Open Polytechnic employs a wide range of learning and teaching experts who provide academic and learning support to our distance learners.

We also use contractors, mostly off campus, who are subject matter experts in their fields who provide academic support and marking services. 

As a specialist provider of open flexible distance learning, we also employ highly skilled courseware design and development, and education technology professionals, administration and customer support staff, as well as library and learning centre staff who are all focused on helping Open Polytechnic learners achieve their educational goals. 

Find out more about our workforce by selecting an area below.

Select an area

• Council
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    Darren Linton

    Chair

    Open Polytechnic

    Read more about Darren Linton

    Darren Linton brings extensive leadership experience to his role as Chair of the Open Polytechnic Council. 

    He has held senior executive positions across a range of industries, including FMCG, entertainment, media and travel, both in NZ and international markets. These roles included Vice President of Universal Pictures International Marketing, CEO of Yellow NZ, and most recently CEO GoSee, part of the Webjet Group. 

    His governance experience includes roles as a Director of Auckland Transport, TSB Bank, and Child Fund NZ. He has chaired the digital agency Hype & Dexter, and serves on the business transformation working group, Risk, and People & Remuneration committees with TSB bank.

    Darren is passionate about values-based leadership and creating inclusive cultures to create outstanding outcomes for all stakeholders. 

    Darren holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Management from the University of Auckland.

  • 

    Dr Neil Barns

    Deputy Chair

    Open Polytechnic

    Read more about Dr Neil Barns

    Dr Neil Barns has a distinguished career in tertiary education leadership and governance, which informs his role as the Deputy Chair of the Open Polytechnic Council. 

    He has served as Chief Executive of Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, and was interim Chief Executive of Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology during its establishment. Neil has also held commissioner roles for WelTec and Whitireia, guiding the institutions through a significant period of change.

    His governance experience includes serving as Deputy Chair of Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and Waiariki Institute of Technology, and as a member of the Education New Zealand board. Neil has led major sector projects, including the EIT–Tairāwhiti polytechnic merger and an international review of New Zealand’s quality assurance system for NZQA.

    Neil holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) and a Diploma in Teaching.

  • Maea Puriri-Pivac

    Member

    Open Polytechnic

    Read more about Maea Puriri-Pivac

    Biography coming soon

• Executive and Senior Leadership Team
• Academic Staff
• Library & Learning Centre - Te Whare Pukapuka Wāhanga Whakapakari Ako
• Student Journey Centre