InZone Education Foundation appoints new Board Chair

The Trustees of InZone Education Foundation have appointed a new Board Chair, Hēmi Rolleston (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui).

Hēmi has significant commercial and leadership experience in Māori economic development, science, innovation, research and development and horticulture sectors, having held a number of senior executive roles over the past 18 years. He is also Chair of the McDiarmid Institute and Ngati Whakaue Assets Trust and an Advisory Board Member of Waikato University Management School.

Hēmi was recently the General Manager, Māori Forestry Futures at Scion, a government-owned company that carries out scientific research for the benefit of New Zealand. Hēmi’s previous executive positions have included Interim Chief Executive and General Manager Sectors at Callaghan Innovation and Chief Executive of Te Awanui Hukapak Ltd.

Hēmi holds a Bachelor of Management Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts – Te Reo, from the University of Waikato. He’s also a graduate of the Stanford University Business Leaders Bootcamp (2013 and 2015) and was the 2012 recipient of the NZ Institute of Director’s Aspiring Director Award (Bay of Plenty branch).

He will succeed Dr. Jim Mather, whose tenure comes to an end on 30 November 2023.

“I am delighted that Hēmi is taking up the position and believe that he has the right level of skills, experience and energy for InZone Education Foundation. I would like to thank the Board for the robust and transparent recruitment process that was conducted leading to this appointment and their amazing support over the last four years” said Dr. Mather.

A mihi whakatau will be held at the commencement of the Prize Giving event on Saturday 18 November to formally welcome Hēmi to the InZone whānau.