Destination Rotorua announces new chief executive
ROTORUA, 08 September 2016:
Destination Rotorua has appointed Michelle Templer as chief executive for Rotorua Lakes Council’s new council controlled
organisation (CCO), Rotorua Economic Development Ltd, operating as Destination Rotorua.
Waikato-born Templer is currently working in Auckland as Coalition and Sector Manager for New Zealand Trade and
Enterprise, and previously held positions as Regional Director and Consul Commercial for Australia and the Pacific and
Trade Commissioner for the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Chairman of the Destination Rotorua board Peter Stubbs said in a field of strong candidates Templer stood out because of
her breadth of relevant experience.
“We are very pleased to have Michelle come on board. She comes with more than 20 years’ experience working in New
Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom and Australia. Her roles have provided Michelle the opportunity to collaborate with
top international executives and New Zealand companies to develop and implement strategies for business growth and
transformation, and help strategic investors realise opportunities here in New Zealand.
Templer’s early career was in the travel and tourism sector and she maintains strong connection to farming and
Agribusiness.
Templer said she was looking forward to leading the new CCO.
“I’m excited by the opportunity to drive the growth of Rotorua’s visitor numbers, investors and businesses, ensuring it
is recognised as a vibrant and desirable place to do business, live and visit,” said Templer.
“We also feel that Rotorua is an incredible place to give our children the opportunity to thrive and be part of a
community. Over many years we have visited as a family and always found new and different experiences. The best thing is
that no matter how far you ride, walk, run or bike you can always sink into the amazing natural hot springs and get up
and go again the next day.”
Templer is replacing Mark Rawson who held the interim chief executive position for two years before departing in July
2016. She will take up her appointment effective 31 October 2016 with her family relocating during the summer break.
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About the Destination Rotorua CCO:
Destination Rotorua’s purpose it to contribute to the achievement of Rotorua's 2030 vision through the growth of
existing and attraction of new investment, businesses, residents, visitors and students to Rotorua, in partnership with
the Rotorua business and investment community.
This CCO formed on 01 July 2016 is an amalgamation of the former economic growth CCO Grow Rotorua and the council’s
regional tourism organisation Destination Rotorua. The three functional areas of responsibility include business
development, investment attraction and tourism growth.