Neville Bennett
Read what the National Business Review says about Neville - February 2009
Expert in
social science methodology, economics and economic history.
Breadth of community experience
covers roles as a Justice of the Peace,
a former member of the local Community Board, Trustee for
community projects, and Directorships.
Extensive knowledge of the
world, providing expert opinions on Asia and
international finance, and with understanding of various cultures and
languages.
B.Sc. (Econ), Hons. Ph.D., London School of Economics, 1958-63, with a
fine reputation in the national and international industry.
Demonstration of
strong leadership and communication skills in all roles including
governance, academic and community.
Author of several books, and
weekly columnist in National Business
Review since 1992, providing commentary on world markets and investment
portfolios. Columnist www.interest.co.nz .
Authority in Finance. Expert
Witness:, Successful consultant, especially in investment.
Key Professional Skills
Leadership
Community
leadership, sympathetic and responsive to the needs of the community,
whether they are residents, businesses or recreational groups.
Articulate and
conversant at local and national government level.
Leads change in organisations
and groups to bring about best practice methods and processes.
Strategic and Operational
Management
Works
closely with stakeholders and management groups to determine long term
plans and goals, and consults over introducing appropriate strategies.
Demonstrates a focus
on future generations and sustainable growth.
Strong understanding
of governance matters and associated legislations.
Wide experience in monitoring
performance of CEO’s
Financial Expertise
Researches and
investigates portfolios and investments to meet objectives and goals of
the stakeholders.
Continually focuses
on reviewing, benchmarking and improving financial plans for ongoing
performance.
Manages $million
transactions and auditing functions.
Chair Audit committees,
Foundation and Socrates
Chair investment
Committee , Socrates
Professional Service
History
Senior Lecturer in
History. University of Hong Kong 1963-71, Canterbury
University 1971-2007. Dep. HOD HIST c.1993-99.
Director, Royal
Foundation of the Blind since 2002
Chair of the Audit and
Budget Committee
Introduced strategic and
operational changes in financial structures
and management - resulting in being awarded ‘Best Accounts for a Non
Profit Organisation’ by Institute of Chartered Accountants, 2005, 2006
Provided recommendations for
investing assets which have increased significantly within his tenure.
Raised revenue
through introducing new income streams including property rental in
Auckland.
Manage audit processes and
deal with matters of policy and governance.
Deputy
Chair Riccarton/Wigram Community Board, 1998-2007
Chair
of Environment Committee 2001-2007
Understanding
of and providing solutions to issues relating to the businesses, 60K
residents, satellite areas and stakeholders within this area.
Maintaining
a focus on providing a healthy environment, including reviewing parks,
heritage sites, recreation and services. One particular project
involved facilitating the opening of a local library.
Assessing and
interviewing applicants for local distribution of Hilary Commission
funds.
Elected
Trustee, New Zealand Universities Superannuation Scheme, since 1999
Manage funds of over $NZ
200million.
Research into and determine
profitable portfolios and policies for the scheme.
Appoint, audit and
monitor the performance of portfolio managers
Trustee
for Riccarton House and Bush Trust, 2004-7 and
Riccarton Racecourse Teahouse Restoration Trust.2003-
Raising funds and profile
towards maintaining and improving these local icons.
Working with local government
and associated stakeholders to provide services and facilities required.
Securing sponsorship and
income streams for improvements and longevity of the trusts.
Director
Of Socrates Unit Trusts, 2005-
Chair Audit Committee
Chair Investment
Committee
Advises on strategy in gold,
commodities, fixed interest and equity holdings.
Particular emphasis on
currency options, opportunity for shorts, options and risk management.
Speaker at seminars and
marketing opportunities.
Training
for Directorships
Institute of Directors. Course
on Professional Development: Reading Company Reports
IOD. Course , Audit
Committees: Best Practice
IOD Course, Governance
Community
Service
Member of the
Institute of Directors, since 2002
Justice of the Peace,
since 2001
NZ Asian Studies
Society, Previously President and Chair of Conference Committee
Treasurer , Forest
and Bird, Canterbury Branch
Education
Bachelor of Science
(Economics), Hons. Ph.D., London School of Economics, 1958-63.
Awards. Kesteven Scholarship
1958-61, Leverhulme Prize for best Graduate (LSE), UK State Graduate
Studentship.
Publications
Author of several
books, including “Asian Students in New Zealand”, Victoria University
and Asia, 2000.
Weekly Columnist in
National Business Review since 1992, providing commentary on world
markets and investment portfolios.
Expert
opinion provided for various prestigious websites and journals on
investments including
www.interest.co.nz and
www.lemetropolecafe.com
Personal
Married, to Sandy,
with four children, two of whom are still dependent.
Enthusiastic
Fly-fisherman and fly-tyer.
Spend holiday time
refurbishing a house at Otira, Westland.
Avid writer, with
some published writing appearing in New Zealand anthologies.
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