John Slater elected chair of Newmarket Business

Newmarket Business Association

29 September 2006

John Slater elected chair of Newmarket Business Association

Former National Party President John Slater was last night elected chairman of the Newmarket Business Association at the organisation's Annual General Meeting. Mr Slater is also current president of the Auckland Citizens and Ratepayers Association.

"This is great news for New Zealand's premier retailing district. John is a very positive person and to have someone of his calibre at the top of the table is only going to help Newmarket cement its leading position in the marketplace," said Cameron Brewer, general manager of the Newmarket Business Association.

Mr Slater owns and manages Creazioni Italian Kitchens, on the roundabout, 25 Broadway.

Also standing for chair was local jeweller Mark Beckett of Mark Beckett Diamonds, 255 Broadway. Mr Beckett is current chairman of the Jewellery Association of New Zealand.

"For the first time in living memory in Newmarket, the chairmanship of Auckland's second largest business association was a public contest. John has come in with a lot of local support and he will be great as we continue to build the Newmarket Business Association to be New Zealand's strongest," said Mr Brewer.

Mr Slater replaces Darryn Kendall of Regal Drycleaning who has stepped down as chairman. Mr Slater was president of the National Party from 1998 -2001. Over the years he has also served on a number of apolitical boards.

Seven board members were also elected (from 10 standing) to the business association last night: Craig Chalmers (Tramlease Limited), David Compton (Quest Newmarket), Stuart Latimer (House of Travel), Gavin McCormick (National Bank), Emma Thompson (Two Double Seven), and Rosina Webb (Traffic Group). Treasurer Carl Sowter (Marley Loft) was returned uncontested.

ENDS