest tertiary education provider in the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato.
Our smaller class sizes guarantee personalised attention, with one-on-one support to help you thrive both academically and personally.
We believe in nurturing the whole student, which is why our pastoral care services are designed to support your overall well-being. Unlock your potential at Toi Ohomai.
Te Whakatakanga - Our Mission
We put ākonga and kaimahi at the centre of all we do. Through educational excellence, learner success, strong partnerships and sustainable practices, we enable our ākonga, institution, and communities to thrive.
Te Tirohanga Whakamua - Our Vision
To be a leading vocational education provider that empowers ākonga and kaimahi to thrive, fostering a culture of excellence, equity, and wellbeing.
Toiohomaitanga - Our Values
Toi Ohomaitanga were launched in May 2018, following extensive staff engagement and consultation.
Toitūtanga: We are courageous and humble in our pursuit of excellence
- Being accountable and doing what you say you will do
- Being bold and energised by new challenges
- Empowering ourselves so we can be better than we know ourselves to be
- Striving for continuous improvement on behalf of Toi Ohomai
- Being resilient and perseverant, taking personal responsibility for overcoming obstacles
- Showing eagerness to grow, develop and improve by seeking feedback and coaching
- Keeping others engaged with progress, including any delays or issues
- Setting stretching goals and holding others involved accountable for their contribution
- Demonstrating a continuous improvement mindset that considers how to engage and encourage others in the same pursuit
Manaakitanga: We uphold and strengthen the mana of others and our communities
- Caring for and respecting ourselves, others and our environment
- Making others feel safe, confident and at ease
- Anticipating the needs of others and demonstrating consideration of these
- Actively supporting team decisions and challenging team members who don’t
- Providing thoughtful, honest feedback that is constructive and enables development
- Representing Toi Ohomai proudly; honouring our legacy and all those that have contributed to our rich history
- Seeking to understand others and establishing how one can contribute positively to their day and their mahi
- Being supportive and cooperative with others even when under pressure
- Celebrating our success and the successes of others
Whanaungatanga: We build and nurture relationships and connections
- Creating a Toi Ohomai identity and sense of belonging to a successful organisation
- Seeking and maintaining authentic partnerships, collaborations or connections that advance Toi Ohomai
- Welcoming contributions that enhance our business
- Prioritising opportunities for building relationships that are in Toi Ohomai’s interest
- Taking the time to be genuine with people and demonstrate interest in them
- Being self-aware of how you support the needs of others
- Sharing information and feedback and supporting the development of others
- Participating in Toi Ohomai events
Kotahitanga: We are united in our shared purposes
- Supporting and acting for the collective interest ahead of personal interests
- Welcoming diversity that strengthens our shared interests
- Demonstrating commitment to and care for Toi Ohomai’s success
- Proactively participating in Toi Ohomai initiatives that enhance our colleagues, partner, stakeholder and students’ experience
- Recognising each of our colleagues for their contribution to Toi Ohomai and supporting their achievement
- Practising collective responsibility so that once a decision is made we collectively work to ensure its successful implementation
- Embracing great ideas regardless of origin, rejecting the ‘not from here’ mindset
About Institutes of Technology and Polytechnic
Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) are public tertiary education organisations delivering vocational education and training services to learners across New Zealand. ITPs operate under the Education and Training Act 2020, following the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga, as part of structural reform to reinstate regional leadership, strengthen governance, and return decision-making authority closer to communities and industries.
Each ITP is responsible for delivering a full range of vocational education programmes, including certificate, diploma, and degree-level qualifications, as well as work-based learning, professional training, and industry-specific micro-credentials.
ITPs are large, multi-campus organisations with diverse student cohorts and multi-layered staffing structures, encompassing academic, administrative, support, and executive leadership teams. These institutions manage significant physical assets including buildings, specialist training facilities, and technology infrastructure.
