Leading through change

Verna Niao has been appointed as chief executive of MITO Limited, effective from the start of next year.

She will be taking on the role when MITO, a business division of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, transitions to industry ownership on January 1, 2026.

Niao, pictured, has been MITO’s executive director since 2022 when the reform of vocational education brought the organisation under the umbrella of Te Pūkenga. 

It is now preparing to become MITO Limited, an industry-owned entity, after the Tertiary Education Commission approved of the change as part of the government’s shake-up of work-based learning.

Niao says she’s excited to continue her leadership of the organisation in its new form.

“Industry ownership will enable MITO Limited to respond to industry’s workforce development needs with speed and agility,” she adds. 

“The strength of industry training is based on the investment our employers make in growing new talent and our priority will be to ensure they are supported appropriately to meet future demand.”

MITO facilitates and supports the training and education of apprentices and learners across the automotive, commercial road transport, mining, quarrying, drilling, gas, and logistics sectors. 

As MITO Limited, it will continue its activities with no changes for its employers and learners, maintaining its range of qualifications and micro-credentials.

Sturrock Saunders, chairperson of the MITO board, says: “Verna brings a wealth of expertise and experience in supporting industry to meet its goals. 

“Her commitment to delivering value for our industries’ employers and learners has driven MITO’s success ever since she began at MITO in 2002. 

“Verna heads up a very capable leadership team and I have no doubt that MITO Limited is in excellent hands as this new era begins. I look forward to working with Verna as we build on MITO’s successes and pursue new opportunities.”