Megan Pōtiki’s departure was confirmed yesterday by new Otago Polytechnic Council chairman John Gallaher.
"Together with my fellow council members, I would like to sincerely thank Megan for her dedication and commitment to Otago Polytechnic and for the work she has undertaken to steer the organisation back to a more viable and sustainable position," he said.
Otago Polytechnic is going through a range of restructuring to address a $10 million deficit.
On Tuesday, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds announced the membership of the new council, which replaces an establishment advisory group which made "in principle" decisions ahead of the polytechnic’s return to autonomy next year.
It will be part of a new federation, anchored by the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand and including the Universal College Of Learning.
Mr Gallaher said the group had begun the recruitment process for a chief executive of the "new standalone entity of Otago Polytechnic".
An announcement on the role was expected next week.
In July, Dr Pōtiki said the federation model would limit the institution’s autonomy and place Dunedin’s status as a centre for academic excellence under threat.
Following a "turning point" meeting with Ms Simmonds in September, Dr Pōtiki said if the polytechnic achieved its financial recovery, then the ability to move out of the federation was available.
Mr Gallaher acknowledged a "very challenging year" for the organisation, with difficult decisions changes in many areas.
"That was a significant body of work to oversee and drive.
"We wish Megan all the best in her future endeavours."
Dr Pōtiki will leave the organisation on December 31.
Mr Gallaher, Rowena Davenport, Scott Mason and Mike Collins make up the new council.
Tertiary Education Union industrial assistant national secretary Daniel Benson-Guiu said significant changes in the sector meant it was an "incredibly stressful time" for polytechnics.
"This is having a toll on all staff across the organisation."
Otago Polytechnic referred comment to Mr Gallaher.
• The council’s first extraordinary meeting is scheduled for 2pm today, when it is expected to pass resolutions necessary to confirm the re-establishment of Otago Polytechnic.
