Governance and leadership

Te Kāhui Manukura

• Andrew McSweeney – Chief Executive
• Chris Williamson – Deputy Executive Director: Academic Delivery
• Jo Mika-Thomas - Deputy Executive Director: People and Safety
• Mark Cartwright – Deputy Executive Director: Industry Training and Innovation
• Max Sims – Deputy Executive Director: Operations
• Shaun Tāhau – Deputy Executive Director: Learner Experience and Partnerships

Andrew McSweeney

Chief Executive: Otago Polytechnic

Bachelor of Applied Management

I have the privilege of leading an organisation that makes a real difference for learners, industry and our communities.

My role focuses on ensuring that we have a well-informed strategy and delivery focus. This means Otago Polytechnic can grow and evolve so we can continue to deliver outstanding outcomes for ākonga, employers, iwi, and the wider Otago region.  

We play a vital role in supporting regional skills development, workforce capability, and community wellbeing, and I am committed to working closely with kaimahi and stakeholders to strengthen that impact.

Having previously worked as Deputy Chief Executive: Learner and Employer Experience and Attraction for Te Pūkenga, and as the Chief Executive of Service IQ, I have a deep knowledge and understanding of the power of vocational education and have worked closely with educators, employers, iwi and government to support high-quality education that helps people build meaningful careers.

I also have industry experience across many sectors including manufacturing, technology, financial services, farming, forestry and science.

Lastly, I hold an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service, and operational excellence, with a strong focus on growth and results. I am an ethical and people-centred leader with an open and authentic leadership style. I hugely enjoy developing and supporting high performing teams and building effective organisational culture.

About me

I grew up in sunny Hawkes Bay, before embarking on a varied career journey which saw me living in Wellington, London, Binfield, Auckland, Wellington (again), Christchurch, and now Dunedin.

My wife and I have four children, and a black Labrador, to keep us busy. I enjoy music of all types, and many sports. My current focus is running (half marathons) and golf, and I am a keen spectator of most sports - I guess that includes the Highlanders now!

Chris Williamson

Deputy Executive Director: Academic Delivery

Certificate in Mata a Ao Māori (Level 4), Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Learning and Teaching (Level 7), Postgraduate Diploma Arts, Master of Education (Counselling)

My role is focused on academic delivery within Otago Polytechnic, including programme delivery, quality processes and development. I'm passionate about our organisation and our ability to create really positive change in people's lives.

I joined Otago Polytechnic in 2005 as a Counsellor and Senior Lecturer. Since then, I've moved through a number of academic positions including Head of School and Head of College, to my current role within the Executive Leadership Team.

Prior to coming here, I spent 10 years working as a counsellor in Dunedin, and believe education is one of the best levers around creating social change, and an effective way for people to enhance opportunities for themselves and their community.

Ensuring equitable access to education and resources is important to me, as we know that people who come in and get qualifications broaden their job opportunities, and benefit from increased pay levels and improved quality of life.

About me

I largely grew up in Dunedin and gained my tertiary education through the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic. I'm married with two adult sons who have both left home. I enjoy getting outdoors, spending time in Central Otago, doing some fishing, and like to bike to and from work (for both exercise and around sustainability concerns).

My portfolio

Academic Excellence; Central Otago Campus; College of Community Development and Personal Wellbeing; College of Health; Open Education Resource Centre (OERF); Te Ama Ako I Learning and Teaching; Te Kaihapai (Student complaints).

Jo Mika-Thomas

(Tūhourangi, Te Arawa)
Deputy Executive Director: People and Safety

Certificate in Clinical Supervision; Bachelor of Theology; Graduate Diploma in Business and Administration; Postgraduate Diploma in Management

My role is focused on the leadership of the People and Culture, and Wellbeing and Safety teams. I’m passionate about ensuring we create an environment where all kaimahi (staff) are able to contribute to delivering great outcomes for our ākonga (students).

Ensuring that the perspectives, needs and wellbeing of our kaimahi are actively represented in decision making is very important to me.

I enjoy working for an organisation that values inclusion and respect and is committed to working in partnership with iwi and the community.

Prior to joining Otago Polytechnic, I held senior executive roles leading People Capability and Corporate teams, including at the Office of Treaty Settlements, Telecom Cook Islands, Te Tari Taiwhenua and Te Puni Kōkiri. I also served on the Board of the Public Sector Training Organisation (an ITO), guiding the development of several qualifications for public service leaders. Most recently I have been working with organisations navigating large-scale system and organisational change.

