Kerry Prendergast

Kerry was a Trustee of the Motu Foundation Board until July 2017.

She completed three terms as Mayor of Wellington, having been elected in 2001 after six years as deputy. Her career in local body politics has been unbroken since her first election success in 1986. She was Vice-president of Local Government New Zealand for 5 years until 2010. As Mayor of Wellington from 2001 to 2010 and as a borough and city councillor for 15 years prior to that, Ms Prendergast gained substantial governance experience.

During her time as Mayor, she was involved in significant periods of change and growth at the Wellington City Council. She also brings knowledge in environmental management and has experience working with Ministers and government departments.

Her professional background is in the health sector as a registered nurse and, for 25 years, a midwife. She continued her midwifery role alongside her local government work until 2001. She has also been a voluntary grief counsellor.

She holds a Master of Business Degree from Victoria University of Wellington. She is currently Chair of Tourism New Zealand, The Environmental Protection Authority, a Trustee of NZCT and a company director for Kirkcaldie and Stains.