Wendy Liao’s career has been defined by one core belief: education changes lives. As Group CEO of New Zealand Skills and Education Group (NZSEG), Wendy has spent the past 17 years leading an organisation dedicated to helping learners realise their potential, but she’s always been passionate about the power of learning.
“Education is in my blood,” she says. “My mother was a teacher, and I started my career as one, too. Seeing how education transforms not just individuals but entire families has kept my passion for learning alive – every student’s success has a ripple effect that changes lives far beyond the classroom.”
As CEO, Wendy seamlessly blends her deep institutional knowledge with a progressive vision, steering NZSEG’s continued growth and evolution. “In 20 years, we’ve transformed from New Zealand Skills and Education College (NZSE) into a dynamic educational provider that now includes Seafield School of English and Edvance,” Wendy explains. “At the heart of our evolution is a single guiding principle: the commitment to keep learning.”
Wendy’s message of continuous learning resonates across NZSEG. The organisation’s programmes, which span foundation-level certificates to diplomas (from early childhood education to health; military prep to engineering and tech) to degrees (such as Bachelor of Business Information Management) and work-based learning, are designed to meet both learner aspirations and industry demands. “We focus on the skills students need to succeed in the workforce, whether that’s critical thinking, collaboration, or technical expertise,” Wendy says. “We want every graduate to walk out of here confident and career-ready.”
Collaboration is central to NZSEG’s success. Wendy works closely with her leadership team, and industry partners to ensure programmes remain relevant and impactful. “We listen to our learners, we adapt to change, and we build partnerships that help us grow,” she shares. “This is what allows us to innovate and stay responsive in an evolving world.”
Reflecting on her 17 years at NZSEG, Wendy is proud of the milestones the organisation has achieved. “Expanding our campuses to both South and Central Auckland, opening our doors to international students, acquiring Seafield and Edvance, launching degree programmes—these were all pivotal steps forward,” she says. “But along the way, what hasn’t changed is our care for learners – that has always been our foundation.”
For Wendy, the most rewarding part of her role is witnessing the impact of education firsthand. “Every student arrives with a dream, and our role is to help them realise it,” she says. “When a graduate walks out with confidence and a bright future, it reaffirms why we do this work.”
As NZSEG celebrates 20 years, Wendy’s vision remains forward-looking: to innovate, to grow, and to keep learning. Her message to students, partners, and the wider community is simple yet profound: “Keep learning—it’s the key to unlocking your potential and achieving your goals.”
Through Wendy’s leadership, NZSEG continues to transform lives, embodying the belief that education is more than an opportunity, it’s a catalyst for change.
