KEY APPOINTMENTS IN THE WAIKATO
If you have a key appointment you would like to announce please contact Rebecca.
Michael Ocego
Montana Group is thrilled to welcome Michael Ocego as the new Director of Operations.
With a strong track record in building high-performing teams and delivering meaningful operational impact, Michael brings significant leadership experience to the role. He spent the last ten years at The Trusts Arena in Auckland, including the past three as Chief Executive.
His background includes senior leadership roles across food service and event catering, and he is passionate about driving efficiency, empowering people, and delivering excellence at every level of the business.
Michael will be overseeing operations across all aspects of the group and is looking forward to spending the next couple of months getting familiar with the business. The team looks forward to the fresh perspective and expertise he will bring as the company enters its next phase of growth.
Kiani Tuhua
The Waikato Chamber of Commerce are thrilled to welcome Kiani Tuhua as the South Waikato Business Lead. Kiani will be based in the South Waikato as a key point of contact for the local business community. Her part-time role focuses on building strong relationships, driving membership growth, and ensuring the voices of South Waikato businesses are heard and supported. With a passion for connection and a commitment to helping businesses thrive, she brings both expertise and heart to the role. She also continues in her position as Community Engagement and Partnerships Lead at SWIFT, deepening her impact across the district. Read more about Kiani here.
Mark Wylie
SkyCity Hamilton is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Wylie to the position of Head of Hospitality. Mark will be responsible for leading all aspects of SkyCity Hamilton’s hospitality function including food and beverage, conferences and events and Bowl and Social.
Mark is an experienced chef, hospitality professional and business leader and is looking forward to bringing his expertise to SkyCity Hamilton. Mark’s extensive experience includes two prior appointments within SkyCity Entertainment Group, senior roles in New Zealand at Hip Group, Cater Plus, Rollex Group and Southern Hospitality and most recently as Chief Executive of Montana Group.
Based in Raglan with his family, Mark is excited about returning to SkyCity and working with the fantastic team to continue to enhance the offer and experience at SkyCity Hamilton and sharing this offer with the Waikato community.
Melissa Le Prou
Fosters has named Melissa (Mel) Le Prou as its new Chief Financial Officer – the internal appointment reinforcing Fosters’ commitment to developing top talent.
Mel joined Fosters as Finance Manager in 2021, having progressed from school leaver to Senior Manager over a period of 10 years with KPMG. She was quickly identified as a future leader and completed Fosters’ Senior Leadership Course. Her people-focused leadership style, combined with a strong financial acumen, has made her a trusted figure within the business - she’s well known for her reliability, approachability, and ambition.
A Chartered Accountant with a Business degree, Mel thrives on collaboration and strategic financial oversight.
CEO Nigel Sun is pleased to have Mel join the Fosters Executive Leadership team: "Mel started with us 3.5 years ago and has worked closely with our outgoing CFO, gaining invaluable leadership experience. Her recent promotion is testament to her dedication, expertise, and growth. We are incredibly proud of her."
Alex Gordon
On Monday the 10th of March, the Board and staff at Hospice Waikato welcomed Alex Gordon, the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Born and bred in the UK, Alex has an MSc in Healthcare management and post-graduate Diplomas in Business and in Health Services Management. He has undertaken a comprehensive executive education in healthcare leadership, through completing NHS London’s Next Generation Directors Programme, delivered by Hult International Business School. Whilst still in the UK, Alex spent 11 years in various governance roles at Richard House, London's first children's hospice.
Alex is no stranger to serious illnesses and end of life care. He arrived in New Zealand 9 years ago, and prior to joining Hospice Waikato, he managed Te Whatu Ora Waikato Hospital’s Cancer and Chronic Condition service, including the hospital’s in-patient palliative care service.
Whilst many of his formal qualifications are focused on healthcare, Alex has had significant experience across many areas of organisational and performance management, of particular note as the Hospital lead for the second response to the Covid pandemic, the Directorate lead for the response to the DHB’s devastating cyber-attack, and the Executive lead for the DHB’s response to the Whakaari/White Island incident.
With more than 20 years of experience in health services management at both a strategic and operational level, the Hospice Waikato team are looking forward to the energetic and collaborative leadership style Alex will bring to the organisation. Already Alex has shared that he is looking forward to leading “in appreciation of Hospice Waikato’s history, its values, its staff and the large team of volunteers, all of whom dedicate their time to a very special organisation.”
Alex made the most of the opportunity to take a long break over the kiwi summer, spending some very special time with his family. He also spent 20 days walking part of the Te Araroa trail, solo, with nothing but a backpack and a tent.
After almost three weeks on the job, he is very much enjoying being ensconced in Hospice Waikato and we are looking forward to introducing him to our hospice community over the coming months.
Hospice Waikato would also like to acknowledge and thank Susan Hassall for the guidance and love she had given the organisation over the last 10 months, ever since she stepped into the role as Acting CEO for what was initially expected to be a three-month period.
