Environmental lawyer joins ŌCHT board
Jess Riddell brings her legal skills and commitment to community wellbeing to ŌCHT.
ŌCHT’s newest trustee is an environmental lawyer committed to ensuring everyone has a safe, warm home.
Jess Riddell is bringing her legal expertise and passion for community wellbeing to the ŌCHT board, after spending two years as an intern learning the ropes of governance and decision making.
“For the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside the board, gaining insight into how governance can directly impact the lives of people in our community,” Jess said.
“Through this work, I’ve seen firsthand how having a safe, warm home transforms lives. It provides stability, supports well-being, and ensures that every child has the foundation they need to grow, learn and thrive.”
Jess initially applied for a trustee role two years ago when Dr Sina Cotter Tait and Darren Evans were appointed. The Trust saw value in fostering emerging governance talent and offered her an internship.
Over the last two years, Jess has been actively involved in discussions, decision-making processes and strategic planning, contributing her expertise and perspective.
Her background in environmental and resource management law gives Jess a unique perspective on housing. Having grown up on a farm, she has always felt a deep connection to the land and understands the importance of balancing urban development with environmental sustainability.
“We need to build more homes, but we also need to do it in a way that protects our natural environment,” Jess said.
What has impressed Jess most about the Trust’s work is its genuine, tenant-focused approach.
“Ensuring tenants have a voice in decisions and that their wellbeing is at the centre of everything the Trust does is embedded in ŌCHT’s culture,” Jess said.
“Every decision, whether about maintenance, new builds or policies, always comes back to how it will impact the people who live in these homes.”
Jess also values the Trust’s commitment to high-quality, energy-efficient housing.
“Those most vulnerable deserve the very best, and I love that the homes provided by the Trust are built to such a high standard.”
Jess believes that with the right planning and support, there’s no reason why everyone in Christchurch shouldn’t have a home.
“There’s enough land, there are financing options and there’s goodwill. We just need to keep pushing forward. Ideally, there should be no waiting list – I truly believe that’s achievable.”
Jess measures success as providing everyone with access to a home that enhances their wellbeing and offers the stability needed to thrive. She believes this vision is attainable, and with continued effort, Christchurch can move towards a future where everyone is housed in homes that provide a strong foundation for a secure and fulfilling life.
Thank you, Jess, for your continued valuable contributions to the ŌCHT board.
