Te Pūkenga Council has appointed Tracy Johnston to the Chair role on the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) Board.
Tracy was invited to step up to the Chair role, having served as Deputy Chair since 1 April 2020 when NMIT became a subsidiary of the newly formed Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.
“Tracy’s background in offshore tourism, viticulture, governance and business leadership provides the NMIT Board with excellent, well-rounded leadership,” said Murray Strong, Te Pūkenga Council Chair. “It is important that we maintain the current momentum to transform the sector for learners, and having Tracy step up to the Chair role will help keep NMIT on track.”
Tracy is a Marlborough-based businesswoman and independent director and consultant. She is a qualified marketer and organisation leader with more than 25 years’ experience working in the tourism sector.
Born in Marlborough, Tracy worked overseas for Tourism New Zealand, before returning to the region in 2007, with her husband Kevin. She spent eight years as General Manager of Destination Marlborough proudly promoting the region as a visitor destination.
Tracy and Kevin own Dayvinleigh Vineyard, in the Wairau Valley, where they grow award-winning Pinot Noir grapes.
As well as consulting and serving on the Board of NMIT and EIT, Tracy is Deputy Chair of Wine Marlborough Limited and Deputy Chair of the FENZ Marlborough Local Advisory Committee.
Tracy is a member of the Institute of Directors and Economic Development New Zealand.
“I welcome the opportunity to lead NMIT through the next two years as the transformation of a national vocational education system is rolled out,” said Tracy. My priority will be to ensure that NMIT is resourced and positioned to effectively partner with iwi and collaborate with employers across the Top of the South to deliver quality education outcomes that support the economic prosperity of the Nelson, Tasman Marlborough regions.”
Tracy takes the reins from Daryl Wehner, who has served on the NMIT Board in Chair and Member roles for nearly 12 years; and since 1 April as the first Chair of NMIT as a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga.
“The Council thanks Daryl for his work with NMIT,” said Murray. “The first year of a new joined up system has been a good challenge. Daryl’s leadership has been greatly appreciated.”