Future-proofing the New Zealand economy

Future-proofing the New Zealand economy

In association with the Ministry for the Environment

Responding to climate change doesn’t require choosing between profit and fairness or between economic gain and doing the right thing. However we do need to evolve our economy and it’s up to each of us as individuals, as cities and government, as organisations and businesses, to take action. At an unprecedented pace, cities and nations around the world have started to do well by doing good – creating healthier people and places while delivering sustained wealth and value.

How can we boost New Zealand's productivity, get a grip on our rising emissions, and ensure that we transition to a resilient, inclusive and future-focused economy?

Sector leaders will debate that very question. They will share real examples of how we are innovating and starting to transition, where there are ripe opportunities for transformation, and what we must seriously commit to in order to deliver a better, stronger and fairer Auckland and New Zealand. The event follows the launch of the Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ Our Atmosphere and Climate 2017 report, which will provide context for a transition starting point. This conversation will unequivocally challenge all sectors to find sturdy common ground to lay the foundation of a new economy

 

Helen O’Sullivan

CEO, Ockham Residential

After four and a half transformative years as CEO of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand, Helen is now CEO of one of Auckland’s most innovative property development companies.

Helen is also a chartered accountant and has extensive experience within the property and finance sectors.  Helen brings an important perspective from the housing sector to our discussion on the opportunities and challenges in transitioning our economy.

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David Woods

Chairman, Impact Enterprise Fund

David has extensive leadership roles in financial and business management and brings a wealth of experience in social finance and impact investment, including supporting financial inclusion, agriculture and renewable energy in the developing world.

David moved to New Zealand a year ago and has taken up a role as Chairman of the Impact Enterprise Fund. The fund – the first of its kind in New Zealand – has two primary objectives: delivering market-rate financial returns, and delivering tangible societal and environmental outcomes.

With this wealth of experience, David will share his insights on how the financial sector can help future-proof the New Zealand economy.

Martin McMullan

Connected Journey Solutions Director, NZTA

Since July 2016, Martin has led the Transport Agency’s approach to innovation and new technology. He is passionate about using data to provide smart solutions that connect people, services and infrastructure.

Martin joined the Transport Agency in 2014 as Zero Harm manager. Working with industry partners, Martin led the introduction of new technology and data analytics to support the government’s objective to reduce workplace fatalities and serious harm by 25 percent.

Martin has more than 15 years’ experience in the engineering and construction industry.

He has also established two technology start-up businesses.

He sits on the Construction Safety Council Board of Directors and holds an executive role with the Australian Driverless Vehicle Initiative. Martin is also a registered member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.

Learn more about Martin’s current work and his thoughts on the future of transport

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Rangimarie Hunia

Chief Executive, Ngati Whatua Orakei Whai Maia

Rangimarie is the Chief Executive of Ngati Whatua Orakei Whai Maia, the organisation charged with advancing the cultural, social, development and environmental aspirations of the hapu. 

Rangimarie has held a number of governance roles in commercial, Iwi, social enterprise and education areas as well as running her own business.  Rangimarie holds a Masters of Commerce.

Vicky Robertson

Secretary for the Environment

Vicky was appointed as Secretary for the Environment in April 2015. An internationally experienced executive with a background in law and economics, Vicky is a champion for inclusive growth, transparency and accountability in the state sector. Before her appointment, Ms Robertson was a key member of the Treasury’s senior leadership team, where she held Deputy Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer and Acting Secretary and Chief Executive positions. 

Ms Robertson represented the Treasury in several capacities, including the steering group that established the programme to deliver the Mixed Ownership Model for State Owned Enterprises. Vicky has also been involved in significant interdepartmental strategic policy including leading the group involved in a cross-departmental review of New Zealand’s Climate Change policy.

Her professional accomplishments include a year’s secondment to the United Nations Development Programme, where she led a strategic and structural review of the organisation.

Learn more about Vicky’s background

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Jim Quinn

Chief of Strategy, Auckland Council

Jim is an experienced CEO and executive manager in the logistics and IT industry. He is currently Chief of Strategy for Auckland Council.

He was the inaugural CEO of KiwiRail who lead the reintegration of New Zealand’s rail assets and business and created the plan to turn the business around. Prior to that he negotiated and led the Express Couriers joint venture between New Zealand Post and DHL.

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