Two new chairs appointed for CCO boards
Tim Cossar has been appointed by Rotorua Lakes Council to replace John McRae as chair of the RotoruaNZ board, following the end of his term as chair.
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell says Mr Cossar brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in tourism and the local Rotorua economy to the position of board chair and looks forward to his continued contribution to RotoruaNZ’s governance table.
“We're fortunate to have Tim appointed as the new chair of RotoruaNZ, providing vital direction and leadership to our regions’ economic development at a time that Council is focused on restoring our Rotorua brand as a world-class destination.”
Mr Cossar has been involved in the tourism industry for many years and returned to Rotorua 12 years ago to take up the CEO role at Te Puia after stints as the CEO of the Tourism Industry Association and Positively Wellington Tourism. Before that Tim was the CEO of the Queen Elizabeth 2 National Trust.
“I have enjoyed being on the RotoruaNZ board and look forward to helping move things forward in the capacity as chair as we take steps to extract the maximum gains out of the reboot of international tourism. Ensuring Rotorua remains a destination of choice for kiwis and international visitors alike is central to my thinking. There is certainly plenty to work on.”
Mayor Tapsell also acknowledges the significant contribution made by Mr McRae during his time as board chair.
“John’s leadership, business and finance experience, and community connection has been extremely valuable. His leadership to support economic recovery and our tourism and hospitality industry in particular was greatly appreciated. We want to thank him for providing stability to both the board and the RotoruaNZ leadership team during his term.”
At the same meeting, the Rotorua Regional Airport Limited Board appointments were made. Grant Lilly was appointed as the interim board chair through until the 30th of November 2023 replacing Peter Stubbs.
Grant works as a professional Director, mainly in the aviation and tourism sectors, and has an extensive management career in top executive roles with large aviation corporates, including Air New Zealand, Qantas Airways and Civil Aviation New Zealand. Grant has worked throughout many of the global regions of importance to New Zealand and has extensive experience in international business.
Rotorua Lakes Council Chief Executive Geoff Williams thanks Peter for nine years of service to the Rotorua Regional Airport Limited Board.
“Peter has provided leadership for the airport through some very difficult times, which included lockdowns and border closures, assisted in advocating against the removal of air traffic control and the formulation of the airport masterplan and new terminal.”
ENDS
Notes:
Mr Cossar’s appointment as chair of RotoruaNZ is until 31 December 2024.
Council approved a RotoruaNZ board member extension for Mr Christopher Auld whose term has been extended to 31 December 2024.
Council approved a new appointment for the Rotorua Regional Airport Limited Board: Mr Fred Cookson has been appointed from 13 April 2023 to 13 April 2026.
Council also approved the extension of two Rotorua Airport Limited board members namely Ms Danielle Auld and Ms Mere George whose terms have been extended to 5 October 2023.