Families Commission welcomes new Commissioners

The Families Commission is welcoming the skills and experience that its two new Commissioners will bring to its work for the interests of families and whānau in New Zealand.

Chief Commissioner Carl Davidson says the appointment by the Minister of Social Development Paula Bennett of Robyn Scott and Dr James Prescott to the board of the Commission will add a depth of expertise well suited to the Commission’s research focus.

“Both are highly experienced in issues connected to the wellbeing of families and will add much to the governance role of the Commission’s Board. They also bring strong connections to their respective professional and social communities. This will strengthen the Commission’s ability to include the voices of families in research that informs Government and community leaders whose decisions impact on family wellbeing every day.”

The Families Commission also pays tribute to the work of Commissioners David Smyth and Sandra Alofivae whose term ends on 31 August Deputy Chief Commissioner Bruce Pilbrow has worked with these Commissioners since he joined the Commission a year ago

“Sandra was the last remaining of the first Commissioners appointed when the Commission was created,” Mr Pilbrow says. “For some six years she has delivered a committed and passionate advocacy for the interests of families through her work in the Commission, work which she continues through her professional and family activities in South Auckland. Especially valuable has been her ability to bring the voices and experience of Pacific families to the Commission’s research and advocacy activities.

“David has also made a significant contribution since joining the Commission in December 2006. He brought a wise and widely experienced professionalism to the Board with a special focus on financial accountability and effectiveness, but he has also cared deeply about how to best promote the wellbeing of families in New Zealand.

“We wish them both well.”

Editors Notes:

Robyn Scott
Robyn joined Philanthropy NZ in 2003 after a varied career including sixteen years as a primary school teacher and more recently managing a small not for profit organisation. She is actively involved with several not for profit organisations and enjoys the variety of work that running a small organisation offers.

Robyn lives in Wellington with her husband and two school-aged children. She finds the world of philanthropy continually stimulating, challenging and thought provoking.

http://www.philanthropy.org.nz/about/board

James Prescott
James Prescott is a senior lecturer in accounting and programme leader for the accounting component of the Bachelor of Business degree. Since joining AUT in 2000, he has lectured in Financial Management, Advanced Business Finance and Investment Analysis in the Bachelors Degree and International Risk Management, Corporate Finance and Investment Analysis and Management at the postgraduate level.

Prior to joining the university, he worked in both the private and public sector as a management accounting, senior financial accountant and financial manager. He has and currently serves on a number of community and government ministerial boards and is a director on a number of small companies. He had been a long serving member on many trusts including the Pacific Business Trust and health boards with which he has continues with his research and contact.

http://www.aut.ac.nz/study-at-aut/study-areas/business/research/research-areas/listings/accounting/james-prescott

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