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After about 10 months in the role, Onno Mulder has resigned as chief executive of the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT).

He would be leaving the position in May after accepting a role with Northpower in Whangarei.

SIT’s chief financial officer, Daryl Haggerty, will take over as acting chief executive until December 31.

Chairwoman Alison Broad said the board was pleased to have benefited from Onno’s extensive experience and leadership, gained from his 30-year career in the infrastructure and construction sectors.

"What Onno has achieved for SIT has been impressive — the strategic priorities of the SIT board have been comprehensively progressed during his tenure.”

She noted that his tenure would be marked by a long list of legacy projects, including the opening of the new Te Rau O Te Huia building, the establishment of the new Maori directorate and implementation of the HyFlex system in which SIT students can access learning either in-person or online.

"Working collaboratively with our SIT community, Onno helped us to increase our student satisfaction ratings. We also implemented the living wage for all SIT staff — the first institute of technology or polytechnic in New Zealand to do so."

She added that, despite the Covid-19 disruptions, SIT has successfully achieved a surplus for the 2021 year.

Te Pukenga Council chairman Murray Strong acknowledged Mr Mulder’s contribution over the course of the past year.

"Onno has brought energy, commercial acumen and vision to SIT. He has advanced a number of Te Pukenga priority areas in Southland with his team."

-- STAFF REPORTER