Senior Management Team

The Senior Management Team is made up of the following staff members who are based in our Wellington office.

	Andrew Gunn - Executive Director Andrew has had business experience in the hospitality and entertainment industries. Andrew has from Auckland University a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Economics, and an MBA from Canterbury University. He has a particular interest is in developing strategic planning processes and uses his creative and innovative abilities to support Skills Active Aotearoa. One key area of work is to strengthen the organisation’s capability in all its sectors and in bringing real and valued training outcomes to industry. Andrew is active within the ITF forum and in the role of Executive Director is currently the acting CE of Skills Active Aotearoa. He has been working in the organisation since July 2009 to ensure a robust transition process to a Chief Executive. Andrew has now been elected to a third term as a director.
	Ron Taukamo - Kaihautu Iwi: Ngati Porou, Ue Pohatu, Te Rarawa; Hapu: Te Whanau a Hinetapora Ron joined Skills Active in August 2006. His role is to further develop and implement Skills Active's Nga Mahi a Te Rehia marae-based strategy and direction across Skills Active’s several sport, fitness and recreation sectors and within the organisation. He has a background in business, with 15 years self employed in the retail sector and 12 years in education and training. Ron came to Skills Active having completed three years as Maori Training Adviser for Tourism at ATTTO (Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation).
	Leona van der Heyden - General Manager, Qualifications, Quality Systems & Corporate Affairs Leona returned to Skills Active in January 2008 after 10 years away, and following several years with InfraTrain, the infrastructure ITO. Leona manages all new unit standards, qualifications and resource development, and the development of all of Skills Active’s administration functions and the vitally important quality assurance functions.
	Andre Whittaker - General Manager, Work Skills Development Andre joined Skills Active in January 2008. He is a keen sportsman, involved in rugby league and currently involved with Waka Ama Outrigger Canoe Paddling. He has a background in field sales in several industries, most recently as a Regional Field Sales Manager with Frucor Beverages and prior to that Area Sales Manager with DB Breweries. People development and associated community development are key drivers for Andre. He enjoys the gym, paddling and staying active.
	Tony Roddan - General Manager, Partnerships & Business Development Tony joined Skills Active in July 2007. His background includes owning / directing private businesses, business training and consultancy and management of a large community owned swimming and indoor recreation facility. Tony is responsible for managing the relationships with key stakeholder organisations, large workplaces, as well as overseeing the sector advisory groups and the business development role. A social swimmer that competes you will often find him in the water or in the gym.