30 years local government experience and a specialist in communication planning and delivery, community and stakeholder engagement, media relations, crisis management, customer research, organisational planning and setting strategy. An experienced trainer for PRINZ, Elizabeth works with local government, NGOs, the private sector and government agencies as a facilitator, mentor and strategic advisor. She is a member of the Rotorua Lakes Incentives Board and also a regular contributor to the Local Government magazine with her column “Local Government 101”. www.elizabethhughes.co.nz

26 years in local government, 14 as a Chief Financial Officer where he was a lead member of the Society of Local Government Managers (SOLGM) Financial Working Party. Philip has been consulting to a variety of Local Government related organizations for the last 12 years on financial management, policies and strategy, risk and asset management, and financial governance. He currently sits on as a member or is an advisor to seven Audit & Risk Committees.

35 years local government experience. Former Manager Democracy Services at Auckland City Council. This role included responsibility for all council governance related services and processes. Over the last 13 years Steve has been providing targeted training and services to local government for elected members and staff. He is a joint principal of Meeting and Governance Solutions (11 years). www.meetinggovernance.co.nz

24 years local government experience, former City Councillor (3 terms) and Community Board Chair (1 term), previous appointments to Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs), Chair Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board (10 years), 6 years elected Licensing Trust member. Joint owner and Director of Meeting and Governance Solutions (11 years) a specialist Local Government training and development company which focuses primarily on supporting elected members and the democratic arm of local government. www.meetinggovernance.co.nz