David CUNLIFFE

Labour Leader

18 September 2013                 MEDIA STATEMENT

Wendy Brandon to be Labour Chief of Staff 

Labour Leader David Cunliffe has appointed Auckland lawyer and manager Wendy Brandon as Chief of Staff.

Wendy Brandon is currently the General Counsel at Auckland Council and a member of the Executive Leadership team.  She has previously worked for the Ministry of Health, and was seconded as a senior adviser to David Cunliffe’s office when he was Minister of Health.

“Wendy Brandon will be an outstanding Chief of Staff.  She is a vastly experienced lawyer and manager, with a CV that spans central and local government, as well as the private sector.

“For the past three years she has been at the heart of the new Auckland Council, playing a vital role in the establishment of the country’s largest local body.

“Her skill set is exactly what is needed for the pivotal role of Chief of Staff.

“At a personal level, I’ve known Wendy for many years.  I trust her absolutely, and value her honesty, integrity and excellent judgement.

“I could not be more delighted to have her come aboard.  I know she will add real depth and heft to my office,” says David Cunliffe.

Wendy Brandon will start as Chief of Staff on October 1.

Biographical Note:
Wendy Brandon is currently the General Counsel at Auckland Council and a member of the Executive Leadership team.  Prior to taking up her appointment in August 2010, Wendy was legal counsel at the Ministry of Health in Wellington, a partner in one of New Zealand's largest law firms, and a barrister.  

For 6 years, Wendy was chair of the Medical Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, and while at the Ministry of Health, Wendy was seconded to the Minister of Health's office as a senior advisor.  Wendy has worked as a lawyer and adviser on projects in Australia, the Pacific Islands, Russia and the United States and served as a Director and Deputy Chair of the SOE, Kordia Ltd, and was a director of the NZ Red Cross.

Earlier this year Wendy was awarded the Chapman Tripp Public Sector In-House Counsel of the Year award by the New Zealand Law Society's Corporate Lawyers Association of New Zealand. 

ENDS

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