Two new independent trustees have been appointed to the Invercargill Licensing Trust (ILT) Foundation Board.

They are Mandy Smith, a Community Catalyst for the Te Rourou One Aotearoa Foundation, and Andrew Ward, a partner at Ward Adam Bryan-Lamb Barristers and Solicitors in Invercargill.

Smith said she felt privileged to be representing the community in the ILT role.

“I really wanted to be involved with the ILT Foundation because I see huge value in returning funds to our communities.”

“As I’ve worked within and for the not-for-profit sector in Murihiku, I believe this is a huge opportunity, and I am excited to represent and support diverse communities and organisations,” Smith said.

Ward said he was thrilled to join the Board.

"It is a great opportunity to give back to the community and I’m looking forward to collaborating with the other Trustees to achieve that purpose,” he said.

ILT Foundation chair Paddy O’Brien said the fellow Trustees are delighted to welcome the new board members.

“In addition to the six elected Trustees, our Trust Deed allows up to three independent Trustees to be appointed, and the Board saw value in adding another voice to our table.”

“Our current board represents many areas of our diverse population, and the addition of Mandy and Andrew continues to broaden the skillset, experience and the community lens of our organisation,” O’Brien said.

“Andrew’s legal expertise will be invaluable and Mandy’s experience working in community groups, particularly the youth space, provides a direct connection with youth.”

The ILT Foundation board consists of six publicly elected Trustees of ILT including Paddy O’Brien (Chair), Angela Newell, Sean Bellew, Sheree Carey, Graham Hawkes and Suzanne Prentice, as well as independent Trustees Jason McKenzie, Mandy Smith and Andrew Ward.