Literacy Aotearoa CEO Claire McGowan said the trio bring extensive experience in education, leadership and innovation. “These appointments reflect our commitment to learner success, equity, and innovation,” she said. “Together, their leadership will help the organisation respond to the evolving needs of adult learners, ensuring literacy and learning lift individuals, whānau and communities across Aotearoa.”
The three new executive team members are:
Emily Cordwell, Chief Information Officer
Emily Cordwell has joined Literacy Aotearoa as Chief Information Officer, leading the organisation’s digital strategy to make learning more connected, accessible, and learner-focused.
With a Master's in Digital Education from Massey University, Emily has held senior leadership, programme development, and governance roles in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand. She has served in NZQA Category 1 organisations and national tertiary education boards, with a strong focus on quality, equity, and learner success.
“I am excited to support Literacy Aotearoa’s kaupapa. My aspiration is to ensure technology strengthens the organisation, and helps adults across Aotearoa build confidence, grow their skills, and create new opportunities for their futures.”
Elizabeth Nikora, Director of Teaching and Learning
Elizabeth Nikora is the organisation’s first Director of Teaching and Learning, a role designed to strengthen academic leadership and teaching quality across the motu. Of Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe and Sāmoan descent, Elizabeth brings more than three decades of experience in tertiary education, academic quality assurance, and leadership.
Her career includes senior roles within two of the largest wānanga within Aotearoa, along with NZQA. She has chaired and contributed to numerous academic committees, guided national quality assurance processes, and supported programme development across wānanga, universities, and polytechnics.
In her new role, Elizabeth provides strategic academic leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning across all Literacy Aotearoa programmes.
Elizabeth says her role is to nurture kaiako to grow as leaders in their communities, uphold academic integrity and promote teaching excellence.
“Education is both a taonga and a pathway to so many opportunities. Literacy Aotearoa plays a huge role in helping adult learners across the country, and I’m looking forward to furthering its kaupapa.”
Mark Chavez, National Quality Assurance Manager
Mark Chavez comes to Literacy Aotearoa after two decades of experience in vocational education and training, working across universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology, wānanga, and private training establishments.
Mark’s background includes quality assurance, programme development, and workforce training, with a focus on aligning education to the needs of industry and community. His leadership and participation in industry initiatives has been focused on ensuring education is accessible, relevant and transformative.
“Education changes lives. I’ve always been driven to support that impact for ākonga. I’m excited to work alongside others who share the same passion and to help create more opportunities for learners across Aotearoa.”
