EIT CEO Chris Collins appointed interim CEO of New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology

Chris Collins will take up the interim role on April 1. Photo / Supplied

The CEO of EIT, Chris Collins, has been appointed interim CEO of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) which the government established as part of the Reform of Vocational Education.

He will take up the interim role on April 1 when the legislation comes into effect until current CEO of Auckland Super City, Stephen Town, is able to take up the role in July.

"Chris Collins' appointment is a reflection of the high regard with which EIT is held as one of New Zealand's leading institute of technology," a statement from EIT said.

As part of the legislation changes EIT will become part of the new national institution along with the 15 other Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs).

EIT's human resources director Bill Kimberley will step in as acting CEO at EIT.

"Mr Kimberley is a highly respected, experienced and senior member of the executive team at EIT," Collins said.

"I look forward to continuing to work with him during my interim CE role. I will stay in close contact with him and EIT during this period.

"The Covid-19 pandemic makes this a very challenging time for everyone, but EIT staff are working incredibly hard, along with all of NZIST, to explore ways to enable students to continue engaging in their courses, as much as is practically possible, during this lockdown period."

Collins started working in executive roles in the Institute of Technology sector in 2002 following 17 years employment in the university sector.