Tertiary Education Commission
The Tertiary Education Commission Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua is a Crown agency that leads the government’s relationship with the tertiary education sector, invests government funding in tertiary education organisations and provides career services from education to employment.
The Tertiary Education Commission invests over $3 billion into tertiary education and supporting the tertiary and careers system. We ensure New Zealanders are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for lifelong success. We fund over 700 tertiary education organisations (TEOs) to provide thousands of courses to hundreds of thousands of learners. We also monitor the performance of TEOs and provide information and advice to the Government about tertiary education.
For more information go to www.tec.govt.nz
Role Specification
The Chief Executive (Designate) is accountable for the full leadership and management of the ITP, ensuring all operational, financial, academic, and public accountability functions are delivered effectively and sustainably from 1 January 2026.
The Chief Executive holds overarching responsibility, for establishing the new independent ITP to ensure that it meets all statutory requirements and community expectations. This includes ensuring the continued smooth transfer of staff, students, assets, systems, and governance processes while safeguarding education delivery and student wellbeing.
The role requires large-scale organisational leadership: overseeing academic governance, managing financial resources, leading multi-layered leadership teams, and building robust stakeholder relationships across industry, government, iwi/Māori partners, and the community.
The Chief Executive must ensure that the ITP operates as a financially sustainable, academically credible, and socially responsive public institution. This includes managing risk, maintaining compliance with all legislative frameworks, and leading organisational culture and people development across a broad and diverse workforce.
The Chief Executive is fully accountable to the Institute of Technology and Polytechnic Council for all aspects of organisational leadership, performance, and compliance, including delivery against strategic objectives, achievement of key performance indicators, financial sustainability, and academic quality.
This accountability covers statutory obligations, employment relations, asset and infrastructure management, risk management, and equity outcomes. The Chief Executive is responsible to the Council for maintaining robust organisational culture, upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, ensuring good employer practices, and providing free, frank, and timely advice that enables effective governance decision-making.
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology (Toi Ohomai) is one of New Zealand’s larger tertiary and vocational educational providers, with a strong regional presence across Bay of Plenty and South Waikato. It has five main campuses (Rotorua, Tauranga, Taupō, Tokoroa, and Whakatāne), plus approximately 80-90 delivery (satellite) sites across the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato. These delivery sites vary in scale: some host full programmes, others are satellite locations or outreach-based teaching hubs under the supervision or support of campus staff.
Serving more than 13,000–14,000 students with over 200 programmes ranging from certificates through to postgraduate levels, Toi Ohomai delivers in fields such as business, creative arts, engineering, forestry, health and nursing, tourism, hospitality, trades and more. Toi Ohomai plays a central role in supporting local industries including health, forestry, agriculture/farming, tourism, energy sectors, and wider trades. It also maintains strong engagements with iwi, hapū, communities, and regional stakeholders to ensure its educational offerings align with community and industry needs.
The Chief Executive will lead Toi Ohomai through a period of strategic consolidation and growth. This is an opportunity to shape the future of vocational and tertiary education in the region, ensuring financial sustainability, academic excellence, and stronger community engagement. The role offers a dynamic, hands-on leadership experience in a culturally rich and economically diverse region, ideal for an innovative leader ready to make a tangible difference.
The Chief Executive carries full responsibility for establishing and leading the ITP as an independent statutory organisation. The Chief Executive must ensure robust academic governance processes are in place, maintaining programme quality and compliance with NZQA requirements across all delivery sites. This includes managing curriculum development, teaching and learning innovation, assessment, and moderation systems.
Alongside academic responsibilities, the Chief Executive is accountable for financial leadership at a level consistent with large public institutions. This involves overseeing public funding from TEC, managing commercial revenue streams, and maintaining capital asset portfolios, including facilities and infrastructure.
The Chief Executive must lead organisational design, workforce planning, employment relations, and staff wellbeing frameworks, ensuring alignment with the Employment Relations Act 2000 and Crown entity expectations for good employer conduct.
