Emerging Director Award insights

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Originally from Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, Claire’s family moved to the winterless north, Te Tai Tokerau, where she spent her childhood by the beach, before coming to the Waikato to study. After completing her Masters in Industrial and Organisational Psychology and a brief time in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, Claire headed overseas – spending nearly a decade in London, England – before returning to the Waikato.  

Claire has 20+ years’ experience across the private, public and for-purpose sectors, from start-ups to mature, complex organisations. She is a Chartered Institute of Directors member and was a previous Waikato Emerging Director award winner.  

Known for her values-based, collaborative leadership style, ability to foster strong, constructive relationships and for bringing curiosity, fairness and humanity to decision making, Claire currently serves on a number of boards across health and disability, and property.

Matt Silverton 

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Matt is a Waikato local with deep roots in the region’s property and governance landscape. A Registered Property Valuer since 2006, he founded Silverton Alexander in 2017, where he leads a boutique valuation practice delivering a broad range of advisory services. His expertise has seen him act as an Expert Witness in both the High Court and Environment Court, and he contributes to the profession through his role on the Central Region Committee of the Property Council of New Zealand. 

Expanding into hospitality, Matt co-founded Fergus Bar and Kitchen in Rototuna in 2024. He is currently serving his second term as a Trustee of the WEL Energy Trust, having previously held Deputy Chair and chaired the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. 

A 2024 participant in the Institute of Directors’ Mentoring for Diversity Programme, Matt was named the 2025 Emerging Director of the Year and now serves on the Service and Property Trust boards within the Enrich+ Group.