Chief Executive Professor Christina Hong was welcomed with pōwhiri at Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae, Ōtara Campus on Tuesday 21 April 2026.

More than one hundred and twenty staff gathered for an occasion that was at once ceremonial and deeply personal — a homecoming for a leader who began her vocational education career at Unitec and now returns to guide MIT and Unitec forward as a single organisation.

The theme of Te Tāmaki Waka Hourua ‘the Double-Hulled Canoe’, a values framework gifted by senior Māori leaders which honours the legacies of both institutions while embracing a shared vision of the future, was reflected throughout the ceremony.

“I acknowledge the journey of these two institutes, the legacies they each carry, and the legacy that will come together as one,” says Prof Hong.

“We honour that journey, and we look to the present. The work we must do now to meet the great expectations ahead of us.

“Because those expectations are not just about us. They are about the legacy we will create for our learners, young and old.”


Christina was formally welcomed alongside her whānau and also staff who are based at our Mt Albert and Waitakere campuses


MIT Kaumatua Vince Hapi (L) and Dr Wiremu Manaia – Director of Māori Education, MIT

Manurewa Marae Kaumatua Martin Cooper led the opening karakia, followed by whaikōrero (speeches) from MIT Kaumatua Vince Hapi, Tunuiarangi McClean – Mana Whenua Kaumatua, Council member Ward Kamo, Dr Wiremu Manaia – Director of Māori Education and Kaumatua Ted Ngataki of Te Kei o te Waka a Tainui Papa.

In attendance were council members Peter Parussini and Simon Harding. Ngaire Lasika was present as a representative of the Kiingitanga.


Tunuiarangi McClean – Mana Whenua Kaumatua (L) and Kaumatua Ted Ngataki – Te Kei o te Waka a Tainui Papa (R)

Chair Alastair Bell opened by thanking staff and leaders across our organisation.

“Today, we are delighted to welcome Professor Christina Hong. For some of us, this journey has been a short sprint since the 1st of January — the day we came together to stand up MIT and Unitec as both an independent standalone entity and a combined organisation.

“But for most of you, this has been a long time coming. Thank you all for the pivotal role you have played in making this structural change possible.”


MIT and Unitec Chair Alastair Bell welcomes Prof Hong

Mr Bell acknowledged the tremendous opportunity that lies ahead.

“We have the potential to become the pre-eminent vocational education and training provider across the Asia-Pacific region.

“Our mandate is clear: to deliver vocational education and training that meets the needs of business and our local communities.

“Christina brings deep experience in this sector. She began her career (in applied tertiary education) at Unitec and has since gone on to lead major vocational education institutions in Hong Kong and across Australia.

“As she joins us on this journey, she brings not only her knowledge and experience, but also her leadership style, her perspective, and her vision for what the future can be for MIT and Unitec.

“Today is a celebration,” Mr Bell says.


Professor Christina Hong at her welcome

Most recently, Prof Hong served as Deputy Vice President of Education, Strategy & Quality at Central Queensland University.

Prior to that, she was President of the Technological and Higher Education Institute in Hong Kong, Chief Academic Officer at TAFE Queensland and CEO of the Southbank Institute of Technology.

On this side of the Tasman, Christina has also held roles with Ministry of Education and as Executive Head of School, Performing & Screen Arts at Unitec.

In 2022, Prof Hong’s work in the field of transnational education was recognised in the conferment of an honorary doctorate from the University of Gloucestershire.

Christina opened her address with something personal, a reflection on her grandfather.

“As we stood outside earlier, my whānau and I were reflecting on my grandfather, my gong gong. He was a teacher and I come from that lineage. Many in my family are educators, in different ways.”


Professor Christina Hong alongside her whānau following the welcome


A hundred and twenty-seven staff members across all campuses attended the pōwhiri

She spoke about the shared responsibility of staff, leadership and community in shaping MIT and Unitec’s future, and echoed Mr Bell’s call to serve.

“It is through the support, care, respect, and aroha of all our people, our staff, that we will succeed together.


Prof Hong spent time connecting with staff during afternoon tea

“We must work in partnership with iwi, with our communities, with industry, and with all our stakeholders to create a pathway forward.”

Following the ceremony, afternoon tea was served in the wharekai (dining room), where Unitec Pae Arahi Matua Hare Paniora spoke before Christina spent time connecting with staff, many for the first time— beginning relationships that will help guide the organisation forward.


Prof Hong spent time moving around the room and interacting with staff during afternoon tea