New Appointments to Winston Churchill Memorial Trust

Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Tariana Turia has announced three appointments to the Board of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, each for a period of six years from 1 July 2011.

"I am delighted with the calibre of the appointees, who each bring unique skills which will strengthen the Board membership" said Minister Turia. "I know that the Trust members look forward to welcoming Fiona Tregonning and Len Cook to the Board, and to benefit from the continuing expertise of Bruce Robertson".

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust was established as a living memorial to Sir Winston Churchill. The Board distributes funds to assist New Zealanders to travel overseas to learn more about other people and cultures and to investigate topics that will help them to increase their contribution to the community and their trade, industry, profession, business or calling. Around 25 Winston Churchill Fellowships are funded each year.

The Board of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust is appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector.

Appointee Profiles

• Bruce Robertson (Havelock North) briefly filled a vacancy on the board in 2010 and has now been appointed for a full term. He is a former fellow of the Trust and has extensive experience in the international trade and export sectors.

• Fiona Tregonning (Wellington) is a Senior Associate at Bell Gully with a Masters of Law from Harvard University. Ms Tregonning is involved in the community, mainly through tutoring programmes, but also as a board member of Transparency International (New Zealand) - a non-profit organisation focusing on anti-corruption. Ms Tregonning has research experience through working with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

• Len Cook (Wellington) is the former Chief Executive of Statistics New Zealand and the former National Statistician of England and Wales. He has extensive knowledge of statistical research and evaluation and a strong understanding of the health sector through roles on various medical boards and visiting fellowships. Mr Cook is the author of a range of presentations and articles on topics including information technology, population trends, retirement provisions and statistical issues for Māori and Pasifika populations.