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The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has appointed the former chief executive of Environment Southland, Rob Phillips, as independent chairman of the newly formed Wānaka Airport liaison committee.
QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen confirmed councillors agreed unanimously to adopt the governance subcommittee’s recommendation of Mr Phillips as the preferred candidate during a public-excluded session of the full council meeting late last month.
"All details have now been finalised and I welcome Rob to this new position. With more than 22 years’ experience in executive and leadership roles, he clearly demonstrated through the recruitment process that he’ll bring the skills, experience and independence required," Mr Theelen said.
"His strategic approach, open leadership style and focus on achieving outcomes and recognising the importance of a strong organisational culture will enable him to chair the committee and deliver on its key responsibilities."
A requirement of the district plan, the committee’s responsibilities include reviewing complaints relating to airport operations or noise, helping the QLDC (in its role as regulator) and Queenstown Airport Corporation (which manages Wānaka Airport’s day-to-day operations on behalf of the QLDC under a management services agreement) to communicate and engage with the community and reviewing progress on any airport development activity.
Mr Phillips said he was looking forward to working with airport-based businesses and the wider community.
"Wānaka Airport plays a wide range of roles, including that of a hugely respected flight training centre and the home of internationally famous air show, Warbirds over Wānaka. The committee will be an important new body taking a helicopter view of relevant activities there," he said.
The council has appointed Simon Telfer as its representative from the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board. Other members will be appointed. They will include, but not be limited to, representatives from the Wānaka Airport Users Group, Airways and commercial airlines.
— Staff reporter