A former Ngai Tahu Property chief executive, Tony Sewell, has accepted a contract to lead
the Catholic diocese of Christchurch property team.
Tony Sewell
A long-time member of the Catholic Cathedral Management Board, he has a deep understanding of property matters in relation to the diocese.
Mr Sewell said: “The diocese has [trodden] a very sensible and measured path in dealing
with the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and other churches and schools damaged
in the earthquakes, and it is essential that we keep this momentum going.
“We need to take a long-term view of the work to be completed. While a decision on the
cathedral is our most important focus, we cannot lose sight of the great work our parishes
are doing in dealing with their own rebuild projects. We have to make sure we continue to
support and guide them, while also completing our assessment on the cathedral,” Mr Sewell said.
Mr Sewell worked for Ngai Tahu for 21 years and during that time the iwi’s equity in its
property company grew from $50million to $600 million and the company completed many
notable property development and property investment projects.
“This is an exciting time to be involved with the diocese and their property interests,”
Mr Sewell said.
Andy Doherty, general manager of Christchurch diocese, said that having a person of Mr
Sewell’s experience to step into the property leadership role was a coup.
“Tony is one of the most experienced property players in New Zealand, so to be able to
have this expertise, coupled with his knowledge of the diocese through being a member of the Cathedral management board, will allow us to build on our growing momentum in this sector,” he said.
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