NMIT Council
Meet the NMIT Council
Our Council members have a wealth of experience across a range of industry sectors.
They regularly connect with a wide variety of stakeholders and engage with our local community.
Council Secretary contact: board.secretary@nmit.ac.nz
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Tony Gray NMIT Council Chair
Tony has more than 26 years of executive leadership experience across the tertiary education and public sectors in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. Since 2021, he has been Chief Executive of Nelson Tasman Hospice, where he leads the organisation in providing compassionate care and planning for the future needs of the region.
A Fellow of the Institute of Management (Australia and New Zealand) and a Chartered Biologist, Tony brings a thoughtful, collaborative leadership style and a strong focus on sustainability. In 2023, he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to education.
Tony is proud to support NMIT’s role in creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and preparing skilled graduates for the future.
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Sarah-Jane Weir NMIT Council Deputy Chair
Sarah-Jane is an experienced director based in Nelson. After a career as a commercial lawyer, she now serves on boards where community and purpose are paramount, including as Chair of Nelson Bays Primary Health Organisation and Nelson Regional Development Agency.
Sarah-Jane brings legal, governance, and community leadership experience to her role as Deputy Chair. She is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors and is strongly supportive of equitable access to quality education and the difference it can make in students’ lives.
SJ lives in Nelson with her husband and two sons.
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Lynette Rayner NMIT Council Member
Lynette owns and operates an accountancy practice based in Marlborough, bringing a strong combination of professional expertise and practical business experience.
Through her advisory work and governance roles, Lynette has developed extensive knowledge of business operations, financial oversight, and director responsibilities. She currently holds director and trustee positions across the education, health, electricity, sport, community, and professional sectors.
Lynette is committed to education and understands its importance in shaping positive outcomes for students and communities. She is known for her practical approach, clear decision-making, and focus on strong processes.
Outside of her professional commitments, Lynette is a lifelong netballer, enjoys mountain biking, and values quiet time to relax and recharge.
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Rachael Hāte NMIT Council Member
Te Ātiawa, Ngāi Tahu
Rachael brings a strong commitment to kaitiakitanga and iwi-led stewardship to her governance roles, underpinned by deep connections to Te Tauihu.
Her experience across health, governance, and kaupapa Māori initiatives provides a values-based perspective to educational governance. Rachael is dedicated to advancing equitable and aspirational outcomes for ākonga through strategic decision-making and strong relationships.
Through a collaborative and future-focused approach, she supports partnerships that strengthen vocational education pathways, enhance community wellbeing, and protect the cultural and environmental taonga of the region.
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Lester Binns NMIT Council Member
Lester is an entrepreneur and independent director with more than 20 years’ experience building and leading businesses in highly regulated sectors, including tax, technology, energy, and SaaS.
He brings strong governance, financial, and strategic capability, with experience overseeing large teams, capital projects, and organisational change. Lester is committed to regional development, equitable access to education, and strengthening pathways for learners and industry across Te Tauihu.
A graduate of NMIT, Lester supports the Institute’s role in delivering high-quality vocational and applied education for the region.
Lester lives in Nelson with his wife, Rosa, and their four daughters.
Council meeting schedule for 2026
Meeting location: NMIT Nelson Campus, 322 Hardy Street, Nelson, 7010
| Date | Time | Focus | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, 21 January | 9.30 am | Extraordinary Meeting Establishment and direction setting |
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| Wednesday, 18 February | 9.30 am | Ordinary | 18 Feb 2026 Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology Council Meeting Minutes [PDF 100 KB] |
| Wednesday, 18 March | 9.30 am | Ordinary | 18 Mar 2026 Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology Council Meeting Minutes [PDF 93 KB] |
| Wednesday, 15 April | 9.30 am | Ordinary | 15 Apr 2026 Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology Council Meeting Minutes [PDF 99 KB] |
| Wednesday, 20 May | 9.30 am | Ordinary | 20 May 2026 Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology Council Meeting Minutes [PDF 85 KB] |
| Wednesday, 17 June | 9.30 am | Ordinary | |
| Wednesday, 19 August | 9.30 am | Ordinary | |
| Wednesday, 16 September | 9.30 am | Ordinary | |
| Wednesday, 18 October | 9.30 am | Ordinary | |
| Wednesday, 16 December | 9.30 am | Ordinary |
