Posted on 10 December 2025
Following the Government appointment of three Ministerial members to its governing Council, Open Polytechnic has taken the next step towards independence and its role as the anchor polytechnic in a new Federation, with the Council announcing the appointment of Sharon Cooke as Chief Executive.
Sharon was previously Chief Executive at Airways International Ltd and will take up her new role at Open Polytechnic on 2 February 2026.
Sharon brings more than 20 years executive leadership experience across aviation, technology, and higher education, with a focus on strategic growth, digital transformation, and improving customer and learner outcomes. As Chief Executive of Airways International Ltd, she led the organisation in strengthening its product portfolio and delivering world-class solutions to the global aviation industry.
Earlier in her career, Sharon held senior roles at the University of Canterbury, Careerforce Industry Training Organisation, and the Christchurch College of Education, where she served as Director, School of Business, leading change and growth initiatives in business education.
Council Chair Darren Linton said “As we look to the future, I’m very pleased to welcome Sharon Cooke to the role of Chief Executive. Sharon brings extensive leadership experience from the public and private sector with a highly successful track record. We are looking forward to having her join the organisation and build on Open Polytechnic’s strong foundations.
“Together with my fellow council members, I would like to sincerely thank Alan Cadwallader for his dedication and commitment to Open Polytechnic. Alan has done an excellent job as Executive Director over the last 3 years, leading the organisation and our capable team over this time.”
Incoming Chief Executive Sharon Cooke said “I’m delighted to be appointed Chief Executive of the Open Polytechnic, an organisation with a strong record of making education more accessible and inclusive.
“I look forward to leading the next phase of its evolution – supporting learners, fostering innovation, and strengthening partnerships with the communities we serve across Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Along with Mr Linton, the other Ministerial appointments to the Open Polytechnic Council are Dr Neil Barns, Deputy Chair and Maea Puriri-Pivac, Member.
New Zealand’s specialist provider of open online and distance learning, Open Polytechnic will celebrate its 80th Anniversary in 2026.
The recruitment to fill the remaining three Council roles in the six-member Council will be carried out in 2026.
Council members:
- Darren Linton, Chair –Senior executive roles held across a range of industries, including FMCG, entertainment, media and travel, both in New Zealand and international markets including as Vice President of Universal Pictures International Marketing, CEO of Yellow NZ, and most recently CEO of GoSee (part of the Webjet Group). 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.
- Dr Neil Barns, Deputy Chair – Over 30 years’ experience in tertiary education, former roles include as Chief Executive of Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, interim Chief Executive of Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology during its establishment, commissioner for WelTec and Whitireia, and governance experience with Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and Waiariki Institute of Technology, and Education New Zealand.
- Maea Puriri-Pivac (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Hine), Member – Former Managing Director of Tai Tokerau Trades Training, bringing experience from roles across private training establishments, industry training organisations, and institutes of technology and polytechnics, as well as in corporate and community sectors.