Chief Executive

Dr Caroline Seelig

Dr Caroline Seelig joined Open Polytechnic as Chief Executive on 26 January 2009. Formerly Deputy Chief Executive of Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT - 2000-2009), Caroline has 16 years’ experience as a senior manager in New Zealand’s ITP sector.

At NMIT she led the institution’s strategic and investment planning, along with oversight of flexible learning, academic and portfolio development, quality management and student support.

Caroline has extensive knowledge of the ITP sector and has led or been involved in a wide range of successful collaborative initiatives and external funding bids to drive change and innovation. She coordinated the ‘Top of the South’ ITP Regional Facilitation Statement 2007-08.

A Woolf Fisher Scholar in 2004, Caroline holds a PhD in Biology from University College of Swansea and a Master of Educational Administration, Massey University.

Executive Director Māori - Tumu Herenga

Erima Henare

Erima joined Open Polytechnic in November 2006. He has iwi affiliations to Te Aupouri, Ngati Kahu, Te Rarawa, Ngapuhi, Ngati Whatua, Tainui, Te Atiawa, Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga a Mahaki and Tuwharetoa.

He has had a long association with the public service having served in senior roles in The Department of Māori Affairs and The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as Deputy General Manager of the Iwi Transition Agency, and as Chief Executive Officer of the Māori Language Commission. Most recently he has been General Manager with the Ngati Hine Health Trust having returned home to the North at the requiest of his people. Erima currently sits on many local, regional and national boards, committees and organisations. He is also a Personal Advisor to the Māori King.

Executive Director Marketing and Communications

Doug Standring

Doug's 20-year career in tertiary education in New Zealand and the UK spans all aspects of internal/external communications; public, government and stakeholder relations; and corporate identity/branding. Doug joined the Polytechnic in 1996 as Corporate Communications Manager, and became Executive Director Marketing and Communications in October 2009.  His previous roles include managing the London School of Economics Press and Information Office, and media and communications at Massey University. Along with graduate study in marketing, Doug holds a Master of Arts (First Class) from Massey University and a Graduate Diploma in International Relations (Distinction) from the London School of Economics.

Executive Director Financial Services

Murray Hill

Murray joined Open Polytechnic in March 2003 having worked in Wellington for a number of years. He has experience in a number of industries, most recently in the health sector (Health Benefits Limited), and prior to that in information management (Terralink NZ Limited), and the financial services industry (Tower).

Executive Director Faculty

Mark Nichols 

Mark joined the Open Polytechnic in July 2010. His career has spanned all aspects of tertiary education including senior management, teaching and research. His previous role as a senior manager in the faculty of Laidlaw College involved e-Learning strategy, systems development, department management and professional development activities with staff. Previous roles in tertiary education include as a Senior Lecturer at UCOL and as the Strategic e-Learning Facilitator at Massey University. Mark has a strong research background in the field of open and distance learning and e-Learning, and is an Executive Member of DEANZ. He holds a MA in Open and Distance Education (with distinction) from the Open University in the UK, and a Bachelor of Management Studies (Hons) from Waikato University. He is currently undertaking part-time PhD studies at Otago University.

Executive Director Human Resources

Keyur Anjaria

Keyur joined the Open Polytechnic in February 2010. He has extensive experience in human resources management both in the public and private sector. Prior to joining the Polytechnic he was the Human Resources Manager for Industrial Research Limited. During his career he has specialised in both strategic and operational HR functions, and has developed key strengths in people management and development, change management, industrial relations, and the provision of high quality customer-focused HR services. Keyur's educational qualifications include Post-Graduate Diplomas in HR Management and Management, and a Bachelors Degree in Science. He is also a member of the Human Resource Institute of New Zealand.

Executive Director Strategy and Analysis

Alison Harrison

Alison joined the Open Polytechnic in 2005, and was appointed Executive Director Strategy and Analysis in October 2009.  Prior to joining the Polytechnic she worked for 10 years as a management consultant in Europe leading change management, strategic and business improvement projects across a wide range of public and private sector organisations.  Alison also has 20 years experience in tertiary education including roles in applied research, and the commercialisation of research technologies in a university spin off company.  She has authored 11 books and has over 60 academic publications to her name.  Alison holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Natal in South Africa, and an MBA (with distinction) from the University of Oxford in the UK.

Executive Director Learning and Teaching Solutions

Ian Richardson

Ian took up his role as Executive Director Learning and Teaching Solutions in October 2009. He has previously worked at a strategic management level in a variety of international organisations. His work with Nokia Global saw him deliver and drive learning and development strategies. He has been involved in leadership development and change management, as well as new technology competence development programmes which have included eLearning and mLearning. He holds a BSC (Hons) in Telecommunications and IT, a post graduate diploma in Learning and Development and is a is a certified PRINCE2 Practitioner.

Executive Director Information Services

Cynthia Patterson

Joining Open Polytechnic in November 2009, Cynthia has held senior management positions in the information services field both nationally and internationally.  She balances her strong technical expertise with an ability to develop information service strategies that deliver on organisational objectives and improve service delivery. Her previous role at ACC saw her leading a team of staff to successfully implement strategic business change projects. Involved in a number of multi-million dollar projects, one of Cynthia's key strengths is her ability to lead and mentor large teams to achieve their own and organisational goals. Cynthia holds a Masters of Science (International Affairs) and a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science). She has also been independently accredited as an Information Technology Certified Professional (ITCP) by NZCS and is a Member of NZIM.

Executive Director Academic Services

Neil Carroll

Prior to joining the Open Polytechnic in February 2010, Neil was the Deputy CEO - Academic Services and Policy at WelTec. He has also held senior roles at the Central Institute of Technology, NZQA, the Agriculture ITO, and the Association of Polytechnics in New Zealand. Neil has a comprehensive understanding of the financial, human resource management, and academic quality needs of a large polytechnic, having held senior management roles throughout the changes in the tertiary sector over the last 20 years. He holds both a BSc (Hons. First Class) and MSc in Biochemistry.