Liz Thompson is a governance advisor and senior leader with deep experience supporting publicly accountable organisations through complex, high-profile environments. Her career spans financial stewardship, commercial development, risk oversight, and long-term asset strategy, with particular strength in organisations balancing public value and commercial sustainability.

Liz’s connection to Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre began the moment she arrived in Christchurch in 2025. As a newcomer seeking community and culture, The Arts Centre was a space where heritage, creativity, and people intersected. That early experience shaped her appreciation of the precinct’s role in Christchurch’s identity and its importance as a living cultural asset for future generations.

Across her infrastructure focused career, Liz has contributed to Programme Governance Steering Groups, Boards, and Ministers, providing clear, evidence-based advice on financial position, risk exposure, commercial strategy, business case development, and long-term impacts of major decisions. She is recognised for her sound judgement, strategic insight, and ability to present complex information simply to support confident decision making.

Liz brings extensive experience in investment oversight, procurement strategy and asset stewardship, including work on heritage restoration and redevelopment projects in Christchurch and the UK. Her background includes senior roles in Health New Zealand’s Infrastructure & Investment Group and as consultant undertaking advisory work for public, council, and commercial clients.

Comfortable operating in visible, multi stakeholder environments, Liz has engaged widely with councils, iwi partners, regulators, community groups, and the public. She has a strong appreciation for the role that cultural, heritage, and arts organisations play in strengthening community identity and urban vitality, and a genuine commitment to supporting The Arts Centre’s future as a place of connection, creativity, and civic pride.