Mr John DALZELL
Chief Executive of Waterfront Auckland
John DALZELL is an experienced Chief Executive, Owner’s Representative and Project Director. He has
recognised capability across a broad spectrum of property related disciplines, financial management,
corporate governance, project and development management and general business. John has a reputation
for leading and developing individuals thereby contributing to the direction, performance and
success of the company and project.
He is a Registered Valuer and a member of the New Zealand Property Institute and the New Zealand
Real Estate Institute. He holds a Bachelor of Property Administration from the University of
Auckland and was awarded the New Zealand Institute of Valuers prize on graduation in 1985. He also
attended the Ernst & Young Management Programme facilities by Faculty of Darden Business School,
University of Virginia in April 1997. Through Waterfront Auckland, John is also a member of Business
New Zealand, Place Leaders Association (Australia) and the New Zealand Property Council. John’s
senior executive experience over the past 18 years has included Chief Executive, Project Director,
Owner Representative and Senior Management Team positions within the public and private sector.
In November 2010 John was appointed as Chief Executive of Auckland Waterfront Development Agency,
subsequently rebranded as Waterfront Auckland. Waterfront Auckland is one of seven Council
Controlled Organisations (CCOs). It was set up in November 2010 as part of the re-organisation of
Auckland, with the new Council and CCOs replacing seven former City Councils.
As Chief Executive, John has five direct reports comprising Chief Financial Officer and General
Managers for Property & Assets, Strategy, Development, Marinas. There are 77 full-time equivalent
employees and the business is organised around eight business units. Current turnover amounts to
$26.2 million, however, with a capital intensive programme of $253 million confirmed over the next
10 years, this revenue will grow substantially to $57.3 million by the end of the period. Current
asset value is $506 million. Break-even is forecast to occur in 2020 with the dividend policy to be
determined with the shareholder from this time.
Waterfront Auckland has two primary roles: firstly to plan, facilitate and advocate the highest
quality urban development outcomes in its area of influence; and secondly to plan, manage, operate
and develop land, water and other assets within its area of ownership.
