When Mary Waugh joined New Zealand Skills and Education Group (NZSEG) nearly seven years ago, she wasn’t just looking for a job – she was seeking purpose. “I wanted to do something that made a real difference – for students, but also for their families and for communities,” she recalls. As Group Director for Quality Assurance and Products, Mary has found exactly that. Her work touches every corner of NZSEG’s operations, from ensuring the quality of its programmes to developing pathways that give learners the skills they need to step confidently forward in a career. For Mary, it’s more than just a role – it’s a chance to help transform lives.
“This role allows me to contribute to something meaningful every day,” Mary shares.
Mary’s work reflects NZSEG’s evolution over 20 years, from its beginnings as New Zealand Skills and Education College (NZSE) to a dynamic group that now includes Seafield School of English and workplace training provider, Edvance. “At NZSE, we’ve grown from predominantly IT programmes to a suite of offerings in health, early childhood education, and military prep. Further to this, we offer higher education programmes like the Bachelor of Business and Information Management,” she explains. “That growth is about being responsive to the needs of the diverse communities we serve.”
A key focus of Mary’s work is ensuring that NZSE graduates are not only qualified but also job-ready. “Our programmes are shaped by industry input,” Mary says. “We work closely with advisory boards and professional bodies to make sure our graduates meet the demands of the workforce. This is why our students often walk straight into employment – they’re equipped with knowledge as well as real-world skills and experiences through placements and internships.”
Mary emphasises NZSE’s inclusivity and adaptability as driving forces behind its success. “We welcome students at all stages of their educational journey, from those with no formal qualifications to career changers looking for a fresh start,” she says. “Our ability to scaffold learning – from foundation levels through to degrees – ensures we can meet people where they are and take them to where they want to be.”
Reflecting on NZSEG’s culture, Mary describes it as a whānau, where ideas and innovation are encouraged. “This is a place that values people and fosters development,” she says. “We’re constantly learning from our communities and evolving as an organisation. That’s what excites me – it’s what gets me up every morning.”
As NZSE celebrates its 20th anniversary, Mary sees even greater potential ahead. “The goal has always been the same: to add value to our communities by creating opportunities for learners. And as we continue to grow, I know we’ll keep making a real difference – not just in education, but in transforming people’s lives.”
