Higher education governance: New Zealand reforms

Abstract

This study examines recent governance reforms for New Zealand polytechnics. It examines the change in the composition of councils, including the skills and experience of council members to assess the extent to which the member profile of councils has changed to reflect legislative intent.

The findings show that governance capability of polytechnics has improved. In line with the government’s wish to improve performance, a higher proportion of council members now have prior experience in governance, in senior management, and in accounting and finance. These changes were largely driven by the government appointed council members. Although the number of council members with experience in the education sector has declined they still represent one-fifth of council membership.