Competenz Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) Announcement

We are excited to announce the Competenz Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) has now been finalised, with all members confirmed.

The SAB will act as the collective voice for Competenz industries, advocating on behalf of our sectors to key stakeholders, including Te Pūkenga, the Minister for Vocational Education, the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), and other government agencies. The board will provide strategic guidance and represents industry interests as the vocational education system evolves following the current VET consultation.

The Board consists of nine members, representing employers, industry associations, and Māori and Pasifika communities. Led by an independent Chair, the board brings together diverse perspectives across sectors, regions, and cultures, alongside strong governance expertise and in-depth knowledge of vocational education.

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Meet the SAB members:

• Nick Sheppard | Head of Learning & Development, Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) | Engineering & Manufacturing (Chairperson)
• Katherine Hall | Executive Director, ConCOVE Tūhura | Construction Research, International VET Models
• Bryn Thompson | Ambassador, MAKE|NZ | Engineering, Fabrication & Manufacturing
• Brendan Clarkson | Managing Director, Clarkson Air Conditioning Ltd | Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
• Ruth Cobb | Chief Executive Officer, Print NZ | Print, Packaging & Sign Making
• Narelle Cameron | Senior Learning Partner, Fonterra | Various Sectors
• Alan Sutcliffe | Chief Executive Officer, Page Macrae Engineering | Engineering & Manufacturing
• Kevin Ihaka | Managing Director, Forest Protection Services Group | Forestry
• Dr Cliff Harwood | Manager Qualifications & Vendor Relations, New Zealand Defence Force
• Amanda Wheeler | Executive Director, Competenz

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Key responsibilities:

• Guide Competenz to be future-ready.
• Advocate for and advise on meeting industry training needs in the evolving vocational education system.
• Provide feedback on the development of the new vocational education structure.

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With regular meetings and strategic collaboration, the SAB will play a vital role in shaping the future of vocational education.

Please note the views expressed by the Competenz SAB members are their own personal opinions, and many not be the stance of the company they represent.

This initiative underscores Competenz commitment to ensuring industries and learners are well-supported during this time of significant change.