January 22, 2013

Media Release

TRC staff appointments bring strong track records and local connections

The chief executive of the Tāmaki Redevelopment Company (TRC), Debra Lawson, says she is delighted to have recruited a talented and experienced new staff team.
“Our new members of staff have strong track records – they are highly skilled in their areas of expertise and a number have local connections to Tāmaki and its people. We set out to recruit locally where possible, and we have achieved that. It’s great to have people who are passionate about Tāmaki and its potential,” she says.

The TRC is leading the urban regeneration programme which will see Tāmaki (including Glen Innes, Point England and Panmure) in Auckland transformed over the next 20-25 years.

The new staff are:

Nick Alexander, general manager of operations. Nick Alexander brings more than 10 years of diverse leadership experience gained across Asia Pacific. In his most recent front end leadership role, he acted as chief executive of Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust, a post settlement governance entity set up to deliver on the interests of the Ngati Rangitihi iwi. Other senior roles have been with Habitat for Humanity Vietnam, Austraining International and Sinclair Knight Merz. He comes directly from a transition role with Auckland Council acting as a manager of business development and support services.

Peter Fa’afiu, general manager of communications and stakeholder engagement. Peter Fa’afiu grew up in Tāmaki and still has strong family ties to the area. He joins TRC from the New Zealand Post Group where he was government and community relations manager. He previously worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a diplomat negotiating and implementing Free Trade Agreements.

Shelley Katae, chief financial officer. Shelley Katae has a wealth of strategic financial expertise and brings a sharp commercial perspective to the team. She joins TRC from Tourism Holdings and has held a number of roles where she has been responsible for the financial performance of subsidiary companies including Waitomo Group and Kiwi Experience. She has been a significant contributor to driving business results during the Global Financial Crisis. Shelley Katae lives locally in Panmure.

Sally Merhtens, executive assistant to chief executive Sally Merhtens has had a broad range of experience within the commercial and government sectors. She most recently had day-to-day responsibility for the Auckland Registered Master Builders and also has had a number of different roles within the Department of Corrections. She was also electorate secretary for the Hon. Murray McCully.

Roselle (Ros) Rasmussen, receptionist/administrator. A first-generation Kiwi, who enjoys the best of her European and Polynesian roots, Ros Rasmussen was raised in the Tāmaki area. She has a diverse background in reception, marketing and administration. After a decade abroad she returned to family in Panmure and is now keen to be a part of the regeneration of Tāmaki – an area she believes is primed for positive, inclusive change.

David Tucker, project manager for catalyst projects. He has significant experience in capital development, strategy, policy, planning and operations across a wide range of industries. He was previously chief operating officer at the Challenge Trust now known as Recovery Solutions. Prior roles include being group manager community policy and planning for Manukau City Council where he created the John Walker Field of Dreams Foundation. He has already taken up his position at TRC.

Joanna Brain, strategic planner. Joanna Brain has come from the property department at Auckland Council where she was the principal specialist – strategic development. She has most recently been working on the housing strategic action plan to deliver on the Council’s aspirations in the Auckland Plan to increase the supply and affordability of housing in the region. Prior to Council she worked at GHD Limited as an infrastructure consultant. She came to NZ from the UK where she has had a number of years’ experience in regeneration.
Joseph Bartley, technical planner. Joseph Bartley brings extensive planning experience in land and property development at local government and consultancy level in New Zealand and the UK. He has a sound understanding and experience of the development and technical planning process and is involved in the Tāmaki community.

Joseph Herde, financial analyst. Joseph Herde has extensive financial analysis, business and strategy planning, modelling and project experience. He was born in Wales and has international experience within the UK and USA. He was most recently at AMP in Auckland.

“These new appointments will enable the company to get some action on the ground quickly,” explains Debra Lawson.

The TRC has been jointly-formed by the Government and Auckland Council and is the first company of its kind for New Zealand.

TRC will work together with mana whenua, the local community, local and central government agencies, the business sector, employers, health and education providers to put together the right resources, the funding and planning to transform Tāmaki into a vibrant, growing community for generations now and in the future.

www.tamakitransformation.co.nz

ends

About the Tāmaki Redevelopment Company (TRC):
The new company, jointly-owned by Crown and Auckland Council, is expected to ensure a co-ordinated approach to create measurable improvement across four key components over time under the Tāmaki Transformation Programme.

A social component will support Tāmaki residents and their families in getting the skills, knowledge and employment opportunities they need.

An economic component will strengthen the local economy, creating new jobs and business opportunities.

A housing component will optimise land use and existing housing stock, including progressing private housing development and delivering better social housing options in Tāmaki.

Meanwhile, a spatial component will create safe and connected neighbourhoods and spaces that support the social and economic development of Tāmaki and its community.

ENDS

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