Resignation of WCDT Advisory Body member.

Media Release

Tuesday 3rd April, 2007.

Resignation of WCDT Advisory Body member.

Announcement:

Wayne Mills, an inaugural member of the West Coast Development Trust’s Advisory Body has announced his resignation.

Mr Mills was appointed in 2001 and has played a critical role in reviewing applications and advising the Trust on investment opportunities. The Advisory Body is also represented by Bruce Gemmell from KPMG and Gill Cox of Advance Business Education Ltd, both from Christchurch and independent businessman John Isles of Wellington.

Chairman of the Trust, Frank Dooley said Mr Mills brought significant financial and venture capital skills to the Advisory Body and his intellectual knowledge of the Trust and of West Coast businesses would be missed.

Mr Mills said the decision had been a difficult one but had been driven by his acceptance of a major contract with Contact Energy which will involve him in project management of resource consent applications for several new renewable generation projects planned by the company over the next few years.

“I will miss my regular involvement with the Trust, but the role entails a lot of reading, analysis and attendance at meetings. My new role with Contact Energy will prevent me from putting the same level of effort into the Advisory Body job as I currently do. I have enjoyed being part of the Trust immensely and will continue to be a very enthusiastic supporter of the WCDT and the contribution it has made to economic growth on the Coast since its inception”.

Mr Mills, of Vantage Consulting Group in Wellington, plans to retain a relationship with the Trust and The West Coast and has offered his services as an independent advisor as required. He will work through a transition period while the Trust appoints a new member.

Ends.

© Scoop Media