Well-known NZ finance industry veteran, David Stevens, died suddenly just over a week ago.
Following a long career in banking that culminated in a senior executive role at the National Bank, Stevens became an influential figure in the NZ workplace savings market from the early 1990s.
He served as executive director of the Association of Superannuation Funds of New Zealand (ASFONZ), which later became Workplace Savings NZ for more than a decade after officially retiring from National.
Stevens remained as ASFONZ head until early 2003, subsequently moving into governance roles with several workplace savings schemes and other businesses.
In a tribute this morning (Tuesday October 27), the Workplace Savings Committee (WSC) of the Financial Services Council said Stevens was “a seminal part of the New Zealand workplace savings story – and our industry owes him a huge debt of gratitude”
“He was deeply admired by all who worked with him in that capacity for his tenacious, professional and caring stewardship, and his indefatigable (and effective!) advocacy work for member schemes over a period of accelerating legislative and structural change,” the WSC tribute says.
“David was a respected, generous and insightful long-term contributor to scheme trustee boards that are literally too numerous to mention. Two stand-outs though were his service as Chairman of the New Zealand Harbours Superannuation Plan (now the Ports Retirement Plan) for a remarkable 26 continuous years, and his equally exceptional work over many years with helping The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board to deliver on its mission.”
Stevens was also a key contributor to the Norman Kirk Memorial Trust – a charity dedicated to helping “New Zealanders and people of the South Pacific to reach their potential by providing financial help for education, study or training”.
“David was a “gentleman’s gentleman” with a real sense of occasion – as those who witnessed the “signing pen” deployed only on special occasions can readily attest! He will be warmly remembered for his wry good humour, his dress sense (enviably dapper to the last!) and his infectious sense of mischief,” the WSC note says.
“Above all else though, David was a true servant leader – and we thank him for his transformative contribution to our industry.
“Rest in peace, David.”
In one of his final board positions, Stevens was foundation chair of the Wellington-based Implemented Investment Solutions (IIS) from 2011 until the end of 2018.
IIS founder, Anthony Edmonds, said Stevens would be missed.
“As our original independent director and chair, David holds a dear place in the hearts of IIS due to his steely governance skills, coupled with his great sense of humour. He did a fantastic job of steering the business through its formative years, and to where we are today,” Edmonds said.
“He also made a huge contribution to the investment industry, heading up ASFONZ, plus playing governance roles on a number of superannuation schemes.
“Thanks David for your wisdom and friendship.”
Stevens died on October 16. He was 84.
The Stevens family have requested donations can be made in David’s memory to Wellington Free Ambulance at www.wfa.org.nz in lieu of flowers.
Messages to ‘the Stevens family’ may be posted c/- PO Box 14-366, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6241