Governance

University and wānanga are governed by councils comprising 12 to 20 members. The composition of a university or wānanga council includes the Vice Chancellor or Chief Executive of each institution, representatives from staff, students, the union, various stakeholder groups, as well as four Ministerial appointments.

The changes introduced by the Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Act 2009 meant that an Institute of Technology and Polytechnic (ITP) council membership is reduced to 8. 4 members are appointed by the Minister for Tertiary Education, with the other 4 members being appointed by the council in accordance with its own statutes.

Under the Education Act 1989, each tertiary education institution (TEI) council's has functions and duties include governing its institution and appointing its Vice Chancellor or Chief Executive. Council members other than the Chief Executive may receive fees.

A Ministerial statement of expectations (PDF, 60 Kb) for members of TEI Councils clarifies the expectations the Minister has of all Council members. Conflicts of interest must also be appropriately managed.