Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Karilyn Canton is one of New Zealand’s most experienced and specialised local government lawyers. She leads the award-winning Dunedin City Council legal team, recognised as the 2023 ILANZ Public Sector In-House Legal Team of the Year.
Karilyn has played a pivotal role in nearly every major Council initiative over the past decade — from central city upgrades and strategic land transactions to large and complex infrastructure projects.
One of Karilyn’s career highlights was advising on the purchase of Foulden Maar, a globally significant paleontological site containing 23 million years of climate data and fossils.
Karilyn is described as exceptional. She is known for her ability to deliver clear, calm advice under pressure — often in complex, high-profile, and politically sensitive environments. She is deeply respected by colleagues across the Council and beyond, and is admired for her integrity, strategic thinking, and collaborative approach.
Karilyn’s work has created lasting change in the delivery of public legal services. She exemplifies how women can lead with impact, courage, excellence and professionalism at the highest levels.
50 The Octagon, Dunedin, 9016
021 893 059
karilyn.canton@dcc.govt.nz
linkedin.com/in/karilyn-canton-a5273511b
probe.group
Karilyn Canton
Chief In-House Legal Counsel Dunedin City Council
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Bio
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Profile
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Bio
Milestones
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Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
1991–1997
1997–2004
2004–2015
2015–2020
Present
1991–1993: Solicitor at Russell McVeagh
1994–1997: Solicitor at Wynn Williams
1991–1997
1997–2004: In-house Legal Counsel at Christchurch City Council
2001: Attained Master of Laws (First Class Honours) in the Public Works Act 1981
1997–2004
Full-time at home with her children for nine years
Part-time tutor at the University of Otago Faculty of Law (two years)
2004–2015
In-House Counsel at Dunedin City Council
2015–2020
Chief In-House Legal Counsel at Dunedin City Council since 2020
Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.