Chair
Originally from Auckland, Clare Giffard has lived and worked in Canterbury for almost 20 years and now operates a number of high profile hospitality businesses in the North Canterbury region. Owner of San Dona Lodge in Ohoka, Flat White Café Bar in Pegasus and Urban Revival Café at Silverstream, Clare is also the director and chairperson of San Dona Olives, president of a Pegasus Town International Lions Service Club, a board member at Ohoka School and a well-known supporter of the local business community.
Clare became an ENC Board Trustee in 2018. She applied for the role so she could help to grow business opportunities in North Canterbury, and expand awareness of the fabulous region that she calls home.
Trustee
Marie is the Mayor of Hurunui District. She was elected to the Hurunui District Council in 2010 as councillor for the Amuri Hurunui ward and in 2013 was elected to the role of Deputy Mayor. Marie is currently the Chairperson of the District Licensing committee, along with a range of community boards and committees.
For 25 years Marie was employed by the New Zealand Plunket Society visiting families across the Hurunui and Waimakariri districts before retiring from this role in 2017.
In her role as Mayor, Marie looks forward to striving towards excellence in all that will benefit the Hurunui District.
Trustee
Prior to being elected Mayor of Waimakariri District Council in 2019, Dan had 15 years as a Councillor and therefore has an in-depth knowledge of local issues. With this extensive understanding of our rural and urban communities, Dan believes in creating strong connections between all residents and working within these communities to help create positive change.
In his role as Mayor Dan participates in the Canterbury Mayoral Forum, the Greater Christchurch Partnership, the Regional Land Transport Committee and the Canterbury Passenger Transport Advisory Group.
With the district’s larger investment projects such as the multi-sport stadium and Kaiapoi’s regeneration projects either completed or well under way, Dan believes that the years ahead will require a ‘steady as you go’ approach, managing costs to ensure our district continues to thrive.
In addition to his Council role Dan enjoys working with communities. He was involved with the establishment of the Oxford Art Gallery and the Kaiapoi Art Expo. He is Chair of the Friends of Rangiora Town Hall, Patron of the North Canterbury Musical Society and Deputy Chair of the Waitaha Primary Health Board.
Trustee
Holly is the General Manager and Company Director of one of North Canterbury’s largest employers; Patoa Farms. Based near Hawarden, Patoa Farms is a family owned and operated outdoor farrow to finish pig farm. Before becoming involved in the family business, Holly worked in banking as an executive assistant in the agribusiness sector of ANZ and a rural banking consultant for what was then The National Bank.
Holly became an ENC Trustee in 2018. She was inspired to apply for the role so she could help to support small businesses, people and community development in the North Canterbury region.
Trustee
Mike is the General Manager and Director of Wedderspoon – the Rangiora-based, world class manufacturing facility dedicated to supplying the number one selling Manuka honey brand in North America. Much of the honey exported by Wedderspoon is sourced from North Canterbury, and it is this work with local apiaries and other businesses that has given Mike a passion to see the area develop for the greater benefit of its population.
After gaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing from Massey University, Mike worked in a variety of industries both in New Zealand and abroad. He has lived in the North Canterbury district for over a decade with his wife and young family.
Trustee
Bob lives in North Loburn with his wife Adeline and their children Isabella, Harry and Jack. His 22 years’ experience spans the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. He is the Chief Executive of the Waikato River Authority, an advisor to the Office of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and sits on the Board of Governors for Rangi Ruru Girls’ School. He was an independent commissioner for the Ruby Views and Silverstream subdivision hearings, and chair for the Conway River plan change hearing.
Trustee
James Flanagan is owner/operator of PAK’nSAVE Rangiora and a long-serving member of the North Canterbury business community. James and his wife Catherine took on the then brand-new supermarket in 2015 and are dedicated to employing local staff, stocking local products and supporting local causes. James and Catherine live locally and enjoy the close and supportive North Canterbury community.
James applied for the ENC Trustee role in order to give something back to the North Canterbury business community. He brings a breadth of retail and business knowledge to the table.
Trustee
With over 20 years corporate and commercial law experience, Grant leads the commercial team at Helmore Stewart Lawyers, Rangiora. Grant is admitted to both the New Zealand and South African bar. He is also a Founding Trustee of the Committee for Canterbury and Trustee of the North Canterbury Radio Trust (“Compass FM”). Grant has a wealth of experience tackling complex and diverse corporate and commercial matters ranging from “start-up “companies through to multi-jurisdictional mergers and acquisitions. He enjoys listening to clients’ business objectives and framing strategic goals within the confines of the law.
Grant joined the ENC Board in 2021 and brings a a range of high-level skills, knowledge and local insight to the table.
Advisory Trustee
Jeff is the Chief Executive of Waimakariri District Council.
Jeff has been the General Manager of Finance and Business Support for 14 years and has worked in Local Government and Central Government for over 40 years. He started with the Rangiora Borough Council, prior to Local Government reorganisation in 1989 and has worked in a number of different roles within the organisation throughout his tenure. Jeff is a qualified chartered accountant and member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
Advisory Trustee
Hamish is the Hurunui District Council Chief Executive. He brings a strong mix of commercial and local government experience along with an extensive rural and horticultural background.
For six years prior to his appointment with Hurunui District Council Hamish was the Chief Executive Officer of Lakes Environmental Ltd, delivering regulatory services to the Queenstown Lakes District Council and others. Prior to this he held executive business development, processing and technical management positions.
