Jan Sedgwick is a communications professional with more than 35 years’ experience in media, marketing and public relations. She was made a Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of NZ in recognition of her long-term contribution to the industry and holds journalism qualifications.

Jan’s career took a political turn with 12 years a councillor on the Waikato District Council, ending in 2022, and held many portfolios within the council and the wider community.  She chaired a number of council committees and regulatory hearings and developed extensive experience in community consultation on a number of levels.

She is a qualified RMA Commissioner holding a chair endorsement, whose experience in resource consenting and planning hearings sees her work with local authorities on environmental issues.

Jan has held GM positions in international business and also owned a consultancy specialising in  PR advice for high growth technology companies.  She is a regular business awards judge and has also judged internationally. She has been a regular guest ‘dragon’ in the University of Waikato MBA Dragon’s Den pitches.

Jan’s skills include clarity in communications, effective governance and risk analysis and management. She has specific skills in stakeholder communication and audit and risk and has worked with ‘for purpose’ charities including WWF NZ and the SPCA

Jan is a member of the Institute of Directors and the RMA Law Association and holds the position of electorate secretary for the National Party’s Port Waikato electorate.