Public accountability is a core focus. The Chief Executive is responsible for transparent reporting to the ITP Council, TEC, Ministers, and other oversight agencies. This includes regular performance reporting on financial health, student outcomes, equity measures, and stakeholder satisfaction.
Community and stakeholder engagement forms a critical part of the role. The role involves direct engagement Industry representatives, regional industries, employers, and community organisations to ensure education delivery meets current and emerging workforce needs.
The Chief Executive is fully accountable to the Council for the overall performance of the organisation, delivering against strategic priorities, operational requirements, and key performance indicators as formally set and reviewed by the Board. This includes ensuring that organisational objectives are met within approved financial parameters and that all statutory obligations are consistently upheld.
An ITP’s statutory responsibilities include:
- Delivering high-quality academic programmes and maintaining NZQA quality assurance.
- Ensuring equitable access and learner success for all student groups, including vulnerable communities including prior achievement, Māori and Pasifika and disabled learners;
- Managing public funding and commercial revenue streams in a financially sustainable and accountable manner;
- Maintaining robust governance, public reporting, and compliance frameworks in line with Crown entity standards;
- Ensuring employment practices and organisational culture align with obligations under the Employment Relations Act 2000 and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Professional Qualifications and Experience:
This role requires an executive with extensive experience leading large public sector or tertiary education organisations, preferably at Chief Executive or equivalent level.
Candidates must demonstrate a thorough understanding of tertiary education delivery, academic governance, and public sector financial management frameworks in the New Zealand context. Experience managing multi-campus, multi-site operations with complex staffing structures are essential.
Candidates must also show experience in leading structural or organisational transitions, including managing asset transfers, workforce integration, and system establishment within a Crown entity or equivalent context.
Understanding and experience with New Zealand’s public accountability frameworks, including the Education and Training Act 2020, Crown Entities Act 2004, and Employment Relations Act 2000, is required.
Leadership Capabilities:
The Chief Executive (Designate) must demonstrate capacity to:
- Lead large-scale organisational strategy while ensuring operational detail and performance are maintained.
- Provide clear advice and support to the ITP Council;
- Manage substantial financial resources, including public funding, revenue generation, and capital asset portfolios;
- Lead complex people structures, managing multiple leadership layers and workforce planning needs;
- Oversee academic programme delivery and compliance at scale;
- Engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including Māori and iwi partners, regional industries, central government agencies, and community organisations.
Attributes and Approach:
The Chief Executive (Designate) must operate with a high level of integrity, public sector discipline, and strategic foresight. A structured, outcome-focused, and evidence-based leadership approach is essential.
This role requires a leader who is equally comfortable with high-level governance engagement and day-to-day organisational management, ensuring that both strategic direction and operational performance meet the highest standards of public service, academic quality, and financial sustainability.
- 1.Proven Leadership and Organizational Management
- Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-campus educational or comparable organizations.
- Ability to inspire, engage, and retain staff following periods of change.
- Track record of creating high-performing, values-driven cultures.
- 2.Strategic and Financial Acumen
- Experience managing budgets, achieving financial sustainability, and identifying growth opportunities.
- Ability to develop and implement strategies for revenue diversification, including international education and government funding initiatives.
- 3.Academic and Vocational Expertise
- Strong understanding of tertiary and vocational education systems.
- Ability to make informed decisions regarding curriculum, program viability, and quality assurance.
- 4.Engagement with Iwi and Māori Communities
- Proven ability to engage authentically with iwi and Māori communities.
- Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and commitment to embedding Te Ao Māori perspectives within education and organisational practice.
- Experience developing partnerships that deliver meaningful outcomes for Māori learners and communities.
- 5.Community, Industry, and Stakeholder Engagement
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with local government, industry, community, and education partners.
- High visibility and accessibility across campuses and regional communities.
- Ability to represent Toi Ohomai with credibility and confidence at regional and national levels.
- 6.Innovation and Strategic Vision
- Track record of identifying and implementing innovative solutions that enhance institutional performance and student outcomes.
