New economic development officer for Kaipara

11 June, 2007

ENTERPRISE NORTHLAND : MEDIA RELEASES 2007

Kaipara District has a new economic development officer, Stewart McElwain.

He has been employed under a partnership between the Kaipara District Council and Enterprise Northland, which maximises resources and avoids duplication of activities. Similar partnerships are in place in both Whangarei and the Far North.

Mr McElwain will have a full-time focus on Kaipara business organisations and will leverage region-wide initiatives for the benefit of the Kaipara District. He will be supported by an advisory group, comprising representatives of Kaipara businesses, communities and local government.

Cr Julia Sutherland, Kaipara District Council's Economic Development portfolio holder, says she is delighted with news of Mr Mc Elwain's appointment. “It is more than six months since there has been someone in such a role in the Kaipara District, and we need the right person to build on the work previously achieved by the Kaipara Development Agency. The new structure will allow excellent synergies between the KDC and Enterprise Northland – encouraging new opportunities for Kaipara businesses and tapping into local expertise.”

Mr McElwain has most recently been working in a project management consulting role in a new 30-hectare, $20 million leisure, entertainment and recreation park in Silverdale, Auckland.

He previously spent 10 years with the University of Auckland , including four years as Group Manager, Student Affairs. During his time with the university, he played a key role in the development of the $30 million Railway Campus, the conversion of the heritage-listed Auckland Central Railway station to a 230-apartment accommodation complex.

Mr McElwain also has 15 years' experience in the hospitality industry.