Our People

Liz McKenzie (Vocational Education and Training)

Liz has been involved in the Vocational Education and Training sector to management level for over 20 years.  She has experience working within ITP (Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics) and PTE (Private Training Establishment) environments, across a wide range of subject areas.

From 2004 to 2006, Liz worked successfully for NZQA as a Framework Registration Evaluator - giving her a high-level understanding of NZQA's DAS (Directory of Assessment Standards) and NZQF (New Zealand Qualifications Framework) and related quality assurance systems and requirements.  

Since establishing Cooper McKenzie Limited in 2006, the majority of Liz's work has been with Industry Training Organisations (ITOs).  She has assisted a number of ITOs in areas such as unit standard and qualification development and review; design and development of programmes, and training and assessment materials; and pre-assessment moderation activities.

Liz had considerable success in facilitating stakeholder review meetings as part of NZQA's Mandatory Qualification Reviews.  Through professional development, liaison with NZQA staff, and practical experience, she has developed an in-depth working knowledge of the requirements for listing qualifications on the NZQF. 

Liz has an excellent eye for detail as well as an appreciation of strategic-level implications.  She works to achieve high quality standards at all times, and has a proven record of successful project management and liaison with experts from a wide range of industries.


 

John McKenzie (Primary and Secondary)

John has over 30 years of experience in New Zealand education.

Originally a secondary school teacher, John has worked in Area Schools to management level, and has held several Primary Principal positions.

Currently, John is Principal of a Normal Primary School in Dunedin, and has been the Normals Schools' representative on the NZEI Principals' Council and a Sector Leader introducing the revised NZ Curriculum to Dunedin and Central Otago Schools.

John has worked with Boards and fellow principals in a number of areas and is currently involved with principal appraisals and quality assurance matters.

John is reasonably fluent in Te Reo Maori and has helped Kohanga Reo and schools to prepare for ERO visits.

John's successful experience working with staff, students, Boards of Trustees and communities, and his in-depth understanding of the New Zealand education sector, provide him with the invaluable skills and knowledge that he brings to his consulting role with Cooper McKenzie Limited.