Prior to taking up this role, Susan had very recently retired from a 40-year career at Hamilton Boys High School, where she had led the school as Headmaster since 1999. During her 10 months at the helm of Hospice Waikato, she led with the same kindness and wisdom she had shown to literally tens of thousands of boys at that school.
Susan returns to the Board of Hospice Waikato, in the role of Chairperson.
Matthew Gill
Johnston Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Gill as its first Chief Executive Officer, effective March 3, 2025. This appointment represents a significant milestone in the firm's growth and reinforces its commitment to providing exceptional expertise and service to businesses in the Waikato and beyond.
Matt brings over 21 years of experience in business, commercial, and corporate banking, having held senior leadership positions at Westpac Bank. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a thorough understanding of business growth, financial management, and leadership, aligning perfectly with Johnston Associates dedication to innovation, client success, and excellence.
With a reputation of driving growth, cultivating strong client relationships, and leading high-performing teams, Matt has developed strategies that enhance operational efficiency and ensure sustainable success. These qualities make him the ideal candidate to steer Johnston Associates through its next phase of expansion.
Matt’s appointment signals a dynamic new era for Johnston Associates, reinforcing the firm’s dedication to empowering businesses with expert guidance. His leadership, expertise, and passion for growth—paired with a forward-thinking vision—will drive innovation, enhance collaboration, and ensure tailored solutions that help businesses thrive nationwide.
Richard Lindroos
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society has appointed Richard Lindroos to the top job vacated by Peter Nation in December last year. Joining the Society with over 20 years’ experience in sports event management and event ownership, Lindroos is not one to shy away from the task set to him by the Society Board.
With experience in both the public and private sector and extensive event management experience with FIFA, IMG and Supercars, Lindroos knows his way around major events and the input required to pull them off successfully.
Lindroos will commence his new role on the 7 April 2025, 3 months ahead of the 57th Fieldays, held 11 – 14 June at Mystery Creek Events Centre.
Clive Somerville
The South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (SWIFT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Clive Somerville as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 20 January 2025. Clive brings a wealth of experience in banking, technology, and community development, most recently serving as General Manager of the Graeme Dingle Foundation Waikato.
Clive is deeply committed to fostering opportunities that support the regeneration, development, and enhancement of areas experiencing social and economic deprivation in South Waikato. He emphasises the importance of building meaningful partnerships and delivering transformative initiatives to enhance the community’s prosperity.
SWIFT Chair Stephen Veitch expresses confidence that under Clive’s leadership, SWIFT will continue to focus on delivering its vision: Growing Together, Growing Stronger by investing in opportunities that unlock South Waikato’s full potential. “We look forward to the positive impact he will bring to South Waikato.”
With family ties to Okoroire, Putāruru, and Rāhui Pōkeka (Huntly), Clive’s connection to the region reinforces his commitment to its long-term prosperity. Alongside his work, he is an avid cyclist, outdoors enthusiast, and family man who values the rich heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Clive succeeds former SWIFT CE Amanda Hema, who stepped down in November 2024 after three years of dedicated service.
Jennifer Kerr
The University of Waikato has appointed Jennifer Kerr as Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Waikato Management School.
A Distinguished Alumna of the University of Waikato, Ms Kerr (Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama) will join the University in March.
Ms Kerr brings significant governance and leadership expertise to the Pro Vice-Chancellor role and the University.
She is Chair of Callaghan Innovation, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and WorkSafe New Zealand, and holds governance roles at New Zealand Police and Waipā Networks Limited.
As well as her current directorships, Ms Kerr has extensive executive experience stemming from a Human Resources background at large organisations both in New Zealand and overseas, including Mobil, Fonterra and Transpower.
She has also had a successful consultancy career, working with organisations including Wel Networks, AgResearch, and Mighty River Power.
Ms Kerr says she is excited to take up her new role at the University.
“Having studied at Waikato as an undergraduate and postgraduate student, I’m thrilled to be returning to the University and for the opportunity to work with people who are passionate about their fields of scholarship and the tertiary sector.
“Waikato Management School has built a strong brand and network in the business community. I look forward to meeting our staff, students and employers, and making those vital connections between academia and industry, to support our next generation of business leaders,” she says.
Ms Kerr holds a BA in History and English and a GradDip in Psychology from the University of Waikato and was awarded a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022 in recognition of her services to community and governance. The Distinguished Alumni Awards celebrate the achievements of Waikato alumni who have achieved significant success in their career and made outstanding contributions to their communities.
Warwick Pitts
Wintec is pleased to announce that Warwick Pitts, will be taking up the role of Wintec Operations Lead from 3 February. In line with the Government’s new direction for the vocational education sector, and disestablishment of Te Pūkenga, this new locally based Operations Lead role replaces the Regional Executive Director - Region 2 position, following the resignation of Huia Haeata.
