Martin McVeigh, Group Finance Director at New Zealand Skills and Education Group (NZSEG), has been shaping the organisation’s financial and operational strategy for more than a decade. A seasoned professional with a background in vocational education in the UK, Martin found a perfect fit when he joined NZSE, in 2013, then a single-entity college. Over the years, Martin’s witnessed and contributed to its transformation into the diverse and impactful group it is today with educational pathways through NZSE, Seafield School of English, and Edvance.
“NZSE has always been about helping people get to where they want to be in life,” Martin explains. “From military prep training to early childhood education, healthcare, retail, and cutting-edge tech qualifications, we offer opportunities for people of all ages.”
Martin’s role extends beyond overseeing finances, encompassing registry operations, academic administration, and ensuring compliance – all vital to supporting learners from enrolment to graduation.
The acquisition of Seafield and ATC in 2016 marked a pivotal moment for NZSEG. “It was one of our biggest growth periods,” Martin recalls. “Expanding into English language education and youth programmes allowed us to reach new communities and broaden our impact.” This adaptability, he says, has been crucial to the organisation’s 20 years of success.
NZSEG’s commitment to innovation in education is a testament to its success. “We’re constantly finding new and innovative ways to teach people, including delivery methods,” says Martin. “We’ve evolved from purely classroom-based learning to blended and fully online models. Our quick adaptability not only met learner needs but also kept us ahead of the curve during critical periods, such as the COVID crisis. Throughout your life you can carry-on learning, and that’s what we make possible at NZSEG.”
Meeting industry needs is also a clear priority for the organisation. Through its workplace learning programmes, NZSEG works alongside businesses to ensure people develop new skills to meet industry needs. “We look at ourselves as a partner for businesses, in order to help them as well as the people that work for them – we believe that together there’s a way forward for success.”
For Martin, the real reward in working with a dynamic tertiary education provider lies in seeing the difference NZSEG makes in people’s lives. “Whether it’s a student crossing the stage at graduation or someone finding their first job, knowing I’ve played a part in that transformation is incredibly fulfilling.”
Looking ahead, Martin is optimistic. “The possibilities for NZSEG are endless. We recently started providing work-based learning opportunities, and we’re exploring even more ways to support students and industries. The sky is no longer the limit—we’re reaching for the stars.”
Martin’s message to prospective students is clear: “If you’re looking for an education provider that goes the extra mile, NZSEG – be it NZSE, Seafield or Edvance – is the place for you. You’ll achieve more, learn more, and earn more.”
