Both Michael and Carolyn were strong candidates in an excellent pool of candidates for this role, with Michael appointed as Independent Chair and Carolyn appointed as an Independent Member.

Michael is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand and has over 30 years’ experience in New Zealand and overseas in providing professional services to medium to large-sized corporate, public sector and not-for-profit entities. He leads the audit division at BDO Christchurch and is the former Head of Assurance for BDO NZ. He has significant governance experience, including Independent Member of Audit and Risk Committee for Christchurch City Council and interim Board Member and Chair of Audit and Risk Committee Christchurch City Holdings Limited.

After a 30-year career as a senior leader in the public sector, Carolyn is now committed to using her experience at a governance level to contribute to the community. She holds a practising certificate as a Barrister of the High Court, is a member of the Gambling Commission and the Risk and Assurance Committee for the Parliamentary Counsel Office, also a Lead Reviewer for the Treasury Gateway Process.

Wishing you both all the very best for your time with Environment Canterbury.