New Zealand Opera Appoints New Board Directors

ISSUED BY THE NBR NEW ZEALAND OPERA

MEDIA RELEASE

24 June 2005

New Zealand Opera Appoints New Board Directors

The NBR New Zealand Opera's Chairman, David Gascoigne, has announced the appointment of three new Directors of New Zealand Opera Limited. They are: Philip King, Athol Mann and Jenni Norton. They replace outgoing Directors John Morrison and Beverley Wakem who have both retired from the Board, and the late Gregory Aim.

Commenting on the new appointments, Mr Gascoigne said: "The high calibre of professional acumen and experience these new directors bring to the New Zealand Opera Board and to governance of the opera company, is second to none. This, coupled with their own personal interest and passion for opera, will ensure the company, its activities and the integrity of our artform will continue to be in good hands."

They join the six other New Zealand Opera Board Directors: David Gascoigne (Chair); Graham Beattie; John Harvey; Barry Mora; Fran Ricketts; Donald Trott; and Company Secretary, John Shaw.

Mr Philip King is currently General Manager Corporate Affairs, Telecom New Zealand Limited. A graduate of Victoria University of Wellington, Mr King's career includes senior positions in corporate and commercial banking in New Zealand and offshore. For the last ten years he has worked for Telecom New Zealand in several senior management roles in finance, investor relations and most recently, corporate affairs.

Mr Athol Mann, CMG, has enjoyed an esteemed commercial and academic career in commerce and accounting. A graduate of Canterbury University, he was a Partner and Chairman, Peat Marwick Mitchell (now KPMG) and Executive Vice-Chairman of PMM's international firm in the late 80s. Upon returning to New Zealand he was appointed Dean of Commerce, Victoria University of Wellington and is now an Emeritus Professor. Mr Mann has served on a number of company boards and government-appointed bodies. He has enjoyed a long involvement with the performing arts including serving on the Boards of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, National Opera of New Zealand and the National Opera of Wellington. He has also recently been appointed as a Trustee of the New Zealand Opera Foundation.

Ms Jenni Norton is General Manager, Collections, Ministry of Justice. She holds an MBA (Brunel University, London) and is also a graduate of Massey University and the University of Auckland. She has enjoyed a career in the social service, tertiary education and justice sectors. She has held senior management positions and been involved in strategic change programmes, budget administration and management, operational policy, and provision of advice and information to Government.

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