Pat brings extensive expertise in water and environmental governance and has previously served as a Selwyn District Councillor. He currently holds multiple directorships and contributes actively as a trustee for charitable organisations focused on community. Alongside his family, Pat operates an intensive arable farm specialising in a diverse range of seed crops.
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Governance and
Accountability
Settlors of the Trust
The Trust is a Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO), jointly controlled by Selwyn District Council and Christchurch City Council, each holding a 50% interest. Selwyn District Council and Christchurch City Council are the settlors of the Trust and exercise significant influence over its activities through their ability to appoint trustees. The Trust is a charitable trust with the people of Canterbury as its beneficiaries.
Governance
The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by Selwyn District Council and Christchurch City Council. Trustees are responsible for ensuring the Trust operates in accordance with its Deed, including monitoring resource consents and maintaining transparency with the Councils and community.
The Trustees adhere to a formal Code of Conduct that reflects principles of good governance—upholding confidentiality, acting ethically and professionally, and managing conflicts of interest appropriately.
The Trust keeps both Councils informed of all major developments, compliance outcomes, and any matters requiring strategic oversight.
Pat McEvedy
Chairman
Pat McEvedy
Chairman
Elle Archer
Trustee
Elle Archer
Trustee
Elle brings extensive experience at the intersection of sustainable infrastructure, emerging technologies, and community-led development. With a background in science, geospatial systems, and data-informed planning, she champions the integration of innovation with environmental guardianship. Elle holds leadership roles across national and regional initiatives in technology, education, economic development, and emergency management, and is a strong advocate for inclusive, future-ready approaches to resource management and regional resilience.
Richard McDowell
Trustee
Richard McDowell
Trustee
Richard is a Principal Scientist at AgResearch, Professor at Lincoln University, and Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand. With a 25-year career focused on land and water systems, his research has shaped practical, cost-effective solutions for improving environmental performance – widely adopted by farmers, scientists, and policymakers both in New Zealand and internationally.
Rob Lawrence
Trustee
Rob Lawrence
Trustee
Rob has comprehensive experience in business development, technology innovation, and local government. Previously part of the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, Rob specialises in research and development funding and sustainability initiatives. He was involved with Ritso Society, giving him a deep understanding of CPWL. Rob has served on various regional and national environmental strategy groups.
Murray Doak
Trustee
Murray Doak
Trustee
Passionate about promoting community-led initiatives to drive better water and societal outcomes, Murray has over three decades of experience with the Ministry for Primary Industries. Since completing an Agricultural Science degree at Lincoln University, his career has spanned arable farming in Selwyn area, water and land policy development and implementation, community collectives leading practice change and irrigation infrastructure investment. Currently he oversees research and sustainable farming investments at MPI.