August 12 2011

Deloitte Christchurch partner appointed to CERA role

Deloitte Christchurch managing partner Steve Wakefield has been appointed to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) as its General Manager for Economic Recovery.

The appointment was announced today by Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee It will be for a two-year period from October 3.

Mr Wakefield’s role will be to lead the economic recovery of Canterbury, heading the team charged with developing and implementing the recovery programme for Christchurch city and the Canterbury region.

He says he is honoured to be given the opportunity to play such an important part in the rebuilding and recovery of Canterbury, and working with the people of Canterbury to bring about the region’s transformation.

“I passionately believe that economic recovery for Canterbury will be the key driver in creating a reborn city of Christchurch over the next few years,” Mr Wakefield says.

“Christchurch will become a world-class city again, one that attracts and retains people who want to succeed in life, work and play, is a base for businesses that want to thrive and create jobs and prosperity for all local citizens, and a destination for tourists who want to see want to see the beauty of our region and what Cantabrians are capable of achieving.”

Deloitte CEO Murray Jack says the appointment is testament to the leadership and skills Mr Wakefield has shown through his contribution to the various recovery groups since the February earthquake.

“The economic recovery of Christchurch is important to everyone in business, and to the whole of New Zealand. Deloitte is immensely proud of Steve’s contribution to date, both in leading our own Christchurch business recovery and that of our clients, and we wish him well in his new role at CERA.”

Mr Wakefield has been actively involved in a wide range of recovery efforts since the devastating February 22 earthquake, and will bring this vast experience and knowledge to the role.

He has been a part of the Canterbury Business Leaders Group, with responsibility for the business and people issues work stream, was appointed to the Community Forum for CERA, and has been a member of the business and property advisory group to Christchurch City Council’s Central City Recovery Plan development team.

As a Consulting Services partner at Deloitte, he has more than 30 years experience in New Zealand, the UK and the US in many areas of business consulting, most recently specialising in governance and direction of major change programmes.

He has been involved in numerous steering committees, project boards, and governance teams for businesses carrying out major projects or transformation programmes.

Mr Wakefield describes himself as “a very proud Cantabrian” and has lived in Christchurch since he was 10 years old. He is an enthusiastic advocate for the city’s business, cultural and sporting communities, and is a board member of the Court Theatre, the Youth Hostel Association and the Canterbury Cricket Association. He lives in the city with his wife Helen and three teenage boys.

Mr Wakefield will be taking a two-year leave of absence from Deloitte to undertake his role at CERA.

ENDS

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