Dr Pim Borren - Conference Speaker

Dr Pim Borren is currently Chief Executive at Waiariki Institute of Technology in Rotorua, New Zealand. Waiariki employs over 400 vocational teaching and administrative staff across four campuses in Rotorua, Taupo, Whakatane, and Tokoroa. It is the third largest employer in Rotorua, a city of some 65,000 people, 30% of whom are from Maori descent. Waiariki has a particular strength in bicultural education, as well as in Tourism, Hospitality, and Forestry.

Previously he worked as the Deputy Chief Executive at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, the second largest polytechnic in New Zealand with over 2000 staff. Pim had eight executive reports including direct responsibility for the five Deans of CPIT’s teaching Faculties. Prior to this role Pim was the Dean of Commerce at CPIT.

Pim holds a PhD in Economics and has also worked as the Director of the School of Business at Christchurch College of Education before joining CPIT. He has also previously operated his own economics consulting company, where he managed numerous policy-related projects involving multi-disciplinary teams and a variety of sponsors. He built up a specialisation in the health sector and, as one of New Zealand's leading authorities on health economics, continues to be called upon to commentate on health reform.

Pim has been a Lecturer in Economics, Professional Economist and Economics Research Fellow and has worked at several NZ universities as well as York University in the UK. Pim has had a high profile academic career, with many publications and co-authorship of a book to his name. Pim is also a trained teacher and began his career in education as a secondary teacher.

Pim has had involvement in several private company directorships, is a member of the NZ Institute of Directors, the NZ Association of Economists, was a Director of the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (and Chair of the Audit Committee), and a Director of the Christchurch Rotary Club.