Claire Barlow
Timaru,Maori Park
Summary
Innovative and insightful, with an expansive career history in the public sector. Confidently and effectively led two successful councils, engaged with communities at every level and provided high quality advice to a busy member of parliament on a broad range of topics.
Consistently demonstrated resilience while managing diverse roles, under public scrutiny, and have handled sensitive matters with discretion and care while maintaining a commitment to excellence as both a leader and an advisor.
A passion for fostering strong relationships and negotiating positive outcomes wherever possible and will go the ‘extra mile’ if to make a meaningful difference to the health and well-being of communities.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Experience Manager
Timaru District Council
12.2022 - Current
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings to gather input on proposed projects and build consensus among diverse groups.
- Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
- Secured valuable resources for the community by developing strong relationships with funders and donors. Examples include central government funding for numerous projects.
- Collaborated with community members to develop and implement service initiatives. Examples include "Need Help" booklet and "Age-Friendly Strategy".
- Created and managed budgets, efficiently allocating resources for social and community service projects.
- Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
- Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through open communication, recognition of performance and fostering a positive culture.
- Presented project updates regularly to committees ensuring transparency and accountability in all activities.
- Maintained professional, organised, and safe environment for employees, with weekly health & safety updates.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and established positive communication channels to maintain engagement and address issues as they arose.
Advisor/Researcher/Executive Support
Parliamentary Services
11.2017 - 11.2020
- Gained an in-depth understanding of various parliamentary responsibilities and portfolio areas, monitored media and departmental publications relating to these areas and created summaries and briefs to convey the necessary message.
- Undertook research into various portfolio issues and delivered strategic advice.
- Successfully contributed towards initiatives to provide best practice governance support to the MP, proactively managed and planned his schedule and oversaw the allocation of resources to enable his success.
- Cultivated and fostered stakeholder relationships established open communication channels with constituents, parliamentary teams, decision-makers, and key community representatives.
- Showcased a sound understanding of New Zealand’s public sector, legal frameworks and governance, effectively managed risks, and developed strategies to manage and mitigate challenges.
- Proactively engaged in a review of workplace bullying and contributed to the development of a new Code of Conduct for Parliamentary Services and the Office of the Clerk
Mayor
Mackenzie District Council
10.2010 - 10.2016
- Established and maintained robust professional relationships with major stakeholders including local iwi, regional government and tourism entities and business representative organisations while remaining connected to local constituents.
- Gained an understanding of the community’s needs and challenges and developed mitigation strategies to deliver improved economic and environmental outcomes, while maintaining an ongoing commitment to supporting community members.
- Showcased the ability to lead, inspire and motivate during major change, led the council during the often contentious, decision-making process and ensured the community felt heard during these proceedings.
- Successfully developed financial planning policies, budgets and supporting documents thereby improving the financial viability of the district.
- Proactively managed the ongoing sustainability challenge of a large geographical area with a small ratepayer base, developed novel strategies to deal with the challenges, and oversaw the planning process to improve environmental outcomes.
- Oversaw major change in Council’s funding policy to address future infrastructure challenges and ensured sound financial oversight and legislative compliance.
Education
Skills
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Leadership
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Organisation & Planning
- Multitasking & Prioritisation
- Stakeholder Management
- Te reo and tikanga Maori
- Executive Leadership
- Financial Management
- Risk Management
Certification
- Aoraki Foundation Trustee (2022 to current)
- NZIML Manager's Bootcamp (2024)
- Te Reo Maori, Level 1 (2023)
- Deputy Chair, Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Committee (2013-2016)
- Chair, Mackenzie Country Trust
- Kellogg Rural Leaders Scholar – Lincoln University (2012)
- Accredited RMA Hearings Commissioner (2013)
Languages
Maori
Elementary
Timeline
Community Experience Manager
Timaru District Council
12.2022 - Current
Advisor/Researcher/Executive Support
Parliamentary Services
11.2017 - 11.2020
Mayor
Mackenzie District Council
10.2010 - 10.2016
- Aoraki Foundation Trustee (2022 to current)
- NZIML Manager's Bootcamp (2024)
- Te Reo Maori, Level 1 (2023)
- Deputy Chair, Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Committee (2013-2016)
- Chair, Mackenzie Country Trust
- Kellogg Rural Leaders Scholar – Lincoln University (2012)
- Accredited RMA Hearings Commissioner (2013)
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