NZ Green Building Council welcomes new Board members

26 November 2014

New Zealand Green Building Council welcomes new Board members

The New Zealand Green Building Council was pleased to announce its new Board of Directors at today’s AGM in Auckland.

The Board is joined by two new directors: Gary Walker, Executive General Manager of Hawkins Construction; and Steve Aschebrock, Director and joint owner of INZIDE Commercial (see biographies below).

NZGBC Chair Tim Hooson of Jasmax, said both new directors brought years of experience and a commitment to innovation and best practice.

“We’re delighted to be gaining Board members of the calibre of Gary Walker and Steve Aschebrock.

“Gary is very knowledgeable about the nuts and bolts of green building, having overseen major projects both here and overseas. Steve is well known as a strong advocate of sustainable manufacturing. Both bring commercial acumen, passion and experience. I’m sure their contribution will continue to advance the strategic focus of the NZGBC, ensuring we deliver value to members and advocate for better environmental performance of New Zealand’s buildings.”

Stepping down from the NZGBC Board this year is Scott Pritchard, CEO of Precinct Properties and Shane Brealy, former MD of NZ Strong Construction.

“Scott and Shane have both provided valuable counsel and been stalwart supporters of the NZGBC,” said Tim Hooson. “We’re very grateful for their contribution over several years.”

NZGBC Chief Executive Alex Cutler said, “I’m delighted to welcome Gary Walker and Steve Aschebrock to our Board of Directors. Their expertise and commitment to sustainable building in New Zealand will add to the Board’s energy and focus, and help steer the NZGBC as we grow.”

“I also want to pay tribute to Scott Pritchard and Shane Brealy, who have contributed immensely to the NZGBC and helped us reach the strong position we’re in today.

“The part that green building can play in creating a thriving national economy and healthy communities, is becoming more widely acknowledged. There is an undeniable increase in awareness and demand for environmentally conscious built spaces. Thanks to our strong, engaged members and the rigour of our rating tools, the NZGBC is perfectly placed to build on our success and continue as a leader in New Zealand’s green building movement,” Alex concluded.

The two independent directors, Mary-Jane Daly and Pieter Burghout, have been re-appointed to their roles.

Steve Aschebrock has been involved with New Zealand’s building interiors industry for nine years as a joint owner of INZIDE Commercial. His background in commerce and accountancy includes an MBA and registration as a chartered accountant, and a role as Change Manager at Vodafone Global. He believes environmental standards and commercial progress must go hand in hand, and a business will enjoy better long-term outcomes if that balance is kept. Steve is also a Green Star Accredited Professional.

Gary Walker is the executive general manager for Hawkins Group Ltd, and is responsible for overall management of nationwide projects and setting the company’s strategic direction. He has managed large-scale developments here and overseas, including a number of Green Star projects: New Zealand’s first public-private partnership (the Hobsonville Point schools), Britomart Auckland and Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital public-private partnership. He is passionate about encouraging innovation and sharing ideas.

NZGBC Board of Directors
• Tim Hooson (Chair) Principal, Jasmax Ltd (Architects & Designers)
• Lincoln Fraser, Development Director, Newcrest Group (Commercial Property Developers)
• Mark Fraser, Commercial Manager, Hobsonville Land Company Ltd. (Residential Builders and Developers)
• Ian Wheeler, Property Department Manager, Auckland Council (Government Departments and Agencies, Local and Regional Authorities)
• Gail Calder, Z Energy (Tenants and End Users, Retail)
• Gary Walker, Executive General Manager, Hawkins Construction Ltd (Building Contractors)
• Steve Aschebrock, Director and Joint Owner, INZIDE Commercial (Building Product Manufacturers and Distributors)
• Matt Lee, Director, WSP New Zealand (Engineers)
• Simon Wilson, Director, RDT Pacific (Property and Construction Professionals)
• Alex Hanlon, Director of Learning Resources, University of Canterbury (Higher Education, Research and NGOs)
• John Schellekens, National Director, Structured Transactions and Advisory, CBRE Ltd. (Related Property Interests)

Independent Directors
The NZGBC allows for two independent directors to be appointed by the board for a period of one year. These are:
• Mary-Jane Daly
• Pieter Burghout, Fletcher Building

About the New Zealand Green Building Council
The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) is a not-for-profit industry organisation dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of market-based green building practices.

Our vision is that New Zealanders live, work and play in healthy, efficient and productive buildings in a sustainable built environment.

NZGBC is a membership organisation that aims to support our members to stay up to date and position themselves as market leaders in the drive for a sustainable built environment.

NZGBC operates the Green Star, Homestar, NABERSNZ and BASE rating systems for sustainable buildings. We advocate best practice and provide training and education for all areas of the building industry value chain.

ENDS

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