About me

Te Whanganui-a-Tara has been ‘home’ for most of my life, with stints living, studying and working in Brussels, London and the Cook Islands. I am a graduate of the University of Otago and returned to postgraduate study here in 2025. When not working, my partner and I can be found walking the beaches with our two dogs, spending time with whānau, supporting the Arts sector, or catching up on study.

My portfolio

People and Culture; Health and Safety; Wellbeing

Mark Cartwright

Deputy Executive Director: Industry Training and Innovation

New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4), Executive Master of Business Administration

My role covers the operational and financial oversight of several of Otago Polytechnic's academic areas, along with a strong focus on industry training and our apprenticeship programme. I’m also responsible for managing and maintaining international partnerships, and developing innovative, responsive and financially viable offerings.

I’m a strong advocate for lifelong learning and have always had a passion for the tertiary sector and the trades. I originally trained as a carpenter and spent 10 years with BCITO working in industry training. That pathway brought me to Otago Polytechnic in 2021 as Head of College for Engineering, Construction and Living Sciences.

I enjoy the challenge of leadership and see my key role as helping to remove obstacles and empowering our kaimahi (staff) to do what they do best.

I believe it's important to have a clear direction and pursue common goals as a team. I'm proud that our kaimahi have a dedicated focus on learning achievement and making sure that all our ākonga (students) get the best experience here.

About me

I'm originally from North Wales in the UK and moved to New Zealand about 26 years ago. I live in Mosgiel and enjoy spending time with my partner, son, and our dog. When I get free time, I like to play a bit of golf or relax with some fishing.

My portfolio

College of Engineering, Construction and Living Sciences; Industry Training; International Relationships; Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus (OPAIC); Te Maru Pumanawa | College of Creative Practice including Capable NZ.

Max Sims

Deputy Executive Director: Operations

Bachelor of Education Studies; Graduate Diploma in Teaching

My role focuses on Otago Polytechnic’s operations; working on long-term strategy planning for our success. This involves bringing people together and enabling them to tackle projects while working to overcome any roadblocks or issues.

I enjoy the breadth of people I meet in this role and getting to make real connections. It’s exciting to have a job where you have the potential to make significant positive change.

My journey here began in 2017 as Community Manager for the newly established Te Pā Tauira student accommodation. After a brief stint at a similar operation in Canada, I returned to Otago Polytechnic to run the Village and grew into other senior roles from there.

About me

I was born in Invercargill but am a Dunedin boy through and through. Being close to family is hugely important for me and my partner. In my spare time I like to bake sourdough, play board games, and connect with old university friends through fantasy football and watching NFL.

My portfolio

Academic Registry; Campus Services/Facilities; Contact Centre; Customer Services; Digital; Functions and Catering; Health and Safety; International Operations; Marketing, Communications and Engagement; Otago Polytechnic Childcare Centre.

Shaun Tāhau

(Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Tūtemōhuta)
Deputy Executive Director: Learner Experience and Partnerships

Bachelor of Arts in Māori Studies; Minor in Business Management, Master of Professional Practice (MPP), Organisational Leadership and Change

I am responsible for ensuring that Otago Polytechnic is accountable for meeting the vocational educational aspirations of mana whenua, iwi, and hapu, and that we are responsive to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

I work alongside the Kaitohutohu office and our learner experience teams to ensure our learners receive the support they need to successfully complete their studies. 

I'm passionate about learner success. We take great care of our learners in accordance with the Pastoral Care Code, and our dedicated teams ensure that our learners have a rewarding and enjoyable study experience.

I also work alongside Scott Klenner, our Director of Research and Postgraduate Studies. I enjoy this space as it gives me an insight into the amazing mahi our ākonga and kaimahi are doing to innovate and lead in their respective areas of expertise and higher-level qualifications.

I enjoy my job because I have the opportunity to influence change and ensure Māori have equitable opportunities to succeed in tertiary education. I’ve been in this sector for 14 years, and have experience in Marketing, Strategic Design and Development, Organisational Leadership and Change, and Māori Development and Governance.

About me

My partner Gianna and I have two young boys, Rangiaho and Waikorihiata.

I grew up on the West Coast of Taranaki in the small farming and surfing community of Opunake. I attended full immersion Māori schooling before moving to Fielding to attend Hato Paora College Māori Boys Boarding School. In 2006, I made the move to Ōtepoti to attend the University of Otago.

My portfolio

Bicultural Competency; He Toki; Matauranga Māori; Otago Polytechnic Students' Association (OPSA); Pasifika; Research and Postgraduate Studies; Student Health; Student Success; Sustainability; Te Pā Tauira (student accommodation); Te Punaka Ōwheo (Māori Student Support)