Tauranga City Council is pleased to announce it has appointed Dame Kerry Prendergast as the Independent Chair of its Audit and Risk Committee for the 2026–2028 period.

The Audit and Risk Committee plays a critical role in providing assurance to Council and the community that Tauranga City Council is effectively managing risk and maintaining robust financial and governance practices.

While the Local Government Act 2002 requires councils to have appropriate systems and processes to ensure accurate financial management and effective risk oversight, appointing an independent Chair is considered best practice to strengthen governance.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale, says it’s fantastic to have someone of Dame Kerry’s calibre and experience appointed to this strategic governance role.

“Her extensive governance background and independent perspective will help ensure robust discussion and sound decision-making for the benefit of our city. An independent chair creates an environment which encourages consideration of a wide range of ideas and risk management possibilities.

It also helps the community understand the background and accountability for Council decisions,” says Mahé.

Dame Kerry Prendergast is delighted to take on this role and contribute to Tauranga’s future.

“Good governance is about creating trust and clarity and I look forward to working with the Committee to ensure robust processes are in place to support the city’s growth and wellbeing,” says Kerry.

Dame Kerry brings a wealth of experience to the role. She served as Mayor of Wellington from 2001–2010 and is a former Vice-President of Local Government New Zealand. She holds an MBA from Victoria University of Wellington and is a distinguished alumna of the university.

Her governance portfolio includes chairing Wellington Free Ambulance, Wellington Opera, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, the Tourism Industry Association and Capital Kiwi. She is also a Director of Oceania Healthcare and FishServe, and a Trustee of the Wellington International Arts Foundation and the New Zealand Community Trust.

In recognition of her services to governance and the community, Dame Kerry was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DNZM) in 2019, following her appointment as a Companion (CNZM) in 2011 for services to local government. She also received a Lifetime Excellence Award for Outstanding Contribution to Local Government in 2016.

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