New Directors join Venture Taranaki Trust
Venture Taranaki Trust, the regional development agency for the Taranaki region, has announced the appointment of
Barbara Kuriger, Kevin Murphy and Jamie Tuuta to its Board of Trustees, and acknowledged the contributions made by
retiring Board members Paul Winter and Peter Tennent.
Barbara Kuriger was recently awarded inaugural Dairy Woman of the Year, and holds a number of governance positions
across the rural sector. Her appointment recognises the significance of the primary industries as a cornerstone industry
of Taranaki’s economy.
Wellington-based Jamie Tuuta is the Māori Trustee and brings strong governance experience from across the health, iwi
development, agribusiness and fishing sectors.
Kevin Murphy is the Managing Director and Chief Executive of TSB Bank, the Taranaki-owned independent bank that in
recent years has successfully grown throughout New Zealand.
“In welcoming the new Board members the Trust recognises the momentum and diversity of Taranaki’s regional economy, and
its growth potential,” says Trust Chair Robin Brockie.
“With the addition of Barbara, Jamie and Kevin to the Board, the Trust will work to strengthen its connections with the
region’s Māori economy, its rural economy and one of its most prominent corporate brands. The calibre of these
appointments reinforces the strength of Venture Taranaki and its success in driving regional growth in the region.”
“These new appointments will ensure that the Trust remains effective and relevant to the people, businesses and
industries of Taranaki, and can continue to facilitate regional growth.”
“I would also like to acknowledge the considerable contributions made by both Paul Winter and Peter Tennent, not only to
Venture Taranaki, but to the performance of the region as a whole. They have each made a significant impact on the
region’s economic strategy and growth over recent years.”
“Both brought considerable experience and expertise to the Trust, and their contributions have been both considerable
and valuable. They leave both the Trust and the region in a very strong position.”
The new members join existing Board members Robin Brockie (Chair) a partner at Taranaki financial services firm Staples
Rodway, Port Taranaki CEO Roy Weaver, and Gavin Faull, owner of global hospitality management company Swiss-Belhotel
International.
The Trust was New Zealand’s first combined economic development agency and regional tourism organisation and receives
funding from a wide range of central and local government and philanthropic sources.
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