The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), New Zealand's key Crown entity responsible for investing public funding into tertiary education providers, has welcomed a new board member in a move that underscores the government's commitment to strengthening leadership amid ongoing sector reforms. Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds announced the appointment of Michelle Findlater, bringing fresh business acumen to the board as it navigates funding pressures, vocational education transformations, and enrollment surges in 2026.
Findlater's addition comes at a pivotal time for New Zealand's higher education landscape. With universities and polytechnics facing budget shortfalls and the re-establishment of 10 independent regional polytechnics from January 2026, the TEC board plays a crucial role in advising ministers, allocating resources, and ensuring performance accountability across universities, institutes of technology, private training establishments, and wānanga.
Who is Michelle Findlater?
Michelle Findlater is the Dealer Principal at Southern Automobiles in Invercargill, Southland, with over two decades of experience in the automotive industry. Her career trajectory exemplifies resilience and strategic leadership: starting from roles in sales and after-sales development, she progressed to executive management, honing skills in change management, event coordination, and business strategy.
Born and raised in Edendale, Southland, Findlater attended Menzies College before pursuing further education later in life. She completed a Postgraduate Diploma and Bachelor of Applied Management at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Invercargill Campus, followed by a Master's degree. In a remarkable recent achievement, she was awarded the 2025 MITO and Inspiring Futures Foundation Janet Lane MNZM Scholarship, enabling her to study a leadership program at Harvard University. This blend of practical industry experience and commitment to lifelong learning positions her uniquely to contribute to TEC's vocational education priorities.
Minister Simmonds highlighted Findlater's expertise, noting her ability to bridge industry needs with educational outcomes, particularly relevant as New Zealand refocuses on work-based learning and skills alignment post-Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE).
The Role and Responsibilities of the TEC Board
The TEC board, comprising a chair, deputy chair, and commissioners, oversees strategic direction, risk management, and compliance. It approves investment plans, monitors tertiary education organisations (TEOs) like the University of Auckland, University of Otago, and emerging polytechnics such as Ara Institute of Canterbury, and provides independent advice to ministers on policy.
Current board includes Chair Dr Alan Bollard CNZM, an economist with Reserve Bank experience; Deputy Chair Robin Hapi CNZM, former TEC commissioner; and commissioners like Sharon McGuire (polytechnic expert), Mike Chapman, Emeritus Professor Sally Davenport MNZM (recent appointee with research background), and others. Findlater's term aligns with these diverse perspectives, enhancing industry representation.
In 2026, the board's focus intensifies on implementing the Tertiary Education Strategy 2025-2030, which emphasises learner success, Māori and Pasifika equity, and economic responsiveness.
Recent Board Refresh and Strategic Alignment
Findlater joins following a series of appointments strengthening the board. In November 2025, four new members—Emeritus Professor Sally Davenport MNZM, Dr Ulu Saulaulu Aiono ONZM (Pacific leadership), Simon Flood, and Peter Jones—were added to drive reforms. Earlier in March 2026, Scott Haines JP filled a vacancy with his justice sector insights. These changes reflect Minister Simmonds' push for expertise in vocational training, governance, and regional development.
This refresh coincides with TEC's evolving mandate under the Education and Training Act 2020, shifting from Te Pūkenga's centralised model back to autonomous polytechnics. The board will guide funding for 16 institutes, eight universities, and over 800 private providers.
Vocational Education Reforms: Polytechnics and Industry Skills Boards
A cornerstone of 2026 changes is the re-establishment of 10 regional polytechnics as standalone entities from January 1, including leaders like Darren Mitchell at Ara and Lucy Laitinen at Eastern Institute of Technology. TEC allocates funds and monitors their independence, ensuring locally responsive programs in trades, nursing, and hospitality.
Complementing this, eight Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) operationalise work-based learning, with TEC facilitating appointments and submissions closed February 2026. Findlater's automotive background aligns perfectly, as MITO transitions functions to new models emphasising apprenticeships and on-job training.
Learn more on TEC's vocational reforms site, which details the shift from Te Pūkenga to empower regions.
Funding Challenges and Enrollment Pressures in 2026
TEC faces a projected shortfall, with insufficient funds for forecast domestic enrollments despite reserves covering 99% in 2025. Universities report surges, straining resources amid fee-maximum settings confirmed for 2026—allowing 4-6% increases for high-quality providers.
The board's oversight is vital: 2026 funding conditions mandate accurate data reporting, ELT literacy boosts, and charter school inclusion. Recent TEC restructures cut 22 roles for efficiency, but critics warn of oversight risks. Findlater's commercial savvy could aid sustainable investment strategies.
| Key 2026 Funding Change | Impact |
|---|---|
| Updated rates and charter eligibility | Broader access for diverse providers |
| Student services fee clarity | Improved welfare support |
| Performance monitoring enhancements | Better accountability for outcomes |
Tertiary Education Strategy 2025-2030: Board Priorities
Launched by Ministers Reti and Simmonds, the strategy targets world-class tertiary education responsive to economic needs. Pillars include:
- High-quality teaching and research in universities like Victoria University of Wellington.
- Vocational pathways via polytechnics and ISBs.
- Equity for under-served groups, with TEC funding targeted initiatives.
- Innovation in delivery models, informed by Productivity Commission inquiries.
The board ensures alignment, advising on investment plans submitted annually.
Implications for Universities and Colleges
New Zealand's eight universities—led by institutions like University of Auckland (top QS rankings)—benefit from TEC's research funding, but face competition from vocational shifts. Colleges and wānanga gain from work-based emphases, with boards like Findlater's influencing apprenticeships in engineering and health.
Stakeholders, including Universities New Zealand, welcome industry voices, anticipating better graduate employability amid 2026's 105% enrollment growth in some areas.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Challenges Ahead
Minister Simmonds praised Findlater's appointment as enhancing board capability for reforms. Sector leaders echo this, citing her Harvard insights for leadership in skills mismatches.
Challenges persist: TEC's March 2026 monitoring stressed timely financials; protests over funding gaps loom. Yet, with diverse board, solutions like public-private partnerships loom promising.
Official announcement on Beehive.govt.nz details the minister's vision.
Photo by Alexandre Lecocq on Unsplash
Future Outlook and Opportunities
Looking ahead, TEC under refreshed leadership will steer 2026's transitions, from ISB chief executives to fee regulations. For educators, this signals stable governance; students, more aligned programs.
Career seekers in higher ed should eye roles at reformed polytechnics or universities, with TEC oversight ensuring quality. As New Zealand builds a responsive system, appointments like Findlater's promise innovation and equity.
