Rob Forlong announces resignation as EPA Chief Executive

Rob Forlong announces resignation as EPA Chief Executive

10 April 2015

The Environmental Protection Authority’s Chief Executive, Rob Forlong has announced his resignation.

Mr Forlong has been the Chief Executive of the EPA since its inception nearly four years ago, and prior to that, was the Chief Executive of the Environmental Risk Management Authority for six years.

The EPA Board’s Chair, Kerry Prendergast, said Mr Forlong had made a significant contribution to the EPA, and the Board and staff are very grateful for his leadership.

“Rob has led the organisation through the crucial set-up period since the EPA’s creation in 2011.

“He’s managed the merging of three groups of staff into one organisation, driven the necessary culture changes, implemented the EPA's responsibilities for managing the environmental impact of activity in the Exclusive Economic Zone, and developed an effective process for administering Nationally Significant Proposals.

“He’s done all this while ensuring the EPA has continued to follow robust and transparent processes, and that the organisation doesn’t ‘drop the ball’ in any of its work.”

Ms Prendergast said the organisation as a whole was very sad to see Mr Forlong go, but wished him all the best.

The Board will shortly begin the process of appointing a new chief executive, and will make arrangements to ensure the smooth running of the organisation in the interim.

“The EPA is a strong and resilient organisation, with an extremely capable and dedicated staff.”

“It will continue to run smoothly while a new CEO is appointed.”

Mr Forlong said it had been a privilege to be the inaugural CEO of the EPA, and he was confident the organisation would continue to thrive.”

“It has been a fascinating job - full of interesting and challenging issues.”

“While our stakeholders often have different views on how best to address those issues, without exception they have wanted to make New Zealand a better place.”

“I’ve particularly enjoyed working with Iwi and Māori stakeholders, who have been very supportive of the EPA and of me personally.”

Mr Forlong will officially step down as the Chief Executive of the EPA at the end of June 2015.

He will take up his new role with as the Chief Executive of the Whangarei District Council in early July.

ends

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