Victoria University of Wellington Council leaders reappointed

Victoria University of Wellington Chancellor Neil Paviour-Smith has been re-elected as leader of the University’s governing body.

His position was confirmed at the final meeting of the Victoria University of Wellington Council for 2018.

The Chancellor is the Chair of the University Council and is responsible for providing leadership to the Council in the exercise of its governance responsibilities, including in the area of strategic direction.

The Chancellor is also the ceremonial head of the University presiding over occasions such as graduation.

Pro-Chancellor Dame Therese Walsh DNZM was also re-elected. The Pro-Chancellor is the Deputy Chair of the Council.

Both were re-elected unopposed and unanimously.

Mr Paviour-Smith says he is proud to lead the governing body of a high-performing institution that is making a positive difference to the social, cultural, economic and environmental wellbeing of Wellington, New Zealand and the wider world.

“I would also like to acknowledge my colleagues on the Council and the University’s management team who are collectively striving to deliver a leading student experience and delivering on an aspirational strategic plan.

“We have high expectations of ourselves, of the University and for Wellington as a great student city. It is exciting to have the opportunity to keep working on realising these expectations.”

Both Mr Paviour-Smith and Dame Therese have been re-elected to their positions for the 2019 year.

Mr Paviour-Smith is Managing Director of Forsyth Barr and was an inaugural recipient of a Sir Peter Blake Trust Leadership Award in 2005. He is an alumnus of Victoria University of Wellington and has been Chancellor of the University since 1 January 2018.

Dame Therese Walsh is an independent director and, among other roles, currently chairs the board of TVNZ and will become the first woman to chair Air New Zealand from September 2019. She is an alumna of Victoria University of Wellington and has been Pro-Chancellor since 1 January 2018.

Council also recognised the excellent contribution over the last two years of Alexandria Mark, one of two student members of the Council, who finishes her two-year term on 31 December.

“Alex has performed her role as a Council member with distinction and made valuable contributions to many areas of Council business. We wish her all the very best,” said Mr Paviour-Smith.

Her role on Council is being filled by recently elected student member Hugo Lawrence for a two-year term.