24 May 2016

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Twelve young professionals have been offered director internships in an initiative by Christchurch City Holdings Ltd (CCHL) aimed at imparting skills to the next generation of directors and driving diversity around the board table.

The 12 aspiring directors will have the opportunity to work alongside the boards of established companies and learn from experienced directors how successful boards work.

“We had an overwhelming response when seeking intern applicants. The selection was made more difficult as the calibre of over 150 applicants was outstanding,'' said CCHL Director Bill Dwyer.

“The recipients are from a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds, professions and skill sets. Being an intern director is an opportunity for them to gain an insight into good governance practice and learn about the dynamics of sitting on a board,'' Mr Dwyer said.

“We have a good group of CCHL owned companies together with some other associated entities with highly performing commercial boards who stepped up to be part of this and I believe this scheme will offer worthwhile experience to those who have been selected and contribute to diversity around the board table”, said Mr Dwyer.

The interns will be provided mentoring and a study scholarship to do an Institute of Directors course during the term of the internship. The appointment is for a term of 18 months commencing mid-2016.

The following have received director internships with seven CCHL subsidiary companies, Canterbury Development Corporation, Regenerate Christchurch and Christchurch Arts Centre:

Karen Cameron (Lyttelton Port Company), Matt Cameron (Orion), Sina Cotter-Tait (EcoCentral), Analisa Elstob (Enable), Ben Hayward (Christchurch City Holdings), Rebecca Hopkins (Christchurch City Holdings), Melanie Lynn (Red Bus), Laura Meriluoto (Canterbury Development Corporation), Kate Morrison (Christchurch International Airport), Andrew Nicol (Christchurch Arts Centre), Matt Russell (Development Christchurch) and Hilary Walton (Regenerate Christchurch).

CCHL is the investment arm of Christchurch City Council. It is the majority shareholder of Orion New Zealand Ltd, Christchurch International Airport Ltd, Lyttelton Port Company, Enable Services Ltd, City Care Ltd, Red Bus Ltd, EcoCentral Ltd and Development Christchurch Ltd.