11 December 2015

PNCC appoints new manager to lead Venues Palmerston North

Palmerston North City Council has appointed John Lynch to manage Venues Palmerston North, where he will provide leadership and strategic direction for two of the city’s premier venues: the Convention Centre and the Central Energy Trust Arena.

Mr Lynch comes to Palmerston North from a similar role as venues and events manager for Toll Stadium and the Whangarei District Council. During his time at the helm Northland has flourished as a conference and event destination, with Mr Lynch leading winning bids for a number of high profile international sporting events that have brought kudos and an influx of visitors to the region.

These include two games in the Rugby World Cup 2011, four FIFA U-20 World Cup games earlier this year, and the opening match in the upcoming British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour.

His previous roles include group manager for Auckland’s iconic Mount Smart Stadium and CEO of Arena Manawatū.

Mr Lynch takes up his new job in Palmerston North on 1 February.

“This is a really exciting opportunity for me,” he says. “I already know a lot of the staff and have a relationship with the Palmerston North business community. I’m looking forward to reconnecting and working together to forge a strong path forward, to grow and develop the business.”

It’s a return home for Manawatū born and bred Lynch, who admits to still wearing his green and white jersey up north.

Mr Lynch oversaw major capital works during his last watch at Arena Manawatū, from 2002 to 2006, including multi-million dollar redevelopments of the city’s iconic indoor and outdoor stadiums.

That legacy is still generating economic benefits for the city, says Palmerston North City Council general manager City Enterprises, Ray McIndoe.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming John back home to Palmerston North. He brings a wealth of operational experience in managing sports and conference facilities and major events. We’re confident he’s the right person to boost growth in this core area of our business and benefit our city.”

Mr Lynch would play a pivotal part in the region’s development, he said.

“With the Convention Centre he’ll win and host multi-day events that will put Palmerston North on the map. Central Energy Trust Arena is the hub for sport, and with John’s expertise can be a facility to develop sports at all levels within the community.”

Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai said John and his team have elevated Whangarei’s ability to attract national and international events beyond expectations and Whangarei would be very sorry to see him go.

“Even so, we understand how rare it is to find the perfect job back in your hometown and when opportunities like this come along they must be taken.

“We wish John the absolute best wherever he goes, and we congratulate Palmerston North City Council and everyone who gets to work with John in future.”

ends

© Scoop Media