For recently appointed Quality Roading and Services Director Lauren Jones, it’s all about the people.

Lauren and her family moved to Wairoa nearly six years ago, and their only regret is that they didn’t make the move earlier.

Now, following her appointment to the QRS Board, Lauren is looking forward to contributing to the town she loves and a company she admires.

From an academic perspective, Lauren has a Master’s degree in Biological and Environmental Science and a Master’s Degree in Professional Accounting. She is also a Chartered Accountant.

Lauren also has a background as an auditor for Big 4 accounting firm EY. Based in Auckland, the role involved assessing business risks, opportunities and strategies and ensuring financial statements were prepared accurately.

“That was my first exposure to the governance side of businesses and provided a broad knowledge base,” said Lauren. “While I don’t specifically have a civil engineering background, I have worked with a range of companies, including big construction firms, so I have had diverse exposure and insight into many different businesses.”

The demands of commuting to a corporate role in Auckland were, however, what prompted Lauren, her husband Josh, and two young sons, to leave the city.

“We wanted more time with family and moved to Wairoa through Josh’s work. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to make Wairoa our permanent home.”

Lauren worked for the Wairoa District Council for four years, most recently as Finance Manager.

“It was through my Council role that I developed an interest in governance and an understanding of QRS operations. Now that I’m working remotely for the Ministry for the Environment, the directorship was perfect timing.

“It’s a great opportunity, and I am looking forward to being part of the QRS team. I love Wairoa, and I am excited to be able to contribute to the company and be involved in assisting QRS to achieve its strategic goals.

“QRS is well positioned to achieve growth. As a Council-controlled Trading Organisation, CCTO, the people of the Wairoa district are ultimately the shareholders, so it is owned for the benefit of Wairoa. This is also demonstrated in the way QRS supports the community, particularly through fundraising and sponsorship.

“What attracted us to Wairoa was the people. QRS is a company that values people and invests in retaining the right people and looking after them. I’m excited to be part of that.”

Lauren has replaced David Proctor and joins fellow board members, Guy Gaddum (Chairman) Fenton Wilson and Tony Gray.

The three-year appointment was confirmed by the Wairoa District Council earlier this month. Mayor Craig Little said Council was thrilled to have someone of Lauren’s calibre on the QRS board. “Through Council, I have worked with Lauren and know she is astute, thorough and experienced. QRS is a pivotal part of Wairoa. We are very fortunate to have a locally-based contracting company and board members who put the Wairoa people first. I look forward to Lauren’s input in guiding QRS into the future.”

QRS Chairman Guy Gaddum said that on behalf of QRS, he is delighted to welcome Lauren to the board. “QRS is a company with specific challenges and opportunities, and Lauren’s diversified skill set will add great value to the company.  Her wider NZ perspective, coupled with a network in areas not specific to QRS core work streams, will set the company’s governance function up for the next phase of company growth and development.”

Photo: Wairoa ambassador Lauren Jones has been appointed to the QRS Board.

21 July 2023

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