Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Recovery loses an inspirational leader


Recovery loses an inspirational leader


A former senior leader at the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, Michelle Mitchell, passed away suddenly yesterday after an unexpected illness. She was away for the weekend with her husband in Queenstown.

Ms Mitchell was one of the original staff at CERA who worked with acting chief executive John Ombler to set the organisation up in 2011. She had recently begun a new role as director of the Greater Christchurch Group, which will be a new arm of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC), with an on-going focus on the region’s recovery.

Prior to that Ms Mitchell was a senior leader within the Ministry of Social Development in Canterbury.

John Ombler says the loss of Ms Mitchell is devastating for her family and for all those who knew her.

“From the first earthquake in September 2010, Michelle’s role put her front and centre of the recovery work. She joined CERA as the organisation was being pulled together in 2011 and has continued to work tirelessly within the recovery.”

“She recently moved into an exciting new stage of this work in setting up the Greater Christchurch Group. Our loss as an organisation is actually a loss for the entire community. The work Michelle and her team have done in the past five years has been a hugely significant part of Christchurch’s recovery.”

DPMC chief executive Andrew Kibblewhite says the loss will be felt right across the state sector, across which Ms Mitchell was a highly respected leader.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“We have been truly privileged to have had someone with Michelle’s genuine empathy and ability leading this important area of work. She will be sorely missed.”

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says he is shocked by the sudden loss, and his thoughts are with Ms Mitchell’s family.

“The importance of Michelle’s role in the recovery cannot be overstated. She was committed to helping this community get back on its feet, and she worked incredibly hard to make that happen.”

“I personally enjoyed working with her, and I am greatly saddened today to hear this tragic news.”

ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.