Board of Directors

Craig has worked as a diplomat, economist, investment banker, Chief Investment Officer, and CEO. He has authored reports to the New Zealand Government on the Taxation of Investment Income (which led to the PIE regime), and the creation of New Zealand as a funds domicile. Craig is a Taumata of the University of Otago Business School.

Linda is a professional company director with over 25 years governance experience, combined with 30 years senior financial management experience having worked in both the banking and energy sectors in New Zealand.

Linda has been a full-time company director since 2015. Linda’s governance experience spans many industries such as banking, funds management, electricity generation, retail and distribution; broadcasting services, co-operatives, local authority owned and state-owned entities and charities. Linda has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and a Diploma in Banking.  She also holds a Sustainability and ESG Designation; a Climate and Biodiversity Certificate and is a member of Chapter Zero New Zealand. Linda is a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Finance Professionals New Zealand (INFINZ), a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Charted Governance Professional and a Certified Fellow of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.

Alan has over 35 years’ experience in the financial services and local government sectors at executive level, with over twenty years in banking, insurance and funds management followed by his current role as General Manager Corporate / CFO at Whangārei District Council.

His involvement with LGFA began in its initial planning stage, as a representative of the ‘tight nine’ councils that worked together to turn the concept into reality in 2011. He was an inaugural member of the Shareholders’ Council, which he chaired from 2014 before joining the Board in 2021.

Philip is a solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and Victoria. He has worked as a corporate finance adviser in New Zealand to the corporate sector on debt and equity matters for more than 30 years. Philip is also a strategic adviser to clients in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He was a member of the Local Government Infrastructure Expert Advisory Group tasked with advising the Minister of Local Government on improvements in local government infrastructure efficiency.

David is a co-owner of an investment consulting firm, MyFiduciary Ltd, which provides portfolio advice and implementation for institutional investors including charitable trusts and iwi. His background is in economic policy and investing, having worked for the NZ Superannuation Fund and the OECD. 

He has held current and past roles as an investment trustee and as a director of regulated utilities in the gas and transport sectors both in New Zealand and overseas. 

David has an M.Sc in Economics from the London School of Economics, and a B.Soc.Sci (Hons) in Economics and Physics from the University of Waikato.

Helen is an experienced business leader locally and internationally mostly in the technology and sustainability sectors. Helen was Managing Director of Microsoft New Zealand, VP of Pivotal Corporation Asia Pacific and Managing Director, Markit Group (co-founding its Environmental Registry; now part of S&P Global).

Helen has decades of governance experience acting as Director or Chair for numerous public, private and public sector organisations.

She is a member of Global Women, a Chartered Member of the NZ Institute of Directors, and has been recognised in numerous awards for business and innovation including the NZ Women of Influence Supreme Award and as an Officer of Merit in the Queens Honours.

Elena is an experienced company director and a professional engineer who has held a number of leadership positions in the transport, infrastructure and energy sectors. She has over 30 years of experience in the management, planning and delivery of large projects and continues to provide advice on nationally significant infrastructure developments.  

She is a well-seasoned professional director, has held a number of governance roles including chairing independent government inquiries and reviews by local authorities in accordance with Section 17 (a) of the Local Government Act. Her current directorships include Chair of Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority, Chair of Chartered Professional Engineers Council, Co Chair Waihanga Ara Rau Construction and Instructure Development Council, director of Contact Energy, City Care, Opuha Water Ltd, Worksafe and Callaghan Innovation. 

Sarah is a Chartered Accountant with a professional career spanning business advisory, financial management, and corporate services. 

She is currently GM – Organisation Performance of Taupō District Council and has been in local government leadership roles since 2017, across three different Councils. Sarah is passionate about making a lasting, positive difference in the sector and the communities they serve.  She is a member of Taituara Financial Management Reference Group, which tackles issues of national significance around policy and practice as it relates to local government financial management.

Sarah is also a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and has held board positions with several community organisations.  She is currently the Chairperson of Waipā Networks Trust and HRT Property Holdings Trust.

Sarah has been recognised for her financial management abilities including winning ‘Emerging Financial Manager’ at the 2021 NZ CFO Awards.