Environment Waikato’s new Group Manager, Policy is Jeanette Black, formerly General Manager, Contracts for the New Zealand Blood Service.

Ms Black, who lives in Hamilton and has been commuting to Auckland in her former job, has a strong background in management and strategic planning. She began her career as a nurse for nine years and moved into a role as regional programme manager for secondary and tertiary medical service with Midland Health.

Her role with the New Zealand Blood Service involved establishing a national organisation, transferring hospital-based blood services to the new company. She has a Bachelor of Social Science degree from the University of Waikato and completed executive management studies at the University of Auckland. Ms Black is currently studying for a law degree at Waikato and a graduate diploma in Business Studies.

She brings proven executive experience in organisational planning and management with the strongly developed qualities and skills required to contribute to the Council’s functions and responsibilities. She says she enjoys working with communities and feels a strong sense of commitment to achieving good outcomes. She has a high degree of empathy with others and describes herself as a realist and pragmatist, which will be invaluable in her new role.

Ms Black says she values her family and working colleagues and is keen to build on the sound base already established at Environment Waikato, bringing new views from her community-based organisation.

She replaces Dr Lex Rennes, who is taking early retirement to pursue leisure interests in the Bay of Islands.