Former Ngai Tahu Property chief executive, Tony Sewell, has accepted a contract to lead the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch property team.
A long-time member of the Catholic Cathedral Management Board, he has a deep understanding of property matters in relation to the Diocese.
“The Diocese has tread a very sensible and measured path in dealing with the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and other churches and schools damaged in the earthquakes, and it is essential that we keep this momentum going. We need to take a long-term view of the work to be completed. While a decision on the cathedral is our most important focus, we cannot lose sight of the great work our parishes are doing in dealing with their own rebuild projects. We have to make sure we continue to support and guide them, while also completing our assessment on the Cathedral.” said Sewell
Sewell worked for Ngai Tahu for 21 years and during that time the iwi’s equity in its property company grew from $50million to $600 million and the company completed many noteable property development and property investment projects.
“This is an exciting time to be involved with the Diocese and their property interests,” he said.
Andy Doherty, general manager of the Christchurch Diocese, said that having a person of Tony’s experience to step into the property leadership role was a coup.
“Tony is one of the most experienced property players in New Zealand, so to be able to have this expertise, coupled with his knowledge of the Diocese through being a member of the Cathedral management board, will allow us to build on our growing momentum in this sector,” he said.