News Release
Tuesday 17 April 2012

Board Of Directors Sought To Drive Rotorua’s Economic Future

ROTORUA 17.04.12: Rotorua District Council (RDC) has begun a search to identify people with suitable skills and experience to join the board of directors of Rotorua’s new economic development CCO (Council Controlled Organisation).

An independent chairperson and six directors are to be appointed to the CCO by a appointment panel made up of council, private sector business and Te Arawa representatives.

Mayor Kevin Winters said the board will be tasked with driving implementation of the recently developed Rotorua Sustainable Economic Growth Strategy, including promotion of local economic development programmes and alignment with complementary regional and national economic development initiatives.

“The council chose the council controlled organisation option for implementing the growth strategy rather than an in-house structure, following a recommendation from local business leaders.

“The CCO is expected to become a key influencer of Rotorua district's economic transformation and to make a strong contribution to the district’s vision ‘ROTORUA - Living the dream. World class in every way’,” said Mr Winters.

RDC economic & regulatory services group manager Mark Rawson said the CCO would play a pivotal role in lifting economic performance in line with the direction set out in our growth strategy.

“The strategy identifies four key outcomes for Rotorua, and the new board will focus its attention on making real inroads into these areas. They are:

• lifting the reputation of Rotorua as a leader in forestry and wood processing, tourism, geothermal and agricultural sectors;
• achieving recognition for Rotorua as a preferred lifestyle destination;
• recognition as an attractive and easy place to invest and do business; and
• recognition as a district with an enabling regulatory environment.

“The board will be expected to deliver economic growth focussed initiatives, demonstrate leadership for the community, and collaborate effectively with RDC, iwi, Chamber of Commerce, government agencies, private and public sector organisations and other local authorities.”

A draft Statement of Intent has been developed for the new CCO setting out the objectives, nature and scope of activities to be undertaken, and performance targets it will be measured against. The draft Statement of Intent, which will be finalised by the council in May, covers the first three years of operations from to 30 June 2015.

Mr Rawson said the board would have responsibility for appointing its own chief executive and support staff, and would operate at arms length from the council on a day-to-day basis.

He said the council was looking for candidates who had a genuine passion for Rotorua, a strong belief in its economic future, a mix of business skills and governance experience, and who are prepared to commit some of their time to help boost the city's economic performance.

A copy of the CCO’s draft Statement of Intent (yet to be signed-off by the council), and information on the new board and how to apply for a directorship, can be found on the council website rdc.govt.nz (under ‘Services / Economic Projects’) or by emailing mark.rawson@rdc.govt.nz.

Applications for the positions of chairperson and director on the new CCO close on 4 May 2012.

ENDS

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