Auckland Council’s CCO (Council Controlled Organisation) Board Intern programme will now run annually

From Auckland Council:

Board Interns boost Auckland Council’s diversity

Auckland Council’s CCO (Council Controlled Organisation) Board Intern programme will now run annually. 

The programme is designed to give aspiring directors first hand boardroom knowledge and allow them to establish relationships and networks with current directors, in conjunction with Auckland’s CCOs.

CCO Governance and Monitoring Committee chair and Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, says the decision to run this programme annually is a bonus for aspiring directors and the council.

“A lack of gender and ethnic diversity on boards is an issue in New Zealand and overseas and by running this programme Auckland Council is helping address that issue,” she says.

Interview panel member for the programme Councillor Denise Krum says the calibre of the applicants was very high.  All interviewees applauded Auckland Council for the programme’s creation citing its uniqueness in allowing them a ‘foot in the door’.

“This is Auckland Council’s contribution to building a more diverse pool of experienced directors for Auckland organisations and companies,” says Cr Krum.”

The appointees are:

• Mere Kingi to Watercare Services Limited with a strong background in audit and risk, Mere brings a broad range of international banking industry experience.  Mere has also represented New Zealand in women’s rugby (Black Ferns) and women’s touch rugby, understanding the role working together toward the end goal.

• Kavita Khanna to Regional Facilities Auckland – with a background in human resources, Kavita has strong experience where cultural change is required.  With experience of working in organisations required to meet strict project outcomes (on time and budget) while ensuring supportive systems are established for teams and individuals.

• Louise Ward to Auckland Transport – with strong experience in second-third tier management and experience of working and reporting to boards.  Having previously worked in central government, Louise understands the need to develop a strong trusting shareholder relationship. With additional expertise in property and facility maintenance.

• Daniel Mussett to Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development – has a strong career in consulting, particularly within the investment industry, Daniel also brings governance expertise as Chair of Dilworth Charitable Trust.

The programme is designed to run from July 2015 to June 2016.

The Human Rights Commission 2012 Census of Women’s Participation found that in New Zealand’s top 100 companies by market capitalisation, only 14.75 per cent of directors are women (90 directorships held by 69 women in 55 companies). The HRC notes that at the current rates of progress, equality in New Zealand corporate governance will take another 35 years to achieve.

Central government has a gender diversity target of 45 per cent by 2014. In 2012, 35 per cent of directors of crown companies and 41 per cent of directors of state sector boards were women.

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Excellent to see