Housing NZ chair Jackson quits over potential conflict with Fletcher directorship

Thursday 6th June 2013

Housing New Zealand chairman Alan Jackson has handed in his resignation over the potential for a conflict of interest with his directorship with construction firm Fletcher Building.

Housing Minister Nick Smith said he has accepted the resignation to let Jackson avoid the conflict, given the possibility Fletcher may tender for Housing NZ's rebuilding programme in Christchurch.

Jackson is giving up $49,500 a year in director's fees at Housing NZ, and keeping the $173,250 he gets at Fletcher, where he chairs its remuneration committee. He joined the Housing NZ board in December 2010, and has been a director at Fletcher since 2009.

"I am disappointed to be losing his skills but support his decision given the potential conflict of interest," Smith said in a statement.

Last week the minister unveiled a $170 million project to replace 700 earthquake-damaged Housing NZ properties in Christchurch.

Jackson has already lost one government-appointed role over the potential for conflicts of interest. The High Court overturned Racing Minister Nathan Guy's decision to appoint him as an independent chair of the New Zealand Racing Board due to Jackson's connections to the thoroughbred industry.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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