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Long-running financial problems have forced the Government to appoint a Crown commissioner to run the New Plymouth-based Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT).
Tertiary Education Minister Michael Cullen said after a formal consultation process, WITT's council members had accepted the proposal and agreed to stand down.
Director Murray Strong has been appointed commissioner and will take up the role on December 15, Dr Cullen said.
He said Mr Strong had "considerable governance and senior management experience in the commercial and tertiary education sectors".
Mr Strong assumes all the authority and responsibilities of the council and will work with the chief executive and the Taranaki community to develop a new business model, Dr Cullen said.
The Government was committed to tertiary education in Taranaki, the minister said, and had made provision of $7 million to support WITT.
Lloyd Woods, president of the Association of Staff in Tertiary Education - the union representing academic staff at WITT - said staff viewed the move as positive.
- NZPA
