New ORC corporate services director appointed

Otago Regional Council chief executive Peter Bodeker today announced the appointment of Nick Donnelly as the council’s new director of corporate services and chief financial officer.

Mr Donnelly, who is currently chief financial officer at AJ Hackett Bungy Ltd, based in Queenstown, will replace Wayne Scott, who retires on July 24 after 39 years with the council and its forerunner, the Otago Catchment Board.

Mr Donnelly has been CFO at AJ Hackett Bungy for the past six and a half years. Before this he held various financial roles in Auckland and Wellington, in the financial services, energy, and banking industries.

Originally from Christchurch, Mr Donnelly attended the University of Canterbury and worked for Deloittes after graduating, before travelling overseas and embarking on a series of contract roles, mainly in London.

He and Dunedin-born wife Louise have three children, all of whom are looking forward to their move to Dunedin.

Having lived and worked in Queenstown for a number of years, Mr Donnelly said he was well versed in the challenges and opportunities facing residents and businesses in the Otago region.

“I am passionate about Otago and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to the implementation of the council’s vision.”

Mr Scott began his career in local government in January 1976 as an assistant accountant with the catchment board and earned several promotions, culminating in 1985 when he was appointed secretary-treasurer to the board.

Mr Scott was appointed to his current role with ORC in 1989, following the reorganisation of local government in New Zealand.

Mr Bodeker said Mr Donnelly’s appointment came at a pivotal time for the council as it implemented a new strategic plan and the 2015-2025 Long Term Plan.

“Nick will bring valuable private sector experience, skills and perspectives to ORC and I am sure he will make a major contribution to the organisation and to Otago generally. I am pleased that we have been able to recruit someone of his calibre,” he said.

Mr Bodeker paid tribute to Mr Scott’s prudent financial stewardship of ORC over the years, which he said had ensured the organisation had implemented disciplined financial approaches to its business.

ENDS

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