Key appointments for KiwiBuild revealed

Move will provide greater clarity on government’s priorities, says minister

Key appointments for KiwiBuild revealed

The government has announced new leadership roles to lead KiwiBuild and its transition to the Housing and Urban Development Authority.

Brad Ward has been appointed as Kiwibuild deputy chief executive and will lead large-scale project transition at HUD. He has been with Kiwibuild since late 2018. In his new role, Ward will lead the provision of KiwiBuild policy and strategic advice, including advice on the reset, and large-scale project.

KiwiBuild Commercial will be led by Helen O’Sullivan. Her responsibilities include working closely with Housing New Zealand (HNZ) and HLC (formerly Hobsonville Land Company) and working with builders and developers to accelerate the construction of KiwiBuild homes.

HLC chief executive Chris Aiken will be in-charge of the overall leadership of the work programme regarding the delivery of large-scale project and the use of Crown-owned land.

Meanwhile, Sir Brian Roche will lead the establishment of the new authority. He will be responsible in the transition of KiwiBuild’s delivery functions, together with HNZ and HLC.

All of them are committed to working together to provide a joined-up approach to the development community and ensure a smooth transition of functions to the authority, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Chief Executive Andrew Crisp said.

“We need to build more affordable housing for all New Zealanders with urgency,” Crisp noted. “For this to happen we need to start transitioning ahead of the authority being formally established.

“A joined-up approach will provide greater clarity of the government’s priorities for large-scale developments, a better understanding for developers about who to work with and when, and the ability for more efficient processes to be put in place.

“This transition will evolve over time but I’m excited that we are starting now,” he added.

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