THE OPPORTUNITY
Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) is a highly regarded regional institution with a strong reputation for industry engagement, vocational excellence, and community connection. Serving a region undergoing significant economic and workforce transformation, WITT plays a critical role in developing the skills and talent needed to support Taranaki’s future prosperity.
The Chief Executive will have the opportunity to build on WITT’s strong foundation and trusted reputation while ensuring the organisation remains responsive to the evolving needs of learners, employers, iwi, and the wider community. Strong partnerships sit at the heart of WITT’s success, and the Institute is well positioned to strengthen its contribution to key regional sectors including engineering, manufacturing, infrastructure, health, and the energy transition.
Central to the role is a commitment to meaningful partnerships with the entire community. The Chief Executive will foster strong relationships across the region while ensuring WITT continues to deliver high-quality educational outcomes, financial sustainability, and a positive learner experience.
This is an opportunity to lead a highly connected regional institution where visibility, relationships, and community engagement are as important as strategic and operational leadership.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the WITT Council, the Chief Executive is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and sustainability of the Institute.
The role provides strategic direction across academic quality, financial management, workforce capability, stakeholder engagement, and organisational performance. As the public face of WITT, the Chief Executive will build strong relationships with iwi, industry, employers, government agencies, education partners, staff, learners, and the wider community.
Key priorities include strengthening WITT’s regional impact, ensuring programmes remain aligned to workforce needs, supporting international student growth, maintaining financial sustainability, and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
The Chief Executive will lead a capable executive team, provide trusted advice to Council, and represent WITT across regional and national forums.
THE CANDIDATE
WITT seeks an experienced and authentic executive leader who can build trust, foster strong relationships, and deliver sustainable organisational performance in a complex stakeholder environment.
Candidates will bring:
- Proven executive leadership experience with responsibility for strategy, performance, and organisational outcomes.
- Strong relationship-building capability, with the ability to engage effectively with iwi, industry, government, staff, learners, and community stakeholders.
- An open, collaborative leadership style with the ability to bring people along and build alignment across diverse groups.
- High emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and a visible, approachable presence.
- A commitment to transparency and a “no surprises” approach to leadership and communication.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with the ability to balance strategic priorities with operational delivery.
- Experience in international education or international student growth and partnerships.
- An understanding of, and ideally connections within, key regional industries, particularly engineering.
- Strong local knowledge, or the ability to quickly establish credibility and meaningful connections within the Taranaki community.
- A genuine commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and demonstrated success building trusted partnerships with Māori.
Above all, WITT seeks a positive, proactive and tenacious leader who can strengthen the Institute’s contribution to the region while maintaining a strong focus on learners, communities, and workforce outcomes.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
David Price
National Manager, New Zealand
M. +64 (0)21 0239 2211 | E. dprice@hardygroupintl.com
HOW TO APPLY
The closing date for applications is Monday, 31st August 2026
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5442
