New chairman for Destination Rotorua board

Rotorua Lakes Council has appointed Peter Stubbs chairman of the board of tourism business unit, Destination Rotorua.

Mr Stubbs is also chairman of Rotorua Airport, a Rotorua Lakes Council-owned CCO (council controlled organisation).

Council chief executive Geoff Williams said he was grateful that Mr Stubbs had agreed to take on the Destination Rotorua board role in addition to his chairmanship of the airport company.

“Peter’s appointment provides a timely opportunity for the two organisations to build higher levels of strategic collaboration. Our view is that there are real opportunities to capitalise on the natural synergies that exist between the two organisations.

“Peter brings a wealth of experience and has proven to be an outstanding chair of the airport board. The council has confidence in his ability to lead the two boards and to drive governance decisions that are in the best interests of the wider Rotorua district and our Rotorua 2030 vision.

Mr Stubbs is a partner in the commercial law group of national law firm Simpson Grierson, heading three specialist divisions of Sales and Marketing Law, Sports Entertainment & Venues, and Fast Moving Consumer Goods.

His previous role on the board of Tourism New Zealand (1999-2007, board member and later deputy chairman) and involvement with various local authorities has given him an insight into event management and destination marketing. He is also a former board member of Regional Facilities Auckland Ltd, and is deputy chairman of Dunedin Venues.

Mr Stubbs said Destination Rotorua had helped revitalise the tourism industry in Rotorua under the leadership of outgoing chairman Alan Bickers.

“I hope to build on that excellent foundation," he said.

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