Five board interns to the boards of Auckland’s Council-Controlled Organisations have been appointed by the Appointments, Performance Review and Value for Money Committee.
The Auckland Council board intern programme supports aspiring directors to develop skills, knowledge and boardroom experience, as well as establishing relationships and networks.
The programme has been established to provide long-term benefits for the council and other organisations by expanding and diversifying Auckland’s talent pool of potential directors.
The five appointees were selected from 75 applications following a robust selection process and then approved by the Appointments, Performance Review and Value for Money Committee on the 6 December.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has welcomed the new appointments: “All candidates are successful in their chosen fields and bring significant expertise to each organisation. I look forward to working with them to deliver for Auckland.
Councillor Christine Fletcher, Deputy Chair of the Committee and a member of the selection panel says the calibre of applications was very high.
“We are looking forward to the positive contributions that each of the interns will make to Auckland and hope this experience will set them up for future directorships.”
The board interns will commence their roles on 1 January through to 31 December 2019.
About the new board interns
Melissa Crawford is an experienced diplomat, foreign policy advisor and lawyer with over fifteen years of professional experience, including six years working in China. She currently works as a senior lawyer focusing on dispute resolution. Melissa is appointed board intern for the Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) board.
Colin Magee spent five years as Head of Conduct at the Financial Markets Authority and has recently set up a new ‘FinTec’ (Financial Technology) business. CMFJ Investments limited is designed to help facilitate the growth of New Zealand companies and allow the public to help finance socially beneficial projects. Colin is appointed board intern for the Watercare Services board.
Sarah Burke is currently the Head of Technology at ANZ, where she leads a large people and delivery function, responsible for strategic planning, asset management, cultural transformation and board-level reporting. Sarah is appointed board intern for the Auckland Transport board.
Shaun Conroy is a senior executive with Board governance experience in public and private companies and not for profit organisations across the Asia Pacific. He is currently the COO of BDO New Zealand. Shaun is appointed board intern for Regional Facilities Auckland board.
Paul Brown has been the Chief Executive for ChildFund New Zealand Limited since 2004, where he has led and developed the company’s strategic and business plans. Paul is appointed board intern for Panuku Development Auckland board.
The council’s Appointments, Performance Review and Value for Money Committee is responsible for all board appointments to substantive council-controlled organisations.
