Greater Wellington Regional Council

Media release February 27, 2013

Regional economic development agency Grow Wellington has reappointed four of its board’s seven members.

They are businesswoman Rachel Taulelei, senior executive Peter Robertson, Wellington Zoo Trust chief executive Karen Fifield and businessman Richard Stone.

Simultaneously, Grow Wellington’s parent body, the Wellington Regional Strategy Committee, has appointed a new non-local government member, chief executive Samantha Sharif.

Grow Wellington chairperson Paul Mersi said the four board members had made valuable contributions during their terms and had been reappointed for periods of two and three years. The differing periods were intended to ensure board continuity.

Mr Mersi said the agency had made strong progress in creating a vibrant, competitive regional economy and the experience of the four reappointments would contribute to that continued success.

Wellington Regional Strategy Committee chairman Sir John Anderson said Ms Sharif would bring highly regarded legal and leadership experience to the role. She is one of five independent appointees representing the private sector and business interests.

The committee’s other nine members are the region’s eight mayors and Wellington Regional Council’s chair.

Ms Sharif’s experience includes being chief executive of the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation and director of Positively Wellington Venues.

Ms Sharif said she was committed as a Wellingtonian to helping the region realise its full potential. “I understand the challenges Wellington and New Zealand face in the global competition for talent and resources, and also the international perspective we need to have if we want a sustainable, resilient economy."

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