CAPA is pleased to announce Keith Wedlock as the new Deputy President. It was a significant result as elections took place at the May 2010 Board meeting in Wellington, New Zealand. Keith will serve as Deputy President until September 2011, and following convention, as President for the next two years.

Keith was appointed by the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) as representative to the CAPA Board in 2007 during the Assembly of Delegates in Osaka. He was also appointed as member of the Strategic & Finance Committee and has contributed significantly to the development of CAPA’s strategic plans and work program since then. Being Deputy President, Keith’s first task is to chair the Strategic & Finance Committee.

Keith is a partner of Glendinnings Chartered Accountants, a practice based in North Palmerston, New Zealand. He has been actively involved in the organisation and governance of the accounting profession in New Zealand for the past 12 years through the New Zealand Institute by serving on various committees, the Council, Board, and ultimately as President in 2006. During the period when he was on the CAPA Board, Keith was also appointed as the institute’s Interim Chief Executive, serving for approximately 7 months.

When asked about his decision to stand for election, he quoted "the opportunity to continue enhancing, co-coordinating and developing the profession further within the region" as the main reason. Timing was also right since it has been many years ago that New Zealand held the helm at CAPA; Mr. Rex Anderson was President in 1988 and 1989. Further, the New Zealand institute feels it is now an appropriate time to increase their commitment to CAPA and hence, fully supports Keith’s candidacy.

On his being elected, Keith feels that he owes it to the Institute for their commitment and trust in his capabilities, his supportive team in the Practice giving him time to fulfill his role at CAPA, and his wife and three daughters for their love and dedication. Above all, the team recognises his passion for the profession. He acknowledge the fact that CAPA faces many challenges, but feels that “given the region it represents, CAPA should be a powerful advocacy group and should be able to help effect change in the profession within the region for the benefit of the region; I am ready to face those challenges and I look forward to contributing and working in this direction”.

In his spare time, Keith is an avid golfer; retired cricketer but fully active cricket supporter; and a rugby follower.