Scott Haines Appointed to Tertiary Education Commission Board

Minister Simmonds said Haines’ background in secondary education leadership will add valuable expertise to the commission.

Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds has announced the appointment of Scott Haines JP to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), filling a vacancy created following the resignation of a previous board member.

Haines will serve a three-year term beginning on 1 July 2026, bringing extensive experience in school leadership and education policy to the national body responsible for overseeing tertiary education funding and strategy.

Experienced School Leader Joins TEC Board

Minister Simmonds said Haines’ background in secondary education leadership will add valuable expertise to the commission.

“I am pleased to confirm the appointment of Mr Haines to this role. He brings significant school leadership experience, which is important for the Board of the TEC to have,” Simmonds said.

Haines is currently the Principal of Burnside High School in Christchurch, one of the largest secondary schools in New Zealand. Over the course of his career, he has also served as principal of Motueka High School and Waimea College in the Tasman region.

Replacement for Departing Board Member

Haines’ appointment follows the resignation of Yvonne Browning MNZM, who stepped down from the board at the end of 2025 for personal reasons.

Simmonds acknowledged Browning’s service and contribution during her tenure.

“I would like to thank Mrs Browning for her valuable contribution,” she said.

Strong National Education Experience

In addition to his leadership roles in schools, Haines has contributed to education policy and leadership at the national level.

His experience includes:

• Vice-President of the Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand (SPANZ)

• Member of the Professional Advisory Group for NCEA

• Participation in the Ministerial Forum on Raising Student Achievement

• Involvement with NZQA advisory panels

These roles have given him direct experience in shaping education policy and assessment frameworks across the country.

Supporting Stronger Links Between Schools and Tertiary Education

The Tertiary Education Commission plays a key statutory role in shaping New Zealand’s tertiary education and training system. One of its core responsibilities is strengthening connections between schools, employers, and tertiary education organisations.

Simmonds said Haines’ background will help strengthen those links.

“The TEC has a statutory role to facilitate and strengthen connections between schools, employers and tertiary education organisations. Mr Haines’ expertise in this area will be valuable to its Board,” she said.

His experience in the schooling sector is expected to help ensure that the commission’s decisions are informed by practical insights from secondary education.

Supporting the New Tertiary Education Strategy

Haines will join the board as the government begins implementing its new Tertiary Education Strategy, which focuses on improving participation, access, and achievement in education and training.

The strategy aims to ensure learners gain the skills needed for strong career pathways and to support New Zealand’s workforce needs.

“Scott’s experience and skills will ensure the TEC’s investment in and steering of the tertiary education and training system, and its provision of careers services, are directly informed by expertise from the schooling sector,” Simmonds said.

She added that his knowledge will help the TEC deliver on the government’s goal of building a skilled workforce capable of supporting New Zealand’s long-term economic success.