Te hautūtanga mē Te Kaunihera
Our Leadership and Council
Chief Executive
Jasmine Groves
Leading UCOL into the future, we are proud to introduce our Chief Executive, Jasmine Groves, from 1 January 2026.
Ms Groves has served on UCOL’s Executive Leadership team for almost five years, including nearly three years in daily operational leadership. She played a pivotal role in guiding UCOL through the significant system changes that have positioned the institution to return to autonomy on 1 January 2026.
Ms Groves is honoured to take on the role at such an important moment in UCOL’s journey.
“UCOL has shown incredible resilience and determination over the past few years, and I’m privileged to continue leading this remarkable organisation. As we move toward autonomy, my focus is to take UCOL from getting future ready to being future focused - strengthening stability, deepening partnerships, and ensuring our learners and communities are at the centre of every decision we make.”
A visionary and purpose-driven executive, Ms Groves brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across the higher education and non-profit sectors in New Zealand and Australia. Her career includes significant roles at Massey University, Public Education Foundation, Heart Foundation Australia and Swinburne University in Melbourne.
Danny Reilly
Executive Dean
Engineering & Applied Technologies
Danny leads UCOL's faculty of Engineering & Applied Technologies, which includes Construction, Automotive & Mechanical, Service Industries, Trades & Skilled Labour, and Primary Industries portfolios.
Dean Rankin
Executive Dean
Health & Humanities
Dean leads UCOL's faculty of Health & Humanities, which includes Nursing, MIT & Health Pathways, Business & Information Communications Technologies, and Creative, Development & Transition portfolios.
Daniel Kawana
Manahautū
Daniel provides high-level advice and guidance to ensure that Māori perspectives, values, and rights are embedded in UCOL’s strategic decision-making and operational practices. They’re responsible for our iwi and Māori partnerships and ensuring UCOL supports our Pacific learners in the best possible way.
Role to be filled
Executive Director
Partnerships & Engagement
Email to come
Our Executive Director Partnerships & Engagement oversees UCOL's Te Mana Tauira Student Success and Raukura teams across all campuses, along with the Marketing, Communications & International team.
Gianetta Lapsley
Executive Director
Quality & Academic Assurance
Gianetta oversees UCOL's Quality Assurance, Registry, Digital Education and Te Atakura teams.
Role to be filled
Executive Director
Corporate Services
Email to come
Our Executive Director Corporate Services oversees UCOL's business-enabling functions, including Finance, People & Culture, Digital, Facilities Management, and Corporate Assurance & Risk.
UCOL Council
UCOL is governed by a Council which, when complete, will be made up of seven members. They are responsible to the Minister for Vocational Education. Our Council sets the strategic direction for UCOL.
Leanne Southey
Chair
Leanne was born and bred in the Wairarapa and still calls it home today. She is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and is a Director in the Wairarapa accountancy firm Southey Sayer. Leanne is involved in various community organisations and currently serves as a Trustee of the Masterton Community Trust, Director of Trust House Limited, and a board member of Wellington Water Limited. She has also held the role of Deputy Chair on UCOL’s previous council.
Troy Hobson
Councillor
Troy Hobson brings over 25 years’ experience in the finance and banking industry in both NZ and the UK, dealing with complex financial instruments, as well as an established executive leadership career in agribusiness management and governance of iwi farming and commercial property interests. In 2013-2014, he acted as a member of the Commercial Negotiations Advisor for the interests of all Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa-Tamaki Nui a Rua in its Treaty of Waitangi settlement negotiations with the Crown. Mr Hobson has long been involved in governance-related roles as a trustee or council member across Ōtaki and Porirua Trusts Board, Tahamata Incorporation (an iwi-owned dairy farming Business), Eastern and Central Community Trust, and Fonterra Cooperative Council.
Ian McKelvie MNZM
Councillor
Ian McKelvie’s experience spans local government, Parliament, and the primary sector. Born and bred in Rangitīkei, he served as Mayor of Manawatū for nine years, followed by 11 years as a Member of Parliament. He has held governance roles with FMG, Dunchurch Enterprises, Pukemarama Farms, and Farmers Mutual Finance, and chaired organisations such as Special Olympics New Zealand and the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand.