
Q Do you have any particular memories that jump out at you regarding your time in this job?
Getting snowed in during my first week was an interesting induction to the region, but I have now come to enjoy the truly contrasting seasons. It has been quite humbling to see the large number of volunteers that are selfless in their pursuit of helping others and who truly care about making our community a better place.
Q How would you describe your time as chief executive?
I have really enjoyed my time with the trust and I’m proud of our achievements during the past decade. I have worked with some very motivated people and on some wonderful community projects. I would like to think that I have provided a proactive, solution-focused approach in helping to achieve the trust’s missions of enhancing assets and enriching lives.
Q Why are you leaving Central Lakes Trust?
I have achieved what I wanted to achieve and the timing is right to take advantage of new opportunities. It has been a privilege to lead the trust and looking back I’m really proud of what has been achieved over this period. The positive feedback that I have received from key community stakeholders over the past few days has been very humbling.
Q What are you going to do next?
I am a member of the Otago Polytechnic Council and a trustee of Winter Games New Zealand and the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation. I am excited about extending my governance involvement and taking advantage of opportunities that have arisen.
Q What do you think Central Lakes Trust has done for the region?
The trust has been a game-changer for this region. Since it was established in 2000, it has approved more than $85million to more than 2000 charitable projects. The majority of these would not have happened without the trust’s support. This includes the construction or upgrade of numerous community facilities and the delivery of a wide range of programmes and services that enrich the lives of our residents on a daily basis. The founding trustees: Peter Mead, Duncan Butcher, Graeme Bell, Mike Allison, Don Spary and the late Dick Hill, as well as the public who voted for the trust to be established, are to be congratulated for their vision as the trust will be available in perpetuity to support charitable projects throughout this region.
Q What are some projects you are particularly proud of?
There are so many projects that have made a significant difference. Being part of the successful negotiation with key government officials to leverage $13.15million of government funding for the Central Otago-Queenstown trails network project to support the trust’s largest ever grant of $11.15million was an obvious highlight. This project will create a 536km trail network, linking the four existing Central Otago Great Rides. Others include the Information and Communications Technology project for schools, the swim skills programme, a grant of $950,000 to Dunstan Hospital in 2013 to purchase a scanner, and the completion of the trust’s new office building in 2011.
Q Did you ever find the geographical area of the trust limiting, e.g. do you wish you could have funded projects in the Maniototo?
There will always be great projects that are worthy of support. However, the trust is bound by its deed to support charitable projects in the network supply area of the former Otago Central Electric Power Board. Although it would be good to support projects outside of the region, it makes sense the boundaries reflect the geographical area of the customer base that provided the funds.
Q How does the future of Central Lakes Trust look to you?
The trust is in the strongest financial position ever. Its strong reserving position should enable it to tackle major community projects with confidence.