Fresh faces at the Housing Trust

28 April 2015

The Community Housing Trust has appointed three new well qualified Trustees to its Board. Peter Southwick, Joanne Conroy and Gigi Hollyer replace three founding trustees who have reached the end of their third tenure. Board members retiring include Barry Robertson, Dennis Pezaro and Brian Donnelly.

Chair, David Cole, says “this is the first set of changes we have had since 2009 and we owe a debt of gratitude to the tireless contribution from the three trustees now retiring. The Trust has assisted nearly 100 households over the past 8 years and is highly regarded around the country for its innovative approach. Our Shared Ownership, Rent Saver and Affordable Rental programmes are all proving very popular and are designed to assist lower income households into the right affordable housing tenure tailored to their cirumstances.”

“Although the experience of the three retiring trustees will be sorely missed, I am delighted that we have three strong community focused individuals, with very relevant and diverse expertise to take their place.”

Cole goes on to note – “despite the achievements over the past 8 years, the Trust has nearly 300 eligible households on our books we are trying to assist and the new team of trustees is clear on the goal to help these local families into affordable homes. And there is economic benefit that flows back to the community. When families are spending a sensible amount on housing, it increases their disposable income to spend back in the community.”

Wanaka local, Peter has spent thirty five years in the property industry in both Australia and NZ. He is a Valuer, Property Manager, Investor and Developer and is passionate about affordable housing and seeing families evenutally own their homes.

Long-time Queenstown local Jo Conroy has lived in Queenstown for the past 30 years and for most of that time has been involved in the property industry. She currently owns APL Property, a Queenstown based property management and valuation Company. Jo has a strong involvement in the Queenstown community and has a clear understanding of local housing affordability challenges faced by residents.

Having grown up in Queenstown, Gigi Hollyer has a great feel for the community through her work as Chair of St Joseph’s Primary School Board of Trustees, as well as her involvement in various parts of community life through sport, school, and friends.

ENDS

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