George Tongariro is standing unopposed for the role of Tertiary Education Union industrial and professional vice-president.A senior IT lecturer at Whitireia in Porirua, George has recently stood down as branch co-chair, a position he’s held since 2010.George was previously on the Industrial and Professional Committee and sees the vice-president role as an opportunity to upskill and “give a bit more nationally”.“This is an exciting role, to be carrying on the work and priorities Phil Edward’s the previous VP set and to help set direction for the change of government,” he says.“The tertiary sector is definitely going to change. We’re seeing a bit more willingness by government. However, there’s still a lot more work to do.”George says that the amalgamations process under the previous government wasn’t working.“The process with Whitireia and WelTec has been a long and disheartening process. The present government is trying to address issues. We just have to keep on top of them.”George sees the Industrial and Professional Committee as there to serve all tertiary institutions and the role of industrial and professional vice-president as setting the union’s direction but also looking ahead.One of his main priorities is to ensure all tertiary institutions adopt the Living Wage.George was born in Wellington and he’s been living in Porirua for over 20 years. He’s passionate about Whitireia’s relationship with the community.“One of my biggest things is about the community relationships the tertiary institutions have. We need to hold on to this.”