 |
|
 |
|
Environment Waikato
"Russell has a totally international perspective."
Spokesperson: Warren Stevens, Group Manager of Finance/Corporate Services
Environment Waikato is one of New Zealand's 12 regional councils and is responsible for managing and protecting the land, water, soil, air, coastal and geothermal resources in the central North Island region. The council also manages Waikato's land transport needs, its biosecurity and civil defence.
Warren Stevens is Environment Waikato's Group Manager of Finance/Corporate Services. He explains that while the majority of revenue comes from rates and government grants, the Council's investment fund also makes a significant contribution.
"The investment fund stands at $86 million and its income makes up about 15 per cent of our total revenue. The fund was established in 1991, but the real boost came in 1993 when the Council decided to sell its interests in the Ports of Auckland."
Warren joined the Council's staff shortly after the sale of these interests. An important early task was to ensure the proceeds were properly invested.
"I recognised that our organisation didn't have any expertise in investing, so I started asking around to find out how to pick the right people to do the job for me. After a few presentations from various organisations, we chose Russell. The key thing for us was that Russell had a totally international perspective."
Russell advised a major restructure of the investment fund. Warren says that the fund's asset allocation changed from 100 per cent government bonds to a balanced portfolio. About 60 per cent of the fund is invested offshore. "We use the investment income to help support rates and for special projects within the region" says Warren.
Warren describes Russell as a "highly professional international organisation". He says that Russell's global resources continue to be of great importance to the Council.
"Rather than being a New Zealand company trying to be international, Russell fully integrates all its knowledge and research from around the world and makes it available to us.
Looking to the future, Warren says water quality is an important environmental issue for the Council.
"New Zealand should be viewed internationally as clean and green. There are some parts of our rivers and coastline that you can't swim in for various reasons, and the Waikato community wants that fixed." With Russell's ongoing advice, Warren expects that the investment fund will continue to provide significant funding to help protect and improve the Waikato's natural environment.
|
|
|
| |
MORE Testimonials |
|
|
|
Terms of Use.
Privacy Statement.
Products and services described on this website are intended for persons in New Zealand only. Information on this site should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security to any person. Persons outside New Zealand may find more information about products and services available within their jurisdictions by going to Russell's Worldwide site.
