Role changes for Bay of Connections

14 February, 2014

Role changes for Bay of Connections

The New Year has brought with it a changing at the helm for the Bay of Connections Governance Group, with a new chair and applications being sought for a new Māori Business representative.

John Cronin recently stepped down as chair, with Bay of Plenty Regional Council chair Doug Leeder now filling the role. Maori Business representative Richard Jones has resigned from his position on the Governance Group, although will still be actively involved with the Bay of Connections as co-chair of the Māori Economic Development Strategy.

Established in 2008, the Bay of Connections is the industry-led growth strategy for the wider Bay of Plenty region, aimed at growing employment in key target areas.

It is driven by a commercially-focused Governance Group that represents Eastern Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupō and Western Bay of Plenty, in partnership with the Bay of Plenty Council, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the region’s economic development agencies.

The Governance Group is supported by a management group and sector groups focused on actions to drive efficiencies, productivity and benefits in the areas of aquaculture, forestry, freight logistics, energy, Māori development and sport and recreation.

Incoming chair Mr Leeder says Mr Cronin has been a hugely influential driving force behind the establishment and progress of the Bay of Connections.

“John has been a pioneering force from the outset, driving strategy and structure for the Bay of Connections from inception to its current form.

“The early years required many critical conversations to build trust and understanding in order for the strategies to have a true impact on our region, and John’s leadership and guidance has resulted in a solid foundation on which to exract real change for the future.

“Under John’s leadership the Governance Group has developed five sector strategies, with the sixth about to be launched and another in the pipeline.”

Mr Leeder says it is exciting to see the strategies come to life, with positive growth already taking place throughout the region.

He says Mr Jones will also be missed in the Māori Business representative position, having had a substantial impact on strategy development.

“Richard has been influential in his work in developing the Māori Economic Development Strategy and we look forward to continuing to work with him alongside this strategy, which is being launched in February.”

The Governance Group is currently seeking applications for a Māori business representative role.

Please direct enquiries to Cheryl MacGregor, Bay of Connections Portfolio Manager, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, 0800 884 880.

ENDS

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