Ako Aotearoa appoints new Director

Ako Aotearoa, the National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence, has announced the appointment of its new Director.

“I am delighted to say that we have made an excellent appointment,” the Chair of the Board, Bryan Gould, said today. “The Board reached a unanimous decision that our new Director, responsible for taking us forward over the next critical period, will be someone who is uniquely qualified – Peter Coolbear.”

“Peter is of course the person who was centrally responsible, as our Foundation Director, for Ako Aotearoa’s successful establishment and for making it an important and valuable part of the tertiary education landscape. No one has a better understanding of the contribution we can and must continue to make to the raising of standards in tertiary teaching and to the enhancement of the learning experience for thousands of tertiary students across the whole of the sector.”

“The Board is delighted that its approach to Peter with the suggestion that he should return to us was met with a positive response. The preparation of a new business plan that will guarantee our future on the basis of a wide support from the sector will be Peter’s first task.”

Professor Ingrid Day, Assistant Vice Chancellor Academic & International at Massey University, Ako Aotearoa's host institution, said that “Massey is delighted to resume its positive and productive relationship with Peter.”

Peter Coolbear said today that he was greatly looking forward to taking up the reins again. “Ako Aotearoa has made an excellent start in establishing itself but there is much yet to be done. If we are to get the best value for the resource we invest in tertiary education, it is vital that Ako Aotearoa carries on and develops its important work.”

Bryan Gould expressed the gratitude of the Board to Professor Tom Prebble and to Doctor Sue Walbran for the excellent work they have done as joint Interim Directors.

Peter Coolbear is expected to take up his new responsibilities next month.