Jody Takimoana - Otago Polytechnic.

Ko Poeura te Maunga (Poeura is my mountain)

Ko Waitangi te Awa (Waitangi is my river)

Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua te Waka (Ngatokimatawhaorua is my canoe)

Ko Oromahoe te Marae (Oromahoe is my Marae)

Ko Ngati Kawa te Whare (Ngati Kawa is my meeting house)

Ko Nga Puhi te Iwi (Nga Puhi is my tribe)

Born in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) and raised in rural towns throughout Aotearoa, I have always had a strong sense of connection with the whenua. My secondary schooling was split between Cromwell College in Central Otago and Hato Tipene (St Stephens), South Auckland. I currently hold qualifications including a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise with a Major in Management & Coaching (Massey University), and a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). I’m currently completing my Masters of Professional Practice at Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin.

Prior to working in Education, I served in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZ Army). A career of more than twenty years in the military has meant that I have held various management and leadership roles. During this tenure in the Defence Force I served operationally in Bosnia (1995) and East Timor (2002) as part of K2 and Batt 6.

As an Educator in the Secondary sector and more recently the Vocational space, I have held various Governance and Leadership roles. The most notable and relevant has been as the Vice President, Tangata Māori, Industrial and Professional Committee (IPC) 2024-2025. This position has been a part of the TEU Council and Executive Officers team over the same period, providing vision and clarity for the future of the Union at a Governance level.

Within this role I have been a key part of developing and implementing the IPC Strategy 2025-2028, a significant milestone for the Union, providing a clear direction moving forward. Also, as the Chair of the Finance Sub Committee within the Council I was responsible for leading the tenuous and controversial removal of the fees cap that will be implemented in 2026. This will see the Union become a more effective, viable and well-resourced organisation in the years to come.

I have always had a philosophy of inclusive decision making, strength-based outcomes and focused leadership mind set. This applies directly to working with and representing TEU members, staff, and management to achieve short-term goals and a long-term vision. With this, I will focus on representing the University Sector, Polytechnics (ITPs) and Wananga both internally and externally at the highest standard. Also, in line with this year’s National Conference, I have a strong desire to ensure that the goals set out by the collective Branches are made a reality in 2026-27. I am a strong leader who will grow the TEU in the Te Tiriti space as indicated by members, and will be a significant priority for me.

Finally, whānau is an important aspect of my life and I am married to Sonja and have a daughter Brooke who is currently studying at Lincoln University.