Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Associated Memberships
References
Governance Achievements
Timeline
Generic

Vanessa McPherson

Canterbury

Summary

A dynamic and independent thinker recognised for developing and implementing impactful strategies to provide guidance and support for individuals and groups.

Proficient in conflict resolution - brings strong problem-solving skills and a talent for navigating challenges.

Known for adaptability, creativity and a results-oriented mindset. Valued for integrity, resilience and a commitment to making meaningful contributions and advancing organisational goals.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Councillor

Hurunui District Council
10.2022 - Current
  • Develop strategic plans and set policy direction to positively impact the community at large.
  • Research and update existing policies and procedures to sit in alignment with current conditions.
  • Review proposed primary and secondary legislative changes and related submissions.
  • Foster a climate of collaboration between the general public, management and fellow elected members.
  • Enhance public trust through transparent communication and regular updates on council activities and decisions.
  • Budget planning - annual plan and long term plans to ensure responsible allocation of funds for key projects and programs.
  • Community and stakeholder engagement.
  • Oversee and deliberate on all aspects of asset management and proposed investment projects.
  • Monthly financial performance checks. Actual vs budget.
  • Deliberate and advise concerning governance, risk management, internal control issues and external reporting and audit matters.
  • Deliberate and advise on exercising due care and diligence in the governance of strategic direction and community activities.
  • Research and update existing policies and procedures to sit in alignment with current conditions.


Editor/Content Creator/Sales

Bay of Plenty Business News
03.2017 - 11.2017
  • Editor of the Tauranga Home Show magazine.
  • Kept on top of emerging local and national business trends and related topics to grow the Bay of Plenty News brand and increase reader engagement.
  • Collaborated with business industry insiders and content contributors to maintain relevancy, and improve content layout and structure.
  • Copy editing and proofreading.
  • Prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
  • Oversaw the production process ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget constraints.
  • Increased pagination and revenue with the introduction of op-eds and related paid ad space.

Campaign Manager/Features Editor

NZME
10.2011 - 03.2017
  • Responsible for the conception and production of business, sports, and educational features, magazines and lift-outs including all layout design, product and editorial photography, interviews and editorial content - plus creation of additional revenue from sponsors and advertisers across all media platforms to achieve total brand engagement.
  • Copywriting and copy design. Copy editing and proofreading.
  • Provided additional marketing solutions to include other media recommendations, implementation of promotions, PR campaigns, sponsorship negotiations, social marketing strategies, merchandising consultation and post campaign analysis.
  • Contributed original feature articles as needed, showcasing versatility as both an editor and writer.



Education

LLB -

University of Waikato
11-2027

Graduate Diploma - Journalism

Massey University
01-2019

Skills

  • Project management and production
  • Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Tikanga principles
  • Research and risk analysis
  • Conflict resolution - negotiation and results focused
  • Creativity, innovation and analytical thinking
  • Strategic planning and diplomacy
  • Creative problem solving- ideator
  • Discussion leader and constructive debater
  • Critical thinking - insightful analysis and evaluation
  • Relationship building, community and stakeholder management
  • Political and legal acumen
  • Communication - persuasive, written/verbal
  • Leadership - visionary and democratic
  • Ethical judgment and integrity
  • Collaboration and adaptability
  • Issues advocacy, and facilitation
  • Understanding and application of key local government legislation and statutory requirements
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Knowledge of the local media and political landscape
  • Good governance

Associated Memberships

  • Deputy Chair, South Ward Committee, Hurunui District Council (HDC).
  • Hurunui Tourism Board.
  • Strategy and Community Committee, (HDC).
  • Audit and Risk Committee, (HDC).
  • Operations Committee, (HDC).
  • North Canterbury Neighbourhood Support Committee.


References

Willingly supplied on request.

Governance Achievements

  • Proposed the idea of a community board, which was ratified by the Local Government Commission.
  • Championing the development of a District wide Economic Policy Strategy and the proposal of a community housing trust to address quality and debt issues around the District’s social housing.
  • Successfully advocated for a much desired, and long talked about dog park by the community, with funding options now being worked through.
  • Instrumental in having reserve funds redirected to aid the development of a beach bund for an at risk local coastal community due to climate change.
  • Led discussion about a hugely contentious reserve development back to the table after 10 years of inaction and secrecy resulting in record public submissions and development progress.
  • Consistently raised the issue of the Ward’s legacy amenities debt, which has substantially constrained amenities development, resulting in the resolution of a targeted amenities rate with expected payback after 10 years.
  • Effectively challenged the controversial issue of Hurunui Tourism’s current governance structure resulting in a higher level of transparency and the implementation of a governance review.
  • Chaired Council's first in-house hearings panel.

Timeline

Councillor

Hurunui District Council
10.2022 - Current

Editor/Content Creator/Sales

Bay of Plenty Business News
03.2017 - 11.2017

Campaign Manager/Features Editor

NZME
10.2011 - 03.2017

LLB -

University of Waikato

Graduate Diploma - Journalism

Massey University

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