Profiles
Steve McDowell
Steve has developed a wide range of management skills through various roles in local government, project management, emergency management, police experience and involvement in other activities such as school Board of Trustees and as a rugby referee.
Specific areas of business development and management that Steve has been involved in include:
- Governance advice and training
- Local Government training and professional development
- Leadership and team development
- Project management
- Emergency management planning and project implementation
- Business continuity management
Steve holds a Postgraduate degree in Local Government and Administration from Auckland University, and completed the Resource Management Act “Making Good Decisions” programme in 2008.
In 2005 Steve set up his own company to provide specialist local government, emergency management and project management services.
Steve is a Justice of the Peace and a Marriage Celebrant.
Vern Walsh
Vern has had twelve years local government experience having served three terms as an Auckland City Councillor and one term as Chair of a community board. During his final three year tenure with Auckland City Council he chaired the Finance and Corporate Business Committee, the Audit Sub-Committee, the Directors Review and Appointments Sub Committee, Annual Plan Hearings and Combined Committees. Vern was acting Mayor and Deputy Mayor on a number of occasions.
Specific areas that Vern has been involved in include;- Political mentoring
- Chairmanship and meeting processes
- Role of elected representatives
- Understanding local governance
Vern has served as a Director on the Council Controlled Organisations Metrowater and The Edge. As an elected representative of the Portage Licensing Trust Vern was appointed to the commercial board West Auckland Trust Services Limited. In other governance roles Vern was a trustee of the Aotea Centre Performing Arts Trust and was a member of the Lottery Environment and Heritage Distribution Committee of the Lottery Grants Board. Vern has a thirty-year finance industry background and currently runs a mortgage consultancy company as governing Director.
Vern is Chairman of the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board.
Vern is also a Justice of the Peace.