Brian Sage

027 223 0541
brian.sage@sagebush.co.nz

Brian specialises in public sector management with more than 30 years’ experience working in a variety of management, organisational leadership and consulting roles.

Brian’s mix of public sector senior management and consulting experience is particularly suited to work in environments with pressing drivers for change. He thinks strategically, provides an independent and objective view, and applies his extensive finance background without being driven by any particular discipline. Brian has a reputation for open engagement and integrity.

Examples of Brian’s recent work include: reviewing the funding requirements and developing options for a government agency (SSC); developing guidance on Crown Entity financial management, accountability and operating expectations (FENZ); assessing the funding of Residential Special Schools (MoE); assessing the effectiveness of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund (MBIE); establishing a framework for negotiating Collective Agreements within an appropriate governance structure; assessing the impacts of a change in shared service arrangements (DPMC); supporting the digital identity programme (DIA); developing Long Term Investment Plans (LTIP) for MSD and MFAT; reviewing funding issues for the NZ Contractors’ Federation; Acting GM Corporate and CFO for WorkSafe NZ; establishment of the Financial Markets Authority.

Brian enjoys undertaking a variety of work that does not easily lend itself to standard, off-the-shelf approaches. He takes a systems approach that is durable and flexible, and always fit for purpose.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Commerce and Administration (Accountancy & Commercial Law), Victoria University, Wellington

Ben Bush

021 208 5432
ben.bush@sagebush.co.nz

Ben has extensive strategic financial management experience in the public sector. He has worked as a public sector consultant since 2005. Before that, he had 7 years’ senior management experience at the Department of Internal Affairs and Department for Courts and significant experience in the private sector.

Over the years, Ben has completed a large number of budget bids, business cases, fees reviews, financial models and financial strategies. He is unusual in being able to draw the links between finance, strategy and operations. He has strong analytical skills and combines those with experience and common sense to develop pragmatic, achievable solutions.

Examples of Ben’s recent work include: strategic baseline review of WorkSafe New Zealand and subsequent follow-up review (for MBIE); review of the quality of financial information provided to the board of a Crown Entity (MoE); economic development strategy (Horowhenua District Council); scenario analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on a Crown Entity and developing mitigation options (FENZ); single-stage business case for the Science and Innovation Sector using Treasury’s BBC model (MBIE); advising on the design and staffing of finance and corporate functions for a new agency (Taumata Arowai). He has also acted in CFO and Strategic Finance roles across a number of agencies.

Qualifications

Master of Business Administration, Henley Management College, UK

Bachelor of Commerce and Administration (Accountancy & Economics), Victoria University, Wellington

Diploma in Marketing, The Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK

John Kyne

029 462 0289
john.kyne@sagebush.co.nz

John specialises in strategic finance and financial management in the public sector. He has a track record of success and achieving results through strategy, delivery and collaboration. John has developed many investment proposals and business cases that support strategic outcomes, and has significant experience in leading change. He is experienced in working with central agencies, reviewers and assurance providers.

Examples of John’s recent work include: assessing applications for the Tourism Infrastructure Fund (MBIE); assessing the funding of Residential Special Schools (MoE); reviewing the funding requirements and developing funding options for a government agency (SSC); development of a Terms of Reference for review of an Internal Audit function; development of business cases for joint border management JBMS and SmartGate (Customs); property and systems project implementations (Customs); implementation of the Import Entry Transaction Fee and the Passenger Clearance Levy; governance of Better Public Service Results 9 and 10; Crown revenue collection, credit and debt management; strategic risk assessment; and working with PIF Review teams and Audit and Risk Committees.

John has a strategic perspective and results-oriented approach and a reputation for being well considered, challenging and trustworthy. He understands the need to manage key relationships well and mitigate risk. His wealth of experience and ability to add value means he is strongly placed to advance strategic finance challenges in the public sector.

Qualifications

Chartered Accountant (CAANZ)

Bachelor of Commerce and Administration (Accountancy & Economics), Victoria University, Wellington