For Immediate Release

15 June 2006

Housing New Zealand Head To Take Up Position In Australia

Housing New Zealand Corporation Chief Executive Helen Fulcher is to take up a new position in South Australia, Board chairman Pat Snedden announced today.

"Helen leaves to take up a new and challenging position with the best wishes of the Board," said Mr Snedden."She is returning to her home state of South Australia to lead Housing South Australia, an organisation being created from 1 July to bring together the state rental, indigenous and community housing services which have to date been run as separate statutory authorities.

"Earlier this year Helen had been considering job opportunities in South Australia, which she discussed with me. However she put her decision on hold as we both agreed continuity of leadership was essential for the Corporation through the recent inquiry by the Auditor-General.

"I made it clear to her that at the conclusion of the inquiry, should she choose to return to South Australia, she would go with the Board's support.

"We are sad to see Helen go. She has been a first rate Chief Executive and has led the development and implementation of the New Zealand Housing Strategy and broadened the understanding of the wider Corporation roles within and outside of the government sector.

"Her leadership of the organisation has been recognised as of the highest order within the State Sector and she is a loss to the Corporation."

Mr Snedden said an international search for a new chief executive would begin immediately. Housing Services General Manager Ian Bourke has been appointed the acting Chief Executive of the Corporation for the transitional period.

ENDS

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