Ðǿմ«Ã½

Ðǿմ«Ã½ Chief Executive

18 August 2026

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (Ðǿմ«Ã½) Chief Executive, Dr Grant Klinkum, has stepped down due to ill health.

Ðǿմ«Ã½ Board Chair, Kevin Jenkins, says that Dr Klinkum has been managing a health condition for several months.

“We have been extremely fortunate to have a Chief Executive of Grant’s calibre, and he is recognised as an outstanding leader across the education sector,� Kevin Jenkins says.

“Grant has made a significant contribution to education in New Zealand, including tutoring and lecturing, holding leadership positions in tertiary education providers, and serving as an Ðǿմ«Ã½ Deputy Chief Executive for 6 years before becoming Chief Executive in 2020.â€�

“The thoughts of Ðǿմ«Ã½â€™s Board and staff are with Grant and his whÄ�nau,â€� Kevin Jenkins says.

Ðǿմ«Ã½ Deputy Chief Executive Strategic and Corporate Services, Prashant Bakshi, will act as Chief Executive, while Acting Chief Executive arrangements are made.