Our Senior Leadership Team

Rod became Director of the Careerforce business division of Te Pūkenga in September 2022, and has been with Careerforce since May 2018 as its General Manager of Learning Solutions.

Rod brings over two decades of experience in adult education and training to his role at Careerforce. This includes teaching and executive leadership roles within the vocational education sector, and ten years leading national qualifications services at NZQA.

Rod is charged with steering Careerforce through its next stage, harnessing the collective experience and passion of the Careerforce whānau and as an organisation,  ensuring that the outcomes of its employers and learners continue to be the top priority.

He is well respected both within Careerforce and across the vocational education spectrum, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Androula is Careerforce’s General Manager Corporate Services, responsible for leading the organisation’s corporate functions, including finance, people & capability, risk management and business assurance. Her role ensures strong organisational capability and resilience to support Careerforce’s purpose and strategic goals.

A Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience across private and public sector organisations, Androula brings extensive senior leadership expertise. She has played a pivotal role in guiding the organisation through the vocational education reforms, driving efficiencies and improvements that strengthen outcomes for employers and learners.

Androula brings Kaitiakitanga, Kotahitanga, and Manakitanga to her leadership — making informed decisions and building partnerships that deliver positive outcomes for learners, kaimahi, and employers.

Denise joined Careerforce in November 2018 and brings a wealth of experience working in industry training.

She is passionate about creating opportunities to upskill New Zealand’s workforce in ways that best suit learners, employers and industry.  Developing programmes that lead to equitable outcomes for Māori, Pacific peoples, and disabled learners through authentic collaboration and co-design is most important to her. 

Ian has been with Careerforce for nearly a decade, driving innovation and technology transformation. With a background in IT leadership, Ian has spearheaded major systems upgrades, led successful digital initiatives, and championed data-driven decision making. His expertise continues to shape Careerforce’s strategic technology direction, ensuring the organisation stays at the forefront of digital advancements.

Ko Haumi te maunga
Ko Waipaoa te awa
Ko Te Whānau-a-Kai, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Rongowhakaata ngā iwi

Jamie Smiler is the General Manager Learner Success at Careerforce. He has extensive leadership experience in the vocational education system, applied and kaupapa Māori research, with a strong focus on improving outcomes for ākonga and their whānau. Jamie is dedicated to ākonga-centred, culturally responsive pathways that support success for individuals, whānau, and communities. Jamie brings a values-led approach grounded in empowering people to be successful and to transform their lives through education.

Ko Jamie Smiler te Kaiwhakahaere Matua mō te Angitū o ngā Ākonga ki Careerforce. He nui tōna wheako i te pūnaha mātauranga me te mahi rangahau, ā, e aronui ana ia ki te whakapai ake i ngā hua mō ngā ākonga me ō rātou whānau. E ū ana a Jamie ki te waihanga huarahi e aro ana ki te ākonga, e whai tikanga ana ki te ahurea, hei tautoko i te angitū o te tangata, o te whānau, me te hapori hoki.  Ka ārahi a Jamie i runga i ngā uara, e whakapakari ana i te tangata kia eke angitū, kia whakaumu i ō rātou oranga mā te mātauranga. Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro, nōnā te ngahere; ko te manu e kai ana te mātauranga, nōnā te ao.

As GM of Employer Partnerships, Penny leads strategic relationships with employers, ensuring their training needs are met through tailored programmes and services. She understands the capability and support employers need to establish or maintain successful training. Penny also oversees the Support Centre, Marketing, Communications, and Insights functions to ensure a seamless experience for employers and stakeholders.

With many years’ experience working at Careerforce, Penny has a deep understanding of workforce development needs in the health and wellbeing sectors. She excels in delivering results through coaching and leadership, guiding workplace advisor teams in relationship management and collaborating closely with Careerforce staff to ensure workplaces have the necessary support for workforce capability and learner success.