Our Board

Lauren was appointed to the board in 2023 and has been the deputy chair as well as chair of the People and Culture Committee. She is an experienced director and executive with a diverse range of domestic and international experience. 

She is also an Independent Director on the boards of NZX-listed Turners Automotive Group, DPL Insurance, and the Crusaders. 

Quaintance’s executive experience includes Chief Media and Data Officer for Sky Television Limited, General Manager of Travel for Fairfax Media in Australia as well as co-founding a Sydney-based content marketing agency that was acquired by News Corp. 

She has been responsible for developing digital content marketing strategies for leading brands in Australia and New Zealand such as Microsoft and IAG and brings strong travel expertise having worked for more than a dozen destination marketing agencies including Tourism NZ and Tourism Australia as well as cruise brands and airlines. She was recognised as Entrepreneur of the Year at the B&T Women in Media Awards in Australia in 2018, holds a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University (US) and is a Chartered Fellow of the NZ Institute of Directors. 

Stephen has had a long association with the development and construction sector and is currently the Managing Director of Jennian Homes Tauranga & Western BoP. Stephen’s career has also included Business Consulting, where Stephen helped merge some of New Zealand’s largest financial institutions, and eight years in the America’s Cup as Director and CEO of the San Francisco America’s Cup Event Authority and prior to that as Chief Operating Officer of Oracle Racing.

Stephen has an extensive international and local network and farming interests in the SouthIand.

Jen is a professional director with governance experience in a range of sectors and an extensive background in resource management law and urban development. She is currently the chair of Rangitata Diversion Race Management Ltd and a director of MHV Water, Nelmac and Orion NZ Limited. Previous governance roles include Regenerate Christchurch, Ngāi Tahu Seafood, Independent Chair of Ashton Wheelans and Chair of The Arts Centre of Christchurch Trust. Jen is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors and a barrister and solicitor of the High Court.

Jen is highly committed to Ōtautahi Christchurch and was recognised by the Women of Influence Awards and New Zealander of the Year Awards for her governance leadership following the Canterbury earthquakes.

Christchurch-based Toby has a wide range of global property development and investment management experience and currently leads the global real estate strategy for the New Zealand Superfund. Toby has led and founded industrial infrastructure and property companies in Europe, Canada and Africa. Toby also has worked and explored across Antarctica.

Toby is currently a director of Retire Australia, one of the largest developers and operators of retirement villages in Australia. He brings his experience in urban development, dealing with central government and iwi as well as knowledge of the tourism sector. He is experienced in driving improved sustainability and impact outcomes through urban development. Toby is a Chartered Member of the NZ Institute of Directors and a Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Victoria was a practicing lawyer for 20+ years, before embarking on a career in executive leadership and politics.

Currently the Christchurch City Councillor for Papanui, Victoria’s previous executive roles include General Manager, Strategy and Influence for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Executive Director of the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Trust, and Executive Director of the post-earthquake Independent Hearings Panel tasked with delivering the Christchurch replacement District Plan.

Victoria has a range of governance experience including current roles in the education, family welfare, and sporting sectors. Previous roles include being a trustee of the YMCA and working extensively with Women’s Refuge, and Community Law Centres.

Victoria has lived in Christchurch for most of her working life and is proud to call Christchurch home. She is passionate about the future of our city, and the sustainable economic growth of the greater Christchurch region.

Councillor Jake McLellan is 31 years old and has served central Christchurch on the Community Board for the last six years and as the Councillor for Central since 2019.

Originally from Southland, Jake moved to Christchurch when he was 10 years old, and he has a Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications (Screen and Television Production).

Now in his second term on Council, Jake serves on Council's Audit and Risk Management committee as well as the Insurance, Chief Executive Performance and Youth committees. Jake is also a Trustee of the Ōtautahi Community House Trust.