Northland Inc’s General Manager of Investment and Infrastructure, Vaughan Cooper will be Acting CEO at the regional
economic development agency from next week, as Dr David Wilson departs the role on March 31.
Dr Wilson, who has been Northland Inc Chief Executive Officer since September 2013, will continue to work with Northland
Inc in a consultancy capacity and will maintain national leadership roles in regional economic development, including as
a Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) Independent Advisory Panel member, providing advice to government about PGF investment
and funding.
Northland Inc Chair Sarah Petersen said one of the key achievements of Dr Wilson while at the helm was the 2015 release
of the Tai Tokerau Northland Regional Growth Study, which identified significant opportunities to grow employment and
incomes in Northland.
The study, and subsequent Action Plan, has enabled the region to secure significant funding through the PGF as Northland
had a number of projects underway ready for funding.
Ms Petersen also praised Dr Wilson’s work in helping secure the 2018 landing of the US$440-million Hawaiki International
Fibre Cable in Mangawhai.
“Dr Wilson will continue to work with Northland Inc in a consultancy capacity on major economic development projects,
where we can continue to get the benefit of his expertise and experience to ensure that economic initiatives get
underway and our momentum continues,” she said.
Vaughan Cooper will be Acting CEO while the recruitment process continues for a permanent appointment.
“Vaughan has been in the organisation for over five years, and will be well-known to many within local government and
businesses,” she said.
Northland Inc will continue to deliver business as usual and look forward to welcoming new team member Tania Burt
shortly to lead the destination marketing team.
Recruitment for the new CEO is underway and the Board aims to appoint its successful candidate by mid-year.