Cantabrian Roger Sutton to head Christchurch rebuild agency

Cantabrian Roger Sutton to head Christchurch rebuild agency

By Pattrick Smellie

May 12 (BusinessDesk) – One of the heroes of the Christchurch earthquake response, Roger Sutton from the local electricity network company Orion Networks Ltd., is to be the permanent chief executive of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority.

With Christchurch mayor Bob Parker, Sutton became a key figure in the aftermath of both the September and February Christchurch earthquakes, impressing political observers and women of a certain age with his trademark chisel-jawed calm and frankness.

The appointment was crucial for Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee, who hit a major stumbling block when CERA’s intended temporary head, former Army leader and head of the Customs Service, Martyn Dunne, suddenly withdrew from the role.

It was temporarily filled by a senior State Services Commission official, John Ombler, whom Sutton will replace from mid-June.

"Roger has been an outstanding leader as Orion Networks’ chief executive, and he has a very keen appreciation of the extent of damage from the earthquakes and need for recovery here in the city,” said Brownlee. "I'm sure Roger’s appointment will speed the recovery process.

"I think all Cantabrians, and particularly the residents of Christchurch city, can be confident we have found a chief executive who is more than up to the job."

Sutton has worked in the electricity industry for most of his career, and worked as a political adviser to Labour Energy Minister Pete Hodgson in the early 2000’s.

(BusinessDesk)

© Scoop Media