Paging Mr Johnstone. Invercargill Airport is looking for its general manager, following his departure after only eight days in the job.
The airport company confirmed yesterday Gordon Johnstone, the general manager it appointed on November 25, had left.
Airport chairman Merv Cook said he was "shocked" over Mr Johnstone's sudden departure, as the company had gone through a rigorous appointment process.
The company had been unable to locate Mr Johnstone for an explanation as to why he left.
Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt, a supporter of the airport's multimillion-dollar runway extension, said the company "can't even fire him because they can't find him. It is a bit of an egg-on-the-face situation."
In a press release to announce his appointment last month, Mr Johnstone was described as a former Southlander with broad experience in the public and private sectors, both in New Zealand and overseas.
He was most recently employed as financial controller of a Cairns hardware company.
