New roles opening for former chairman

Former assistant auditor-general Bruce Robertson is in the unique position of not knowing exactly how many jobs he has.

But one thing he does know — he still has plenty to keep him busy when he finishes up at Invercargill City Council next month.

On Friday, the organisation announced Mr Robertson resigned as independent chairman of the council’s risk and assurance committee, a position he has held since 2019.

His resume includes a swathe of past and present independent council roles across the motu, but just how many he holds at present, he could not say.

"Pass. I couldn’t tell you ... around about a dozen."

Mr Robertson’s decision to step aside from the Invercargill job was part of him reviewing his current professional commitments.

There were also changes happening as part of the consolidation which he wished to keep private.

But Mr Robertson did confirm he would be the new chairman of Christchurch city’s risk committee from June.

"It’s always wise to contemplate your ongoing commitments, and I have a few," he said.

"I’ve reached a point where I need to consolidate."

The past few years had been an important time at the Invercargill City Council, including the events surrounding Sir Tim Shadbolt’s final term as mayor, he said.

Despite the heavy workload, he still found his various roles "great fun".

"I’m in the privileged position where there are one or two other opportunities opening up.

"I have very much enjoyed my time with Invercargill city. It’s not been without its challenges, but it’s been great to work with both the governance team and the management team there."

Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark thanked Mr Robertson for his contribution last week, saying he helped guide the council through some difficult times.

From July, current independent committee member Ross Jackson will take over as chairman.

Mr Robertson will continue in his position as chairman of the Southland District Council finance and assurance committee — a role he has held since November 2019.

In his capacity in that role, he is also an appointee of the Stewart Island/Rakiura visitor levy subcommittee, and since November 2023, the executive committee.

From 2017 to 2022, he was a member of Environment Southland’s organisational performance and audit committee.

The Te Anau and Queenstown-based accountant continues to work in other centres across the country, including Hamilton, Wellington and Gisborne.

 - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.