Governance and leadership

Te Kāhui Manukura

• Megan Pōtiki – Executive Director
• Max Sims – Deputy Executive Director: Operations
• Chris Williamson – Deputy Executive Director: Academic Delivery
• Mark Cartwright – Deputy Executive Director: Industry Training and Innovation
• Brayden Murray – Deputy Executive Director: Learner Experience
• Shaun Tāhau – Deputy Executive Director: Tiriti and Partnerships

Megan Pōtiki

(Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Te Ātiawa)
Executive Director: Otago Polytechnic

Diploma of Teaching (Primary); Master of Education; Doctor of Philosophy

My role leading our Executive Leadership Team at Otago Polytechnic has a strong focus on strategy and involves dealing with complex problems on a daily basis. My leadership style is “on the ground” as I really value face-to-face time with kaimahi (staff).

I’ve had 25 years in the tertiary sector and hugely enjoy working alongside amazing colleagues and taking them on the journey with me.

I enjoy the challenge of my role and am determined to return Otago Polytechnic to a long-term sustainable position that responds to the needs of our community.

What excites me is our ability to offer a range of pathways for learners and being nimble enough to provide a variety of learning opportunities to suit different needs (including face-to-face, on the job, and online).

About me

I was born and raised on a farm on Otago Peninsula, near Ōtākou marae. I attended Portobello Primary and Queen’s High School and am passionate about Otago - my blood is blue and gold! I’m happiest in my gumboots, walking by the harbour, laughing with my children and cousins, writing, and watching a good thriller.

Max Sims

Deputy Executive Director: Operations

Bachelor of Education Studies; Graduate Diploma in Teaching

My role focuses on Otago Polytechnic’s operations; working on long-term strategy planning for our success. This involves bringing people together and enabling them to tackle projects while working to overcome any roadblocks or issues.

I enjoy the breadth of people I meet in this role and getting to make real connections. It’s exciting to have a job where you have the potential to make significant positive change.

My journey here began in 2017 as Community Manager for the newly established Te Pā Tauira student accommodation. After a brief stint at a similar operation in Canada, I returned to Otago Polytechnic to run the Village and grew into other senior roles from there.

About me

I was born in Invercargill but am a Dunedin boy through and through. Being close to family is hugely important for me and my partner. In my spare time I like to bake sourdough, play board games, and connect with old university friends through fantasy football and watching NFL.

My portfolio

Campus Services / Facilities; Marketing, Communications and Engagement; International Operations; Catering and Functions; Health and Safety, Polykids.

Chris Williamson

Deputy Executive Director: Academic Delivery

Certificate in Mata a Ao Māori (Level 4), Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Learning and Teaching (Level 7), Postgraduate Diploma Arts, Master of Education (Counselling)

My role is focused on academic delivery within Otago Polytechnic, including programme delivery, quality processes and development. I'm passionate about our organisation and our ability to create really positive change in people's lives.

I joined Otago Polytechnic in 2005 as a Counsellor and Senior Lecturer. Since then, I've moved through a number of academic positions including Head of School and Head of College, to my current role within the Executive Leadership Team.

Prior to coming here, I spent 10 years working as a counsellor in Dunedin, and believe education is one of the best levers around creating social change, and an effective way for people to enhance opportunities for themselves and their community.

Ensuring equitable access to education and resources is important to me, as we know that people who come in and get qualifications broaden their job opportunities, and benefit from increased pay levels and improved quality of life.

About me

I largely grew up in Dunedin and gained my tertiary education through the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic. I'm married with two adult sons who have both left home. I enjoy getting outdoors, spending time in Central Otago, doing some fishing, and like to bike to and from work (for both exercise and around sustainability concerns).

My portfolio

College of Community Development and Personal Wellbeing; College of Health; Central Otago Campus; Learning and Teaching; Academic Quality; Complaints; Open Education Resources Foundation (OERF).

