Polytech appoints five top managers

Aoraki Polytechnic has filled all its new head of school roles this week, nearly four months after the tertiary institute announced its restructure.

In March, chief executive Kay Nelson said the new "school structure" would help Aoraki meet the Government's demands for the tertiary sector.

The restructure resulted in six top-level jobs being dropped, but affected staff were invited to apply for the 11 new roles created.

The polytechnic now has five schools instead of a faculty structure – schools of health and education; agriculture and technology; creative technology, IT and journalism; adventure tourism, sport and business; and hospitality, hair and beauty.

Regan Hopkins has moved from Palmerston North to take up the position of head of school for adventure tourism, sport and business.He was previously employed at Palmerston North Boys' High School and recently completed his Masters in Business Administration.

Also from Palmerston North, Malcolm Kendrew has joined the polytechnic as head of school for agriculture and technology.

Mr Kendrew was previously a project engineer for Fonterra at its research centre.

Iain Bamber has taken up the job of head of school for hospitality, hair and beauty, bringing his knowledge as a former country on-licence manager for DB Breweries and background in hospitality to the team.

The other two heads of school are internal appointments.

Sandy McKirdy, previously responsible for community, art and fashion, has been appointed head of school for health and education. Andrew Walne, previously the business programme co-ordinator, is now the head of school for creative technology, IT and journalism.

Ms McKirdy has been at Aoraki for more than 12 years in a variety of roles. Mr Walne has a background in management and teaching.

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