28 Sep 2021

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Christchurch City Council has appointed experienced director Barry Bragg as chair of the company that will oversee delivery of the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena (CMUA).

“We are delighted that Barry Bragg has agreed to take on the role of Chair of the CMUA Project Delivery Limited Board,’’ says Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

“Barry has been interim chair of the Board while we’ve reviewed the governance arrangements for the company and his extensive governance experience has already proved invaluable.

“He has put in place a number of process and structure changes that provide us with confidence the Board will skilfully manage the delivery of this critical project,’’ Mayor Dalziel says.

Mr Bragg is a chartered accountant who has been a director on a number of property and commercial companies, including Ngāi Tahu Property. He has also been a director of other entities such as the Canterbury District Health Board, Air Rescue, and the Flying Doctor Service. 

Mr Bragg affiliates with Ngāi Tahu, Whānau ā Apanui and Whakatōhea.

The Council has also appointed Gill Cox as a director of CMUA Project Delivery Limited.

Mr Cox is a highly respected business person who has strong commercial and governance experience.  He is well versed in local government processes and has recently been appointed Chair of the Council’s venue management company, Venues Ōtautahi (formerly Vbase).

“Mr Cox’s appointment will ensure that the CMUA project has a strong focus on operational matters and the facility is fit for purpose,’’ Mayor Dalziel says.

Richard Peebles and Steve Reindler are the other directors of CMUA Project Delivery Limited.

Mr Peebles is a highly regarded property investor who has helped bring Christchurch’s city centre back to life after the earthquakes. His company has been responsible for developments such as the Little High Eatery and, in partnership with other investors, the Riverside Market.

Mr Reindler has extensive construction experience and holds a number of Board positions. He is also an independent advisor to AgResearch, Lincoln University and Air NZ on infrastructure builds.

“The job of delivering Christchurch a world class arena in a time when there are supply chain issues and rising construction costs because of the coronavirus pandemic is going to be challenging.

“But I am confident we have the best people for the job and that they will pull out all the stops to ensure Christchurch ends up with an arena that delivers a great visitor experience and energises the heart of our city,’’ Mayor Dalziel says.