26 July 2013 Lincoln University welcomes Ministerial Council appointments

Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce, has announced three new appointments to the Lincoln University Council.

The three new appointments are Sir Graeme Harrison, founder of ANZCO Foods, one of the country’s largest suppliers of meat to international markets; Bruce Gemmell, Managing Partner at Ernst and Young Christchurch practice, a global leader in assurance, tax, transactions and advisory services; and Dr John Wood, Chancellor of the University of Canterbury.

“We welcome the Minister’s appointments to our Council,” says Lincoln University Acting Chancellor Tony Hall. 

“The three new appointments have in-depth governance knowledge within the land-based, corporate and education sectors that will provide valuable input as Lincoln University continues its focus on propelling New Zealand’s land based industries to greater success.

“Sir Graeme Harrison is a proven, successful entrepreneur who champions New Zealand agribusiness and sees further, huge potential for the agricultural, horticultural, arable, forestry, seafood and mineral sectors in New Zealand.

“Dr John Wood’s appointment strengthens Lincoln University’s complementary relationship with the University of Canterbury, which we greatly welcome. Of course, John has a drystock farm close to Kaikoura that amply demonstrates his affinity to farming, and his huge experience in international relations will assist Lincoln University’s drive to become a global university of food security.

“Bruce Gemmell’s appointment will be effective in December 2013 and will bring to the Council table immense financial expertise, which is always necessary and welcome.”

Early in 2012, Minister Steven Joyce initiated a review of collaborative opportunities between Lincoln and Canterbury Universities and CPIT. This initiative was a response to the impacts of the earthquakes and operated under the auspices of the Canterbury Tertiary Alliance. 

Also part of the announcement is current Lincoln University Pro-Chancellor Tony Hall’s appointment to the University of Canterbury Council (as well as Bruce Gemmell’s co-appointment to both).

“Having Tony Hall on the University of Canterbury’s Council and University of Canterbury’s Chancellor Dr John Wood on Lincoln University’s Council will ensure the two universities are now working closely together at a governance level that complements the close working relationship that already exists at a management level,” says Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor Dr Andrew West. 

“It will also enable the two universities to collaborate in offering complementary programmes.  These co-appointments cement the partnership between us.”

The three new appointments replace Brian Gargiulo and Martin Clements, with immediate effect, and Linda Tame in December 2013. 

One of the longest serving Council members, Brian Gargiulo first joined Council in 2003 and made a major contribution from his extensive commercial experience in the horticultural and food distribution industry.

Retired from Council in January 2013, Martin Clements had served as a member since 2006.  Martin’s horticultural and environmental knowledge and his governance experience were valuable in a variety of roles, including the chairing of the Fees Committee in recent years. 

“I sincerely thank Brian and Martin for their invaluable and tremendous input and commitment to the University over the past years, and for their work in the various committees.  We welcome Linda Tame’s continued involvement in the Council until December 2013 with her in-depth knowledge of both the secondary education sector and the local Lincoln community,” says Acting Chancellor Tony Hall.

The appointments have been made with immediate effect for Sir Graeme Harrison and Dr John Wood, with the next Lincoln University Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday 20 August 2013.  Bruce Gemmell’s appointment is effective December 2013, when Linda Tame’s appointment ends.