New director for airport

The Queenstown Lakes District Council has appointed Queenstown consulting engineer James Hadley to the position of Queenstown Airport Corporation director.

The council resolved in June that a fifth director would be temporarily appointed to the board to allow for a transition period pending the retirement of director Bill Walker in June, next year.

“Bill (Walker) is a highly regarded and hard working member of the corporation. We wanted to ensure there was a period when any incoming director could have an opportunity to get up to speed with Bill still contributing,” Mr Field said.

After Mr Walker’s retirement from the board, the number of directors would revert to four.

“We are delighted to bring James Hadley around the table, his credentials will bring a real depth of experience to the board,’ Mr Field said.

Principal of consulting engineering company Hadley Consultants Limited, Mr Hadley’s key skills were in the area of civil and structural engineering.

“His professional experience has allowed him to develop critical skills in the field of infrastructure master planning and strategic project implementation,” Mr Field said.

Mr Hadley had a proven track record with the council given his appointment to successfully conduct several independent inquiries on its behalf.

“He has also, been a highly valuable director with the council’s CCO (Council Controlled Organisation) Lakes Engineering Limited,” Mr Field said. He would progressively phase out of that role over the coming months. Mr Hadley confirmed that he was looking forward to working with the highly regarded existing corporation directors and for the opportunity to have some time with Mr Walker prior to his retirement.

The calibre of expressions of interest for the airport directorship had been impressive, with 18 expressions of interest for the position.

“I think it’s a reflection of the quality of the airport itself that we are able to attract such a high standard of individuals,’ Mr Field said.

The appointment of Mr Hadley was confirmed by the full council at its meeting on 26 September.