On behalf of The Aotearoa Circle Board, we're delighted to welcome two new Guardians and announce our incoming co-Chair.
A warm welcome to our Board Juliet Tainui-Hernandez and Nic Blakeley.
Juliet (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Whakatōhea, Te Whānau-a-Apanui) is a professional director serving on the boards of ASB Bank, Whai Rawa Fund, Rewiring Aotearoa, The Skills Group Trust and Ōnuku Rūnanga among others. She is a member of the Waitangi Tribunal and former Assistant Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.
Nic joins the Board as Secretary for Economic Growth and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment bringing a wealth of experience across economic policy, strategy, transformation and public sector leadership. Nic joined MBIE from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) where he held Deputy Chief Executive roles since 2013 in Social Policy, Strategy and Insights, and most recently Transformation. He has also worked at Treasury and is a former economic advisor to the Minister of Finance.
Continuing co-Chair James Palmer noted that the Board was fortunate to receive nominations from an exceptional field of candidates, making the selection process for new Guardians both challenging and encouraging.
These appointments follow the conclusion of an outstanding tenure by former Guardian Penny Nelson and the upcoming departure of co-Chair Laurissa Cooney.
As James reflected: "I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Penny and my fellow co-Chair, Laurissa. Both have played an instrumental role in shaping The Aotearoa Circle and leave a lasting legacy. On behalf of the Board, I extend our sincere thanks for their leadership, wisdom and commitment."
As Laurissa concludes her term, fellow Guardian David Carter, Chair of Beca, will step into her co-Chair role from August. A passionate supporter of The Circle's purpose, and a longstanding advocate for strengthening both New Zealand's environment and economy, David has been closely involved in our work for many years.
"I look forward to working alongside David in his new capacity as we continue to build momentum for the important work ahead," James added.
Please join us in welcoming Juliet, Nic and David to their new roles, and in thanking Penny and Laurissa for their outstanding service and leadership.
