The Institute is under the control of a Council comprising elected and appointed members from the Nelson Marlborough region. The role of the Council is governance of the Institution, policy-making and the appointment and performance management of the Chief Executive.

The Council delegates the management of the academic and administrative operation of the Institute to the Chief Executive.

Council Members

• Ross Butler, Ministerial (Chair of Council)
• Andrew Rowe, Ministerial (Deputy Chair of Council)
• Claudia Wysocki, Ministerial
• Paul Steere, Ministerial
• Virginia Watson, Appointed by Council to ensure that both Marlborough and Nelson have at least one resident as a member of council
• Rachel Boyack, Representing the NMIT community of students, staff, and the wider regional community
• Daryl Wehner, Appointed by Council to ensure that Council has access to relevant financial management and reporting knowledge, skills and experience
• Te Rehia Tapata-Stafford, Iwi Māori Kaunihera representative 

• Approve and monitor the implementation of the Investment Plan which sets out the role and purpose of the Institute.
• Determine the strategic direction of the Institution.
• Approve the Institution's Investment Plan.
• Ensure that the financial, physical, educational and intellectual assets of the Institution are efficiently and effectively managed.
• Appoint the Chief Executive.
• Monitor the performance of the Chief Executive.
• Consult with stakeholders when reviewing the Investment Plan.
• Establish an academic board to advise the Council on matters relating to courses of study or training and other academic matters.