News Release

Thursday 2 October 2014

Airport board chair announces end of tenure

Rotorua developer Ray Cook will resign his position as chairman of the Rotorua Regional Airport Limited board in November.

Mr Cook has served on the board since 2002, becoming chairman in 2010.

“I’m proud of having served on the board. The airport is a hugely important asset for Rotorua as a tourism centre and as a district that is striving to grow,” Mr Cook said.

Rotorua International Airport is operated by an independent company, Rotorua Regional Airport Limited, in which the Rotorua District Council has 100 per cent shareholding. The airport is governed by an independent board of directors, currently Ray Cook (chair), Peter Stubbs, Stuart Crosby and Bill Kingi.

“It’s time to stand down and let others take the reins and for me to focus on some of my personal projects, including an extended adventure overseas,” Mr Cook said.

“I think it’s important for any board to have regular rotation of membership to allow for change, fresh thinking and new energy and I’m leaving things in good hands.”

Mr Cook said the appointment of current airport chief executive Alistair Rhodes had been an important turning point.

“In the past 18 months we have seen the expansion of services on the Auckland-Rotorua route and development and endorsement of a strong business strategy.

“I’m confident the airport, as a major infrastructure asset for Rotorua and the region, has a solid future. With the airport’s jet capacity, there is plenty of potential to expand its domestic market share and position it as a truly regional airport, servicing the entire Bay of Plenty,” Mr Cook said.

“There are also fantastic opportunities to further contribute to tourism growth, particularly in relation to mountainbiking which, supported by the airport, will play an increasingly important role in changing the local tourism landscape.”

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick paid tribute to Mr Cook’s tenure on the airport board.

“Ray has been an able board chair who has led the development of this important Rotorua asset through sometimes difficult periods,” Mrs Chadwick said.

“We thank him for his invaluable service and leadership and wish him well for his future endeavours.

“We acknowledge Ray’s substantial contribution but know their airport remains in capable hands as we look to position a reinvigorated Rotorua for growth,” the Mayor said.

[ENDS]

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