Development West Coast is supported by an Advisory Body who assist them on matters around the commercial finance function.
Advisory body
Shaun Drylie
Advisory Body Chair
Shaun started his finance career as a 16-year-old teller in Hokitika. Over the ensuing 35 years he worked in senior banking roles in eight different NZ and International locations, with his last corporate role as Group CEO of SBS Bank. He now lives in Christchurch and is currently working as a consultant and advisor to businesses in the sustainability and mortgage broking industries.
Shaun’s links with the Coast remain strong. His father, the late John Drylie, was one of the mayors involved in establishing DWC. He makes regular visits to Hokitika to visit family and to check on business interests. He says that being involved in the Advisory Body has reinforced the amazing potential and resilience the Coast has and the value a strong partnership with the great team at DWC can bring.
Andrew Grace
Advisory Body Member
Andrew is a Partner in the Corporate Finance division of BDO Christchurch and heads the BDO NZ National Corporate Finance Service line.
Andrew has over 20 years experience in advising companies on the buy-side and the sell-side of transactions, performing due diligence, financial modeling assignments, valuations, advising on MBO’s and Private Equity transactions, arranging debt and equity funding and running sale processes.
Elizabeth Hopkins
Advisory Body Member
Elizabeth Hopkins brings extensive experience in business leadership, investment, and innovation to the Development West Coast Advisory Body. With a strong background in guiding businesses through growth and change, she has contributed to various industries, particularly in the technology and research sectors.
Elizabeth has held senior leadership roles in both public and private organisations, including overseeing the turnaround of an NZX-listed company and leading successful commercialisation efforts for innovative biotech products. She has also provided strategic advice on multimillion-dollar investments through governance roles with Crown Regional Holdings Ltd. and the MBIE Science Board.
Currently, Elizabeth serves as Director of Research and Innovation at the University of Canterbury, managing a significant research portfolio and supporting the university's growth in this area. She is also an Accredited Member of the Institute of Directors and actively engaged in fostering sustainable economic development.
Passionate about creating opportunities for growth and innovation, Elizabeth is committed to contributing her skills and insights to benefit the West Coast region.
James Gough
Independent Advisor
James is an experienced company director and a fifth term Christchurch City Councillor. He currently serves as Chair of Civic Building Limited – a joint venture with Ngāi Tahu Holdings Limited – and is a director of The Terrace Christchurch Limited, Transwaste Canterbury Limited, Aether Pacific Pharmaceuticals Limited, Gough Property Corporation Limited, Gough Corporation Holdings Limited, Ferry Road Property Holdings Limited, and various other companies. He is a former Board Member of the Canterbury District Health Board, and a former director of Christchurch City Holdings Limited, Gough Group Limited, Canterbury Development Corporation Limited, Countrywide Residential Limited, and former Chair of Venues Ōtautahi Limited.
James is a Chartered Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and brings to the Advisory Body strong commercial acumen, a community well-being perspective and substantial expertise in property, governance, investment and business strategy.