4 September 2003 Media Statement

Appointments to the Board of the NZSO

Appointments to the Board of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra were announced today by Associate Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Judith Tizard.

“Bill Falconer, Peter Rowe and Susan McCormack have been appointed to the NZSO as new board members”, Judith Tizard said. “Their commercial, legal and governance expertise will further strengthen the Board in advancing the Orchestra’s goals”.

Bill Falconer of Cambridge is a commercial lawyer and company director and Peter Rowe of Auckland is a senior partner with the law firm Minter Ellison. Susan McCormack is a Christchurch lawyer and a keen supporter of the NZSO.

Sir Selwyn Cushing of Hastings has been re-appointed Chair for a further term of two years and Joe Pope of Wellington for a further three-year term.

“I am delighted that these people have all agreed to serve on the Board of the NZSO,” said Judith Tizard. “They bring an extremely impressive range of skills and experience to their positions and I am confident that the Board of the Symphony Orchestra will be well served by its new, and re-appointed members.”

“I would like to thank retiring members Dame Catherine Tizard and Iain Clark for all the work they have put into the NZSO. Their commitment is greatly appreciated. In particular, I wish to recognise the considerable contribution of Dame Cath, who is retiring after serving on the NZSO Board since 1996.”

The other members of the Board are Diana Fenwick, Peter Hubscher and Jo-Anne La Grouw.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON APPOINTEES

Sir Selwyn Cushing has a strong interest in the performing arts and classical music, as well as extensive business experience. Past experience includes his roles as Chair of Directors, Electricity Corporation of NZ Ltd., Chair of Directors, Brierley Investments Ltd., Chair of Directors, NZ Rural Properties Ltd., and membership of the Securities Commission. Sir Selwyn was first appointed to the Board of the NZSO in 1996.

Bill Falconer is a commercial lawyer and company director with a background as a public servant, and in business as a CEO and company chair. He has held a number of overseas postings for the Department of Trade and Industry and was Managing Director of the Petroleum Corporation of New Zealand. He is currently chairman of five companies and is a member of the Market Surveillance Panel of the Stock Exchange. Mr Falconer has held numerous community positions and is a former director of Opera New Zealand.

Susan McCormack is principal of Christchurch based McCormack Law and specializes in commercial and corporate law. She has business involvement as a director of Lyttelton Port Company and as a director and shareholder of Seaview Investments Limited.

Joe Pope is a Wellington based company director. His previous and current positions include Chair of Tradenz and HortResearch, and membership of the Establishment Board of Industry NZ, Ministerial Advisory Panel on Producer Board Reform, and the Agricultural Development Council, Expo 1992 Ltd. Mr Pope was first appointed to the Board of the NZSO in 1996. He was extensively involved in negotiations with the Wellington City Council with plans for relocating the NZSO to the Michael Fowler Centre.

Peter Rowe is a senior partner with the law firm Minter Ellison. He has been involved with many major corporate acquisitions in New Zealand and advises extensively on governance and general corporate matters to Boards of numerous New Zealand and international companies.

ENDS

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