Media Release – Tuesday 10 February

Warwick Isaacs to take on new challenge

One of the most familiar faces of the Canterbury rebuild, Warwick Isaacs, is stepping down from his role at the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, after devoting four years to the city’s recovery.

CERA Acting Chief Executive John Ombler says the departure of Mr Isaacs is a huge loss for the organisation, given his long-standing role within the CERA leadership team.

“There are few people who have been so intrinsically involved in the rebuild of this city,” Mr Ombler says.

“Warwick was here from February 23 2011 in a Civil Defence capacity, and essentially never returned to his normal Timaru life. He joined CERA as a deputy chief executive, and then took on the mammoth task of leading the Christchurch Central Development Unit.

“He went from being Mr Emergency to Mr Demolition to Mr Rebuild, and for the past two years has been overseeing a $4 billion work programme – that’s a huge commitment to this city over the past four years.”

Mr Ombler says Mr Isaacs’ strong leadership had guided the city’s physical rebuild through the uncertainty that followed the unprecedented natural disaster Christchurch experienced.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the role Mr Isaacs’ family has played in supporting him. The hours have been exceptionally long and the roles very demanding.”

Mr Isaacs is moving to the role of chief executive at Stonewood Homes. He leaves CERA at the end of March.

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