Our leadership team Te Ohu Whakahaere
Olivia Hall
Ngāti Rārua, Rangitane, Ngāti Kuia
Tumu Whenua | Executive Director
Olivia has more than a decade of experience in the tertiary sector and extensive leadership and governance expertise in the not-for-profit sector. Beginning at NMIT as an Academic Staff Member, she has held various roles throughout the institute and is passionate about education that empowers learners and strengthens communities.
Olivia holds qualifications in Māori, business, teaching and leadership, including a Master of Business Administration and Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning. She is a member of the government's Māori Education Advisory Committee, Chair of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua and leads the Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group.
Nicole Akuhata
Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne, Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa, Ngāi Tahu
Pouārahi Director Māori and Learner Services
Nicole has worked at NMIT for eight years, focused on supporting Māori and Pasifika ākonga to achieve their aspirations through tertiary education. As Pouārahi, she works alongside Te Tiriti partners and Pasifika trusts to achieve shared goals; leads NMIT Mātauranga Māori delivery and manages learner support and care for all NMIT ākonga.
Nicole has qualifications in Te Reo me ngā tikanga Māori, Māori Performing Arts, Leadership and Professional Supervision. Alongside her role at NMIT, she contributes to iwi and community through her role as Chair of Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō and as a Director on a local philanthropic trust.
Dr Susannah Roddick
Director Academic and Teaching
Susannah leads teaching, research and academic quality across NMIT. With a PhD in Education Management, Susannah has dedicated her career to education and the social service sector. She began in policy and research at the Ministry of Education, before moving into school teaching, then started ten years ago at NMIT in tertiary teaching and programme development.
Originally from the deep south of Aotearoa New Zealand, she has also lived and worked in Sydney and London, gaining broad perspectives that enrich her leadership. Susannah is deeply committed to Te Tauihu and NMIT’s vital role in supporting learners, industry and communities across the top of the South Island.
Kate Neame
Director Demand Management
Kate has been at NMIT for eight years, holding leadership roles across operations, curriculum, project management and engagement. With a background in management and consultancy, she leads NMIT’s business development and strategic growth initiatives with a focus on marketing, stakeholder engagement and NMIT’s domestic and international partnerships. Kate is dedicated to ensuring NMIT is a growth-orientated, future-focused provider of applied education.
Alongside her role, Kate represents NMIT on the Mahitahi Innovate Charitable Trust, Nelson Polytechnic Educational Trust, and the Trades Academy Advisory Board. She is currently completing an Executive Master of Business, further enhancing her capability in governance, business strategy and organisational leadership.
Eric Sinclair
Director Digital, Finance and Facilities
Eric has over 25 years’ experience in the public sector and has worked in healthcare, financial services and auditing. Having completed major project investment reviews for Treasury and similar agencies in New Zealand and Australia, Eric has held several executive positions including CFO and CIO roles.
Eric is focused on making sure our digital systems, financial stewardship, and risk management support our strategic goals and day-to-day operations. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is a Chartered Accountant (CAANZ) with a background in accounting and finance. Eric supports local basketball in a voluntary role and is a Trustee of Waimea College.