Mark Cartwright

Deputy Executive Director: Industry Training and Innovation

New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4), Executive Master of Business Administration

My role covers the operational and financial oversight of several of Otago Polytechnic's academic areas, along with a strong focus on industry training and our apprenticeship programme. I’m also responsible for managing and maintaining international partnerships, and developing innovative, responsive and financially viable offerings.

I’m a strong advocate for lifelong learning and have always had a passion for the tertiary sector and the trades. I originally trained as a carpenter and spent 10 years with BCITO working in industry training. That pathway brought me to Otago Polytechnic in 2021 as Head of College for Engineering, Construction and Living Sciences.

I enjoy the challenge of leadership and see my key role as helping to remove obstacles and empowering our kaimahi (staff) to do what they do best.

I believe it's important to have a clear direction and pursue common goals as a team. I'm proud that our kaimahi have a dedicated focus on learning achievement and making sure that all our ākonga (students) get the best experience here.

About me

I'm originally from North Wales in the UK and moved to New Zealand about 26 years ago. I live in Mosgiel and enjoy spending time with my partner, son, and our dog. When I get free time, I like to play a bit of golf or relax with some fishing.

My portfolio

College of Engineering, Construction and Living Sciences; Te Maru Pumanawa | College of Creative Practice and Enterprise; Capable NZ, Auckland International Campus; international relationships.

Brayden Murray

(Kāi Tahu, Ngāpuhi)
Deputy Executive Director: Learner Experience

Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching and Certificate in Mata a Ao Māori (Level 4).

My role oversees the strategy for several front-facing teams and support areas, from the Customer Services team who are the face of the organisation for many people, through to our mix of Student Success services.

I'm really passionate about the difference tertiary education can make for people, so feel privileged to lead teams that play a significant role in the learner journey at Otago Polytechnic. Education can have such a transformative effect on the lives of individuals, as well as that of their whānau and their wider community.

I started with Otago Polytechnic about 13 years ago as a Student Advisor and have moved through the ranks into more senior roles in Student Success, and now Learner Experience.

About me

I grew up in Bluff and spent my high school years in Invercargill. My partner and I have three young adult children and enjoy whānau time and creating memories together. At home we are foodies and particularly enjoy kaimoana, and on occasion, going to local restaurants. I’ve always been into sports and still enjoy following rugby and basketball in particular.

My portfolio

Contact Centre, Academic Registry, Customer Services, Te Pā Tauira (Student Village), Pasifika Achievement, Student Success, Student Health and Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association (OPSA).

Shaun Tāhau

(Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Tūtemōhuta)
Deputy Executive Director: Tiriti and Partnership

Bachelor of Arts in Māori Studies; Minor in Business Management, Master of Professional Practice (MPP), Organisational Leadership and Change

I am responsible for ensuring that Otago Polytechnic is accountable for meeting the vocational educational aspirations of mana whenua, iwi, and hapu, and that we are responsive to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

As part of that, I work alongside the Kaitohutohu office and my colleagues in that team.

I also work alongside Scott Klenner, our Director of Research and Postgraduate Studies. I enjoy this space as it gives me an insight into the amazing mahi our ākonga and kaimahi are doing to innovate and lead in their respective areas of expertise and higher level qualifications.

I enjoy my job because I have the opportunity to influence change and ensure Māori have equitable opportunities to succeed in tertiary education. I’ve been in this sector for 14 years, and have experience in Marketing, Strategic Design and Development, Organisational Leadership and Change, and Māori Development and Governance.

About me

My partner Gianna and I have two young boys, Rangiaho and Waikorihiata.

I grew up on the West Coast of Taranaki in the small farming and surfing community of Opunake. I attended full immersion Māori schooling before moving to Fielding to attend Hato Paora College Māori Boys Boarding School. In 2006, I made the move to Ōtepoti to attend the University of Otago.

My portfolio

Te Punaka Ōwheo (Māori Student Support); Research and Postgraduate Studies; Sustainability; He Toki; Kaitohutohu Office.