AGM Highlights: Tertiary education sector changes and new Executive member elected.

Current issues for Christian tertiary education

The 2026 CTMES Annual General Meeting was held at Carey Baptist College in Greenlane, Auckland on Thursday 14 May. The afternoon began with a "State of the Nation" presentation from Chair Rob Ayres - an overview of issues for theological education in the current tertiary education environment.

Updates to PTE rules, the 2025-2030 Tertiary Education Strategy (released in December 2025) and the new NZQA integrated Quality Assurance Framework (iQAF) were highlighted for the attention of members. Rob notes that the Tertiary Education Strategy "provides a critical window into government thinking for the sector", including the shift in funding priorities which has already seen funding cuts for our sector.

The iQAF sees a shift from external review (EER) to annual self-review which is focused on internal quality improvement processes. After participating in the 2025 pilot for the new process, Rob shared his experience and observations to assist CTMES members to prepare for their own reviews.

Averil Naumai - Academic Dean at Pathways College of Bible and Missions and new member of CTMES Executive

New Executive member - Averil Naumai

Voting for 2026 Executive members saw a new member join the Executive. Currently working as Academic Dean at Pathways College, Averil Naumai brings extensive experience in academic leadership and business development, alongside a deep commitment to Christian education and missions. We look forward to the contribution that she will make to the CTMES community through her Executive role.

Averil fills the position vacated by Richard Goodwin who has concluded his service on Executive. Thanks are extended to Richard for all that he has contributed to CTMES, particularly during his time as an Executive member.