Victoria University Chancellor re-elected

Victoria University of Wellington Chancellor Sir Neville Jordan, KNZM, was today re-elected as leader of the University’s governing body.

His position was confirmed at the first meeting of the Victoria University Council for 2016.

The Chancellor is the Chair of the University Council and is responsible for providing leadership to the Council in its development and implementation of its governance responsibilities, including in the area of strategic direction.

The Chancellor is also the ceremonial head of the University presiding over occasions such as graduation.

Following changes to the legislation governing tertiary institutions last year, Victoria has a new 12-person structure, with eight members of the Council completely new to the role.

Returning Council member Neil Paviour-Smith was elected Pro-Chancellor at the same meeting. The Pro-Chancellor is the Deputy Chair of the Council.

Sir Neville says Victoria University is in a period of growth, in both size and influence, and a high-performing Council is essential to supporting a high-performing university.

“I know members of the Council have high expectations of themselves and of the University and I am confident those expectations will be realised.”

Sir Neville says increased enrolments at Victoria this year are evidence of the success of the University’s planning for the future.

“This year more students than ever are enrolling at Victoria University and this shows why the substantial investments we’re making in our campuses are so important. Expanding Rutherford House in central Wellington is critical for providing business students with the facilities they need, right in the heart of the business district.

“When our new Gateway Building opens in Kelburn at the end of next year, it will add 12,000 square metres of science teaching, research and laboratory facilities.

“That will be around two rugby fields’ worth of state-of-the art science. The University is going from strength to strength and the Council has the right set of skills to ensure Victoria achieves its ambitious goals.”

Members of the 2016 Victoria University Council are:

Sir Neville Jordan KNZM—Sir Neville Jordan is a Wellington investor and adviser in science/technology.  He is Executive Chair of his company, Endeavour Capital, and a past president of the Royal Society NZ.

Professor Grant Guilford–Grant Guilford is Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University of Wellington.

Neil Paviour-Smith—Neil Paviour-Smith is Managing Director of Forsyth Barr and a director of the New Zealand Exchange and Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand.  

Roger Taylor MNZM—Roger Taylor, a former financial consulting partner with Ernst and Young and an experienced director, chairs the current Victoria University Council Finance Committee.

Dame Patsy Reddy DNZM—Dame Patsy Reddy is Chair of the New Zealand Film Commission and Education Payroll Ltd and also a chief Crown negotiator for Treaty of Waitangi settlements.

Dame Therese Walsh DNZM—Dame Therese Walsh is a sports administrator who was the Chief Operating Officer for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and head of the organising committee for the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Professor Maryanne Garry—Maryanne Garry is a Professor in Victoria University’s School of Psychology.

Associate Professor Kate Hunter—Kate Hunter is an Associate Professor in Victoria University’s School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations.

Jonathan Gee—Jonathan Gee is the 2016 President of the Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA).

Jacinta Gulasekharam—Jacinta Gulasekharam is studying for a Bachelor of Commerce and is actively involved in Victoria’s student association.

Robyn Bargh CNZM (Te Arawa)—Robyn Bargh is an experienced director and the founder and former Managing Director of Huia Publishers.

Dr Farib Sos MNZM—Farib Sos has substantial educational and business experience in both the private and public sectors in sectors ranging from energy and resources to health and the environment.