New Directors join ChristchurchNZ

Introducing the new independent directors

Mary Devine and Hamish Blackman have been appointed as independent directors to the ChristchurchNZ Board, bolstering the agency’s governance with institutional investment prowess and commercial strategy.

“We are thrilled to have secured two experienced and commercially-minded new directors to join our Board, and I am looking forward to working with both Mary and Hamish over the coming years to ensure ChristchurchNZ continues to deliver the best possible value for the ratepayer,” says Lauren Quaintance, ChristchurchNZ’s Board Chair.

What's Mary Devine's background?

Mary Devine is Chief Executive Officer of Foodstuffs South Island, overseeing $4bn in revenue and 14,000 team members across the co-operative. She brings decades of experience in retail leadership, having previously held CEO and MD roles at EziBuy, Ballantynes & Co, and Hallenstein Glassons.

Mary’s governance portfolio is extensive, including directorships with major New Zealand entities such as Meridian Energy, Christchurch City Holdings, IAG NZ, and Briscoes Group, among others. She has also served on the boards of both Foodstuffs South Island and Foodstuffs New Zealand, contributing strategic oversight to one of the country’s largest retail cooperatives. In recognition of her contributions to business, she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2013.

“Christchurch and Canterbury have already achieved so much, showing real resilience and creativity along the way. Joining ChristchurchNZ is a chance to build on that legacy. I am excited to help guide the agency through the opportunities and challenges ahead – with a focus on delivering long-term benefits for our region and communities,” says Devine.

What's Hamish Blackman's background?

Hamish Blackman is a Christchurch based investment executive with extensive experience in financial management and institutional governance. While working at New Zealand Super Fund he held numerous governance roles across his investment portfolio responsibilities and built institutional investor networks both domestically and offshore.

Hamish previously served as Chief Investment Officer at GreenMount Capital, where he led strategic investment initiatives backed by Ngāi Tahu Holdings and also had a tenure at Murray & Co.

“Ōtautahi Christchurch is entering an exciting new chapter and I look forward to supporting ChristchurchNZ in driving strategic investment in the city’s growth sectors, accelerating commercial attraction and unleashing the economic potential of the region,” says Blackman.

When do Devine & Blackman officially begin?

Devine and Blackman's tenure is effective from the ChristchurchNZ AGM on 27 November 2025. Non-executive director Toby Selman has stepped down.