About our company

Our Chief Executive, John has overseen the delivery of the company’s major anchor projects in central Christchurch. An experienced chartered professional engineer, John has been involved in the Christchurch earthquake recovery for the past 12 years. His programme leadership includes complex stakeholder-driven infrastructure developments, diverse and challenging political interests, skills in vertical building design and construction, as well as balancing commercial outcomes against the Crown’s objectives. John’s skills and his ability to balance consultation with decisive action, are well known and respected. John has been passionate about the rebuild of Christchurch and is pleased to see the work of his dedicated team now being enjoyed by residents and visitors.

Sue oversees the development, design and delivery of the People and Capability strategy, including recruitment and change management, to ensure the company is fit for purpose. Sue is also responsible for the company’s Health Safety and Environment team, which works with both staff and external contractors on site. Sue had over 20 years’ experience in human resources positions with large organisations such as Westpac, Meadow Mushrooms and most recently Lincoln University, before she joined Ōtākaro during its establishment in 2016. Sue lives in Christchurch with husband John. She is passionate about developing and nurturing people, and wellbeing. In her spare time she can be found around the Port Hills either on a bike or on foot, or browsing around interior design shops.

Sam has 20 years’ legal experience in New Zealand, Ireland and the UK. He is a leading construction and commercial lawyer and for the last 15 years has worked in-house for energy and construction companies, at EDF Energy in the UK and at Genesis Energy and Fulton Hogan in New Zealand. Sam was Fulton Hogan’s first New Zealand-based lawyer and over his eight-year tenure, he developed and led a team of senior lawyers supporting Fulton Hogan’s large and diverse New Zealand business. Sam joined the company in November 2022 as General Counsel and Company Secretary. Sam lives in Auckland with his wife and two young children. He is passionate about construction, infrastructure, and health and safety, and in his spare time is actively involved with youth cricket and football.

Kirstie has a background in retail management with over 20 years’ experience working in corporate retail environments. Kirstie spent 10 years at Scentre Group with her most recent role being the centre manager at Westfield Riccarton, where she gained extensive experience in major asset management and marketing. Kirstie and her team are responsible for overseeing the owner relationship with the venue operators, ASM Global, at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. A born and bred Aucklander, Kirstie now calls Christchurch home. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and teenage sons exploring the beautiful South Island.

Ken is a chartered accountant, director and senior executive with leadership experience in the construction, wholesale/distribution, agribusiness and engineering sectors. Auckland-based, Ken spent many years in Christchurch and is excited to support the company to turn a Christchurch success story into a nationwide one. Leading the newly formed Corporate Services unit, comprising Project Services, Finance and IST, Ken brings significant systems and business transformation experience. In his spare time he enjoys track walking, mountain biking and watching football.

Greg leads a diverse infrastructure delivery programme covering a range of complex construction projects in Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington. His team of more than 20 people partner with client agencies to oversee projects from the initiation phase through planning, execution and eventually closeout. Greg has a military engineering background and has significant experience in major infrastructure delivery. This includes playing a key role in the development of the Christchurch post-quake recovery plan, the first phase of the city’s Anchor Project delivery, initial work on the Lincoln University/AgResearch Joint Facility, programme management responsibilities with the Earthquake Commission, and leading the Ministry for Primary Industry’s Plant Health and Environment Capability Programme which seeks to replace the current biosecurity facilities in Auckland.

Richard leads the company’s engagement with central government and other Crown organisations. His team is responsible for ensuring the company’s capabilities are well understood, with a focus on building relationships and identifying opportunities for Rau Paenga to take on new infrastructure projects. Richard’s team also works to ensure Rau Paenga has a seat at the table in key policy discussions, and that the company’s perspectives are positively influencing the development of infrastructure-related policy. Richard has held senior policy and management roles at the Ministry of Education, Land Information New Zealand and Waka Kotahi and also has experience in the private sector with TSA Management. Richard works out of the Wellington office and lives on the Kāpiti Coast with his wife and two daughters. When not transporting his daughters to activities he enjoys playing football and watching all forms of sport.

Mark guides the organisation's strategic direction and its handling of issues. He previously worked at the Treasury and the Ministry of Transport in Wellington, and before that worked in advisory roles for EY in Canada, Germany, the UK and Ireland. Mark is based in Wellington, where he likes to take in the sights and sounds of the ‘coolest little capital in the world’. He is a Munster rugby supporter, and in his spare time he dabbles in podcasting and PC building.