MITO leader moving on

Janet Lane is stepping down from her role as chief executive of MITO at the end of December after more than 22 years in the job.

She is leaving the post as MITO transitions to Te Pukenga Work Based Learning Limited from the start of next year.

Lane, pictured above, has been chief executive of the standard-setting body for the automotive, transport, logistics and extractives sectors since 1999.

She was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to tertiary education in the 2021 new year honours list.

Andrew Clearwater, MITO board chairman, says: “An ever-present advocate of our vision of enriching lives and inspiring futures, Janet’s legacy at MITO is simply outstanding.”

Verna Niao, pictured below, MITO group manager workforce development, has been appointed to the new role of director to lead the organisation from January. 

It will become the fourth industry training organisation to transition to Te Pukenga Work Based Learning, as the government reforms vocational education and looks to integrate New Zealand’s 16 polytechnics, wananga and industry training organisations.

Lane says she is leaving MITO in great hands. “Having worked with Verna over a number of years, I will be leaving with the absolute assurance that our learners, employers and industry partners will continue to enjoy the high levels of service, responsiveness and innovation that our stakeholders value.”