Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds has appointed Southland business leader Michelle Findlater to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), adding an employer and trades-based training perspective to the sector’s central funding and oversight body.

Findlater began her career as an auto-electrician and now manages a large car dealership. She has served on regional and national automotive advisory and governance groups and has been a Southland Chamber of Commerce member since 2016. In 2025, industry training organisation MITO awarded her the Janet Lane Scholarship to undertake studies with Harvard University.

Simmonds said Findlater brings “extensive knowledge of the work-based training system, particularly in the automotive industry,” and would help the TEC advance the Government’s tertiary strategy, which emphasises access, participation and achievement so learners gain skills that translate into strong careers.

Findlater’s appointment is for three years from 1 May 2026. It follows the resignation of board member Bharat Guha at the end of 2025 due to work commitments.

The TEC funds and steers the tertiary system, including universities, polytechnics and industry training providers, and is responsible for giving effect to the Government’s Tertiary Education Strategy. The Minister’s statement did not detail whether further changes to the TEC board are planned.