Our leadership team

Dr Caroline Seelig

Acting Chief Executive

Caroline is an experienced tertiary education leader and brings a wealth of experience from across New Zealand organisations, educational boards and consulting work.

Caroline has held roles at NMIT previously, as deputy CEO and Academic Manager from 2000 to 2008. She was CEO of the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand from 2009 to 2022, and has most recently undertaken education specialist roles for UCoL and NorthTec. Caroline serves on the Commonwealth of Learning Board of Governors and Te Rautiaki Mātauranga and Te Pae Tawhiti Committees for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. In 2024, she was awarded as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to tertiary, vocational and online education.

Nicole Akuhata

Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne, Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa, Ngāi Tahu

Pouārahi - Director Māori and Learner Success

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 Risk

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.