Lure of Northland attracts new economic development officer

28 November, 2005

ENTERPRISE NORTHLAND : MEDIA RELEASES 2005

Enterprise Northland's new Far North economic development officer is already well aware of the appeal of Northland – it attracted him from the other side of the world.

UK-born Gary Gabbitas has relocated from Wales with his family to become the Far North economic development officer, employed by Enterprise Northland under a partnership with the Far North District Council.

He begins his new role this week and will be leveraging regional projects into the Far North and assisting in the implementation of the Far North economic development plan, created at the summit in Omapere earlier this month.

Mr Gabbitas has worked in a number of community economic development roles in struggling parts of Yorkshire and in the past five years within Wales. He was most recently employed as a co-ordinator for the Welsh Assembly Governments flagship Communities First programme.

He visited New Zealand with his family for five months in the summer of 1993-94 and says “I have fond memories of my time in Northland and was impressed with its natural beauty, its welcoming people, histories and traditions and thought it would be a good place to settle”.

“There are many similarities between the Far North and Wales as far as economic development is concerned. The major one is their rural similarities and its potential for sustainable economic development into the future which was vividly expressed at the recent summit in Omapere”.

Gary will be looking forward to meeting with various stakeholders in the next three months.

This new partnership between the Far North District Council and Enterprise Northland will also maximise resources and strengthen relationships.