48959 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Vocational Education

48959 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Vocational Education: How many applicants, if any, applied for the role of TEC Board Member that Yvonne Browning was ultimately appointed to and of those, how many were shortlisted, if any?

Hon Penny Simmonds: I am advised that, in 2024, the Ministry of Education sought expressions of interest for a range of potential appointments to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and other Crown entities. Twenty-two expressions of interest were received, either specifically for appointment to the TEC Board and/or other boards identified in the call for expressions of interest. Six nominations were received from nominating agencies or from individuals alerted by nominating agencies. In addition, in May 2025, I wrote to my colleagues, seeking nominations for appointments. Five nominations were provided in response to this call. Advice on this pool of candidates informed my decisions on three appointments to the Board of the TEC, including Yvonne Browning (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit).