Governance | Kaitiakitanga

Southern Institute of Technology | Te Whare Wānanga o Murihiku

SIT is governed by a Council which is made up of members appointed by the Minister of Education and representatives selected by the Council.

SIT’s Council is accountable to the Minister for Vocational Education. Its members were appointed in accordance with the Education and Training Act 2020.

Rex Chapman

Bachelor of Laws LLB, Otago University, CMInstD.

Rex was a Partner in Cruickshank Pryde Solicitors from 1987 to 2025 and now is a Consultant with the firm. He has been in private legal practice in Invercargill for 45 years.  Rex is a former Trustee and Board Chair of Trustees of James Hargest College Invercargill.  From 2002 to 2023 Rex was a Director of NZX Listed South Port New Zealand Limited and was a Member and later Chair of the company’s Audit & Risk Committee and from 2011 to 2023 served as Board Chair.

Portrait of Rex Chapman, SIT Board Member, wearing a navy blue coat with black glasses on sitting in an office.

Maree Howden

Maree Howden was a long standing senior manager at Southern Institute of Technology with 12 years experience in nursing education and 22 years in faculty leadership and executive management. She played a role in sustaining SIT’s academic and administrative functions, including serving as Deputy Chief Executive, Academic Manager and latterly as Acting Chief Executive.

Portrait of Maree Howden, SIT Board Member, wearing a grey blouse sitting in an office.

Chris Ramsay

Chris is Chief Executive with ILT, having held executive level roles across both private and public sectors. He has a passion for continuous learning, community and family. Prior to becoming a member of the SIT Council he was appointed to the role of Community Advisor for SIT.

Portrait of Chris Ramsey, SIT Board Member, wearing a white shirt and blue coat sitting in an office.

Note about Council changes:

On 1 January 2026, SIT transitioned from a business division of New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (formerly Te Pūkenga) to a standalone tertiary organisation. Its Council was re-established with the appointment of Rex Chapman as the Chair and Maree Howden as the Deputy Chair, while Bharat Guha was appointed as SIT’s Chief Executive.

Alternatively, if you would like information relating to the governance of New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please visit New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

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