Who We Are

Steve has been consulting for eight years covering areas such as strategic planning, governance reviews, governance and management training and development programmes, business risk management and emergency management.

In 2013 Steve worked with the Ministry of Justice on the implementation of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 through designing and delivering training to members of District Licensing Committees.

Steve chaired the Waihi Community Forum in 2012 - 2013. This forum was established to implement the Property and Community Investment Programme for Newmont Gold in relation to the effects of mining in Waihi. The forum included local district Councillors, Newmont Gold and elected members of the community.

Steve is very experienced in designing and delivering training programmes particularly in tailoring to the clients requirements.

Prior to working in private practice Steve worked for the Auckland City Council for 20 years in senior management roles.

Steve holds a Postgraduate degree in Local Government and Administration from Auckland University is an accredited Planning Commissioner and is a member of the Society of Local Government Managers as well as being a Justice of the Peace, Marriage Celebrant and is a member of the Auckland Rugby Referees Association.

Vern is the chair of the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board, a Director of MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) and was an elected member for twelve years having served three terms as an Auckland City Councillor and one term as Chair of a community board.

During his final three year tenure with Auckland City Council he chaired the Finance and Corporate Business Committee, the Audit Sub-Committee, the Directors Review and Appointments Sub Committee, Annual Plan Hearings and Combined Committees.

Vern has served as a Director on the Council Controlled Organisations Metrowater and The Edge.

As an elected representative of the Portage Licensing Trust Vern was appointed to the commercial board West Auckland Trust Services Limited.

In other governance roles Vern was a trustee of the Aotea Centre Performing Arts Trust and was a member of the Lottery Environment and Heritage Distribution Committee of the Lottery Grants Board.

Vern has a thirty year finance industry background and currently runs a Mortgage Consultancy company as governing Director.