GOVERNANCE
GOVERNANCE
Governance is an area of work I enjoy and excel at. It is a discipline that requires strong leadership skills, the ability to work with all members of an organisation, from the chief executive down, strategic thinking and the ability to see the bigger picture, as well as a clear understanding of the role of governance as distinct from the role of management.
Recent examples of governance roles I have held, or currently hold, are Chair of the Waiora Aotearoa Water New Zealand board, and various roles on the board of MOTAT, the Museum of Transport and Technology.
Waiora Aotearoa Water New Zealand
As chair of Waiora Aotearoa Water New Zealand from 2020 to 2022 I was part of the team that led the transformation from a largely myopically membership focused organisation to one that is now seen as the leading go-to organisation for both the water sector and the wider community. In the past, the Association relied entirely on membership fees to fund its activities; this has now changed, with significant partnership arrangements with the Department of Internal Affairs and the water regulator, Taumata Arowai, being put in place.
In addition, the Association has grown its membership significantly over the last twelve to eighteen months, which is testament to its relevance in Aotearoa New Zealand today. I am personally very proud of the amazing team at Water NZ and the part that I have played in ensuring the organisation continues to be fit-for-purpose and enduring.
I continue to provide services to Water NZ and I am currently on the organising committee for the joint 10th IWA – Aspire Conference and Water New Zealand Conference and Expo 2025.
Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)
I have been on the Board of the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) since 2016 and became Deputy Board Chair in 2019, Board Chair in 2021. I stepped away from the Chair role in late 2024 to allow for the appropriate succession on the Board. I am still on the Board and currently am the Chair of the Appointments and Remuneration Committee. Over the nearly 10 years I have been on the Board, I have seen, and been part of, enormous change at MOTAT.
From a privately run museum facing the need to change on all levels — from governance and management structure, building maintenance, collection management, and staff and volunteer management — to a local government-run museum that is internationally recognised as an essential icon of New Zealand culture, the Board and the Executive Leadership Team have led MOTAT through a ten-year transformation journey. It was extremely challenging at times, but MOTAT and all those involved in its governance, management, and delivery of its services to the community can be very proud of what has been achieved. I know I am.
Against the backdrop of a museum sector that faces ongoing challenges, including funding constraints and ageing infrastructure issues, the pandemic added additional pressure to what was already a difficult time for the museum. But with strong leadership, MOTAT is now poised and ready to face the challenges ahead, continue to manage its nationally and internationally significant collection, and deliver what is an essential museum experience to both the Tāmaki Makaurau community and that of Aotearoa New Zealand.
OTHER GOVERNANCE
Currently, I also hold community-based unpaid governance roles in the not-for-profit sector, including as a Trust Board member for an independent theatre company, Nightsong.
Utilities Disputes
I was appointed as an inaugural Committee member of the Water Advisory Committee of Utility Disputes in late 2021 to present. Utilities Disputes is a not-for-profit organisation that helps resolve customer utility issues, whether it be in relation to electricity, gas, water, telecommunications, or broadband installation (shared property). The Water Advisory Committee, like the other advisory committees, provides advice, recommendations and consultation on issues that affect both the industry and its customers to the Board.