David Smith

Biography

As a member of the WEL Management team, David was involved in the significant strategic changes that resulted in the company expanding into a fibre optic network company through the Government’s Ultra-Fast Broadband initiative. This saw WEL win the right to roll out a fibre optic network throughout Hamilton, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Hawera and Wanganui. WEL were also among the leaders in the Smart Meter roll strategy and were partners in the successful construction of the Te Uku wind farm near Raglan. Prior to his time as WEL he was based in Auckland for 11 years as Financial Controller with Watercare Services Limited. During his time at Watercare he was involved in all financial and treasury aspects for the business including a number of significant capital expenditure projects. Prior to his time with Watercare David held a number of senior finance roles within the Fletcher Challenge Forest group of companies. David attained his Bachelor of Management Studies at University of Waikato majoring in Accounting. He has been a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand and Australia for almost 30 years. Last year he completed the INSEAD Business School Advanced Management Programme at their Singapore Campus, which provided a thoroughly enjoyable and stimulating time to step away from day to day business, reflect on previous successes and to plan the next steps. David is married to Diane, a Primary School teacher, and they have a son and daughter who have both recently left home.

Research Interest

Business Economics