Tamaki regeneration under new leadership

This is a supplied media release

Experienced director John Robertson has been appointed as Chairman of the Tāmaki Regeneration Company (TRC), the Minister Responsible for Housing New Zealand Bill English says.

TRC was established in 2012 to lead the Tāmaki Regeneration Programme, which will see the delivery of 7500 social, affordable and private homes in Auckland over the next 10-15 years.

It is a joint venture between Auckland Council and the Government and requires one Board director to be appointed by the Council, and one by the Crown, with the remaining directors appointed by joint decision.

Mr English says as a former Chair of the Auckland Mayoral forum, a former MP and former Mayor of the Papakura District Council, Mr Robertson has a sound understanding of issues of social and economic well-being, as well as iwi and other communities.

“The Tāmaki regeneration plays an important role in the Government’s wider programme of social housing reform and redevelopment so it’s vital it is led by someone like Mr Robertson, who brings a wealth of executive and organisational leadership.

“Along with outgoing director Eru Lyndon, I’d like to thank outgoing chair Brian Donnelly for leading TRC through the challenges of taking on 2800 Housing New Zealand properties with a strong focus on positive relationships with tenants and innovative services, and leaving it in fine stead.”

Also appointed to the Board are directors Matthew Harker and Diana Puketapu.

Mr Harker has recently returned to New Zealand from London and brings extensive experience in delivering large scale social housing projects, involving a number of stakeholders, while Ms Puketapu is a chartered accountant who has held a number of chief financial officer roles, both in New Zealand and overseas.

She brings significant financial management and governance experience.

“The aim of social housing reform programmes such as Tāmaki is to improve the lives of vulnerable New Zealanders while delivering improved social housing.

“I’m confident that a Board of this calibre will meet our objectives of empowering tenants to be independent where possible, while caring for some of our most vulnerable people.”