- Ability to position Toi Ohomai as a leading provider of vocational and tertiary education, recognized nationally and internationally.
Reports to: Chair, Establishment Advisory Group (until formal ITP Council is confirmed)
Delegations: Executive delegations granted by the ITP Council, including full operational, financial, academic, and strategic authority as governed by the Education and Training Act 2020, the Crown Entities Act 2004, and the Employment Relations Act 2000.
Attractive remuneration package, please discuss with HardyGroup Consultant
Service Location: Tauranga or Rotorua
The closing date for applications is Thursday 6th November, 2025
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5287
Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please get in touch with Executive Search Coordinator, Aldie Zuñiga: M: +61 (0)49 410 1082 / E: azuniga@hardygroupintl.com
Your application must include:
- 1.Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant, David Price;
- 2.A written response addressing the key selection criteria; and
- 3.An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
It Is standard practice for HardyGroup to acknowledge receipt of your application no later than the next business day. We request that if you do not receive the acknowledgement, you contact the search coordinator listed above as soon as possible after the 24-hour business period and arrange to resend your application if necessary.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
David Price
National Manager, HardyGroup New Zealand
M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211
E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com
Living and working
in Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty is one of New Zealand’s most vibrant and rapidly growing regions, offering a lifestyle that blends opportunity, natural beauty, and community connection. Stretching over 250 kilometres of pristine coastline, the region is renowned for its soft sandy beaches, lush forests, and sun-soaked climate – providing the perfect backdrop for both family life and professional fulfilment.
Thriving Urban Centres
Tauranga, the largest city in the region, is a dynamic hub of commerce, technology, finance, and construction. With a population of over 160,000, the city offers all the conveniences of urban living while maintaining easy access to beaches, parks, and cultural attractions. Tauranga is home to the Port of Tauranga, New Zealand’s largest export and import port, making it a key driver of national trade and a centre of economic activity.
Rotorua is a unique city where geothermal wonderlands meet rich Māori heritage. Known for steaming geysers, mud pools, and thermal springs, Rotorua is also a thriving tourism and events hub. With around 77,000 residents, the city provides a close-knit community atmosphere while offering cultural richness, arts, and recreation.
A Strong Regional Economy
Beyond its urban centres, the Bay of Plenty boasts a robust economy grounded in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. Dairy farming remains a major employer, alongside orchards producing kiwifruit and avocados – two of New Zealand’s most important exports. The Kaingaroa Forest, the largest hand-planted forest in the world, underpins a significant forestry sector, with timber exported globally via the Port of Tauranga. Tourism further strengthens the region, attracting visitors to its natural and cultural attractions and supporting hospitality, events, and creative industries.
Lifestyle and Community
For a new Chief Executive and their family, the Bay of Plenty offers more than professional opportunity – it offers a lifestyle. Weekends could be spent exploring sun-drenched beaches, hiking native forests, or enjoying family outings to geothermal parks and lakes. Communities across Tauranga, Rotorua, and surrounding towns are welcoming and well-connected, offering excellent schools, healthcare, and recreational facilities. The region’s combination of urban vibrancy and rural tranquillity creates an environment where career ambition and personal well-being can thrive together.
Why the Bay of Plenty
In short, the Bay of Plenty presents a unique opportunity for senior leaders to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rich, fulfilling lifestyle. It is a place where professional challenge meets natural beauty, economic innovation meets cultural heritage, and where the entire family can flourish – from beaches and forests to vibrant towns and thriving communities.
Find more information on living and working in Bay of Plenty visit.
ABOUT US
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Find and Grow Great Leaders - and we have been doing exactly that for more than 30 years in public and private health, primary, community and aged care as well as the broader public service.
Our synergistic business model of Executive Search and Recruitment integrated with Executive Leadership and Learning is our unique point of difference.
It ensures our clients can count on us for the lifecycle of their organisations leadership journey and why we are regarded as the leading trans-Tasman partner agency by clients.
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