With Gus Gilmore leaving on Thursday to start his new role at Te Pūkenga as Deputy Chief Executive Ako Delivery, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has accepted the role of Unitec and MIT’s Executive Director. He sent out this pānui on Friday:
Talofa lava
I’d like to round off what has been another really big week for Unitec by saying what an honour it is to be named your Executive Director.
First, may I acknowledge the outstanding stewardship of Gus Gilmore in leading Unitec over the last two years. He has provided calm, inclusive and intelligent qualities during what have been some challenging circumstances.
We can all feel proud to see Tāmaki so well-represented on Te Pūkenga executive. The recognition of the contribution Peter, Michelle and Gus have made to the region is well deserved.
Secondly, thank you to everyone who attended the Unitec Excellence Awards and Staff Celebration yesterday. The aroha and celebratory atmosphere was awesome and it felt so good to have everyone together to reflect on not just the past year, but the past 44 years of history at Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka. What a difference to so many lives you’ve all made! Thanks to everyone involved in organising the event, and congratulations to our award winners and finalists. It was amazing and humbling to hear the achievements and contributions right across our institute.
Leading through a time of change
I now take on this new role during a time of rapid change. I aim to work with you to continue building a cohesive regional focus on learners which connects with the national direction set by Te Pūkenga.
Like so many of us, I chose to work in vocational education because I firmly believe that education can have a huge impact on people’s lives, as it has on mine. My parents, like so many of their generation, came to Aotearoa from Samoa to find opportunities for their children. As a result, I had access to excellent tertiary education opportunities which has led to a fulfilling career in law, finance, health and public service.
Most recently, I’ve been leading our teams in the Pasifika space, as well as those who are responsible for developing a really attractive, connected, inspiring student journey for learners of all backgrounds.
One of the things I’m most proud of during my time with Unitec and MIT is working collaboratively on how we can use marketing, mentoring and outreach to reduce barriers for Māori, Pasifika and other priority learner groups to achieve equity in education.
This mahi has been a great insight into where we are heading as a network, as it touches on so many areas of what we do and is at the heart of Te Pūkenga priorities.
As we near the end of 2022, let’s stay focussed on finishing strong and then we’ll all enjoy a good break over summer.
Ia manuia le weekend – have a good weekend.
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
Executive Director