New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency (“LGFA”) announced today it has appointed Anita Furniss as its inaugural ‘Future Director’ under the LGFA Future Directors programme, effective 1 July 2022 for a period of 18 months.
Ms Furniss is currently the Executive Officer to the Deputy Chief Executive at Auckland Council. Her previous local government experience includes the Executive Officer for the Auckland Council Finance Division and a number of senior legal roles at Auckland Council, two London Borough Councils and at Franklin District Council. Her legal career began in a private practice litigation team.
The Future Directors programme aims to give young talented people from within the Local Government sector with an interest in corporate governance the opportunity to observe and participate in Boardroom discussions for an 18-month period. The Future Director attends all Board meetings, but they have no voting rights and are not involved in decision making.
LGFA Chair Craig Stobo said, "The LGFA Board is pleased to appoint Anita as a Future Director. Her background across local government and the legal profession will bring relevant experience to our board meetings – and I hope she will enjoy the opportunity to sit on the board of an innovative organisation that is delivering significant value to our council stakeholders."
Anita said, “I am excited to join the LGFA Board as a Future Director during what is an exciting time for the organisation. I know that the LGFA’s work makes a difference for communities throughout New Zealand and I look forward to the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to LGFA and the wider local government sector. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from the experience of the other board members during my time on the Board and to the LGFA for offering such an invaluable opportunity to the local government sector.”