People

Warwick Isaacs, Director

As the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority’s General Manager Operations, Warwick has managed the demolition and operations work programme - both residential and commercial - throughout greater Christchurch.

Warwick has been a chief executive in local government for 14 years including previously at the Timaru District Council and the Buller District Council. That followed his time in central government, including a period with Audit New Zealand.

His role in the rebuild of Christchurch began the day after the earthquake in February 2011 when he led a team under Civil Defence. That evolved into a key role within CERA; responsibility for the deconstruction programme that precedes the rebuild. The deconstruction programme is ahead of schedule and it is regarded as setting a new international benchmark in terms of speed in clearing the way for recovery.

This huge job has been challenging, and at times controversial, with Warwick having to oversee some of the tougher decisions about the future of some of Christchurch’s most iconic and historic buildings.

But it is a challenge he has relished, and he has the full support of his family who moved with him from Timaru to start new lives in Christchurch.

Warwick will now use all of the experience and knowledge he has gleaned during his challenging year as CERA’s operations leader, to forge a new future for Christchurch.

He is looking forward to being part of creating a new and modern city with everyone who lives and works there.