Dam company chair resigns

Waimea Water Ltd board chairwoman Karen Jordan has resigned for family reasons.

Jordan, pictured, was one of seven directors on the board – one of four appointed by the Tasman District Council, which is the majority shareholder.

Waimea Water Ltd is a council-controlled organisation (CCO) responsible for managing the construction, operation and maintenance of the Waimea dam, which is under construction in the Lee Valley.

Mayor Tim King said the council accepted ‘‘the very important family reasons’’ that had led to Jordan’s resignation.

‘‘Karen has shown great leadership throughout the project, including her involvement in the initial establishment of

Waimea Water Ltd as a CCO and then essentially working as an interim CEO [chief executive] for several months before Mike Scott came on board,’’ King said. ‘‘We thank Karen for all her efforts during her time with the project, and wish her all the best.’’ Fellow director David Wright has been appointed by the board as the new chairman, a move welcomed by the council.

‘‘He is already fully up to speed on the Waimea Community Dam project and all matters relating to the company, which will aid in a smooth transition,’’ King said.

‘‘We are grateful to Karen and the board for their hard work to date. There’s a sound, efficient governance structure in place around the project, and Karen is leaving Waimea Water Ltd in a great position to continue moving forward on this important project.’’