National Office
After three years as Executive Director, Maty Nikkhou-O’Brien has decided to pursue other opportunities with her family, and leaves the National Office on 3 August. A search is now underway to appoint a replacement. In the interim, Dr James Kember, formerly Ambassador to France and now Chair of the Institute’s Research and Publications Committee, will step in as Acting Executive Director. Institute President Sir Anand Satyanand paid tribute to the work done by the outgoing Executive Director and the way she brought focus and new direction during her time in office. “Maty has made a huge contribution to the profile of the Institute and she will be much missed”, Sir Anand said. An informal event to farewell Maty-Maty's last Hurrah-was held in Wellington on 2 August, attended by over 200 members and friends at the Backbencher.
At the same time, Administrator Tina van Erpers Roijaards has also tendered her resignation and a separate process is now in train to recruit a replacement. Tina had a great role to play in some of the major events of the past year, including the National Conference in February.
Those contacting the Institute are asked to bear in mind that responses to messages might take a little longer than usual until replacement staff are in place. The nziia@vuw.ac.nz address remains the best means of contact, although James can also be reached on James.Kember@vuw.ac.nz.