Posted: 11 August 2006
Six trustees sought for $12M NRC Trust
Northlanders with good business skills and connections, business development know-how and a knowledge of Maori culture are needed to help run a $12 million trust fund.
The looming expiry of the terms of six of its eight trustees means regional economic development agency the Northland Regional Council Community Trust - which operates as Enterprise Northland - is now looking for new appointees.
The trust was formed in 1996 with the multimillion-dollar proceeds of the sale of some of the Regional Council’s majority shareholding in the Northland Port Corporation.
Aspiring trustees may also be appointed to the trust’s two subsidiaries, regional tourism body Destination Northland Ltd (set up in 1997) and the Enterprise Northland Trust, which was established in 2002 and supports economic development and sustainable business.
Regional Council Chairman Mark Farnsworth says of eight current trustees, only the terms of Richard Drake and Jane Hindle are not expiring this year.
However, their colleagues whose terms are expiring – Mike Simm (Chairman), Cameron Bell, Gloria Herbert, Allan Pivac, Ross Provan and Bill Shepherd - can apply to be re-appointed.
Mr Farnsworth says trustees meet every two months and are paid an annual $11,000 honorarium. Candidates must live in Northland and ideally should have:
- proven business management experience
- knowledge of Māori culture and issues relating to business development
- experience in Trust operations or regional business development
- experience and expertise in strategic planning and financial management
- good networking skills and business connections.
An information pack about both the Trust itself and trustee positions is available from the Northland Regional Council. Inquiries can be directed to the Council’s Strategic Development Manager, Linda Stansfield, on 0800 002 004.
Mr Farnsworth says people interested in a trustee position have until 5pm on Friday 8 September to submit a confidential application (including a curriculum vitae) to the Council.
Legally trustees can’t be employed by, or elected representatives of, any Northland local authority.
The selection process will be overseen by a five-strong panel including Mr Farnsworth and the Mayors of the Whangarei, Far North and Kaipara Districts.
The panel’s recommendations will go the Regional Council’s November full Council meeting with trustees taking up their appointments from 1 December.