Dr Neil Barns

Neil brings extensive leadership and governance experience in New Zealand tertiary education to his role as Independent Chair of Auckland International Campus. He is also Deputy Chair of the Open Polytechnic Council. 

He has been Chief Executive of Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, and interim Chief Executive of Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology during its establishment. As Commissioner for WelTec and Whitireia, he guided both institutions through a significant period of change. 

His governance roles have included Deputy Chair of Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and Waiariki Institute of Technology, and membership of the Education New Zealand board. He has also led major sector projects, including the merger of EIT and Tairāwhiti Polytechnic, and an international review of New Zealand's quality assurance system for NZQA. 

Neil holds a Doctor of Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Business Studies and a Diploma in Teaching.