Wintec’s current Executive Director Learner Success and Ōritetanga, Warwick has been part of the Wintec and Te Pūkenga whānau for 21 years, also leading enterprise strategy, product management, quality, data and insights, and sales functions across the institution. He has demonstrated an unwavering passion for transformation through education and an unrelenting focus on the success and wellbeing of both our learners and kaimahi.
With Warwick’s wealth of experience, and deep commitment to the vocational education sector and ākonga success, Wintec is in excellent hands as we continue our journey toward becoming an independent, stand-alone Institute of Technology and Polytechnic (ITP) in 2026.
Janise Hine-kapetiu Eketone (Waikato – Maniapoto) and Chris Flatt
Trust Waikato is pleased to announce the appointment of Janise Hine-kapetiu Eketone (Waikato – Maniapoto) as its new Chair and Chris Flatt as its Deputy Chair, effective 22 November 2024. Trust Waikato also extend their heartfelt gratitude to Vicky McLennan for her dedicated service during her term as Chair which began in March 2021.
Janise brings a wealth of experience to her new role as Chair, having held multiple leadership positions with Te Whatu Ora Waikato – Waikato District Health Board, including Director of Maaori Health Strategy. Her previous tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the Maniapoto Maaori Trust Board showcases her ability to drive significant community initiatives, including the successful Nga Wai o Maniapoto settlement. Janise has been a Trustee with Trust Waikato since June 2018 and prior to her appointment as Chair had served as Co-Deputy Chair since March 2021.
Chris is the National Secretary of the NZ Dairy Workers Union – Te Runanga Wai U and has extensive experience in governance across various boards. His legal background and commitment to community development is invaluable to Trust Waikato. Chris has been a Trustee with Trust Waikato since June 2018 and prior to his appointment as Deputy Chair had served as Co-Deputy Chair since March 2021.
Trust Waikato and the Waikato Community will benefit from the continued leadership of Janise and Chris as they continue to remain committed to their vision of vibrant and resilient Waikato communities.
Fiona Michel
Dress for Success Hamilton is delighted to welcome Fiona Michel as new Chair of its Board of Trustees.
Fiona, who is known to many in the Waikato network in her role as Chief Executive, Braemar Hospital, has long supported Dress for Success in New Zealand and Australia, both as a volunteer stylist, a clothing and financial donor and a long-time supporter of women at work - as a sponsor, mentor and coach.
Fiona's appointment to the Dress for Success Hamilton board is another lift to the non-profit organisation's profile in the wider Waikato community - where it empowers Waikato women to thrive through its free dressing programme and career services. It also has attached to it, one of Hamilton's best pre-loved clothing boutiques - 'Rosy' in London St, where all profits go back to Dress for Success.
Currently the demand for the services that Dress for Success Hamilton offers is growing, with increased numbers of women accessing the service this year. It is a great time for Fiona to join the Board to bring her extensive knowledge and experience to create meaningful change and growth for the organisation, as well as bring along her many connections to supporting this important charity for women in the future.
Fiona has executive and governance experience in technology, banking, insurance, public service, health, property, primary industry and utilities. She holds an MBA from the University of Auckland, is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and is a Chartered Member of the NZ Institute of Directors.
Fiona is also an Independent Director for New Zealand Medical Indemnity Insurance, is Vice President of the New Zealand Private Surgical Hospitals Association and is a member of the Living Wage Movement’s Principal Partner Council. She has won numerous awards in New Zealand and Australia for achievement in human resources, leadership, culture, ethics and industrial relations, and was a finalist in the 2021 Westpac Women of Influence Awards for her work on the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.
David Christiansen
Momentum Waikato has welcomed David Christiansen as its new Executive Officer.
Dropping ‘Chief’ from the title points to David stepping into a re-defined and part-time leadership position, one reflecting a new ‘flatter’ staffing configuration, with other team members’ roles expanding.
Born and educated in Hamilton, David has lived his whole life here or nearby in the Waikato. He studied at the University of Waikato and then started his work career there.
He then worked in a series of roles at Wintec over 22 years, including building their offshore international business - Wintec won ‘Global Operator’ award at the 2017 Waikato Business Awards.
From 2018, David was CEO at Wintec, leading it through Covid and the ROVE sector reforms, until he was transferred into Te Pūkenga in 2022. After leaving Te Pūkenga in 2023, he has been working with Learning Works, a subsidiary of Wintec-Te Pūkenga.
The community foundation has recently re-focussed on its core purpose of attracting and growing endowment funds, by enabling generous local people and trusts to multiply the impact of their charitable giving and continue doing it forever.
Momentum will still also initiate and drive community projects, of which the most well-known to date is the Waikato Regional Theatre, however it will now pursue just one signature project at a time.
David says he is delighted to now be part of ‘Team Momentum’.
“It is a real privilege to be leading an amazing group of people dedicated to delivering real, impactful benefit for this region and its communities.”
