Nicolson to Leave FNHL After 12 Years At Helm

“He’s done a great job and we’re very sorry to lose him.”

That is Far North Holdings chairman Ross Blackman’s reaction to news that chief executive Malcolm Nicolson is departing the company after 12 years at the helm.

Mr Blackman announced today that Mr Nicolson had been appointed chief executive of the Northland Regional Council.

He replaces Ken Paterson who left the council in July to head the Tauranga City Council.

Mr Blackman says it is regretful that Mr Nicolson (54) is leaving the company after joining it as executive chairman in 1999 and being made chief executive in 2008.

However, he is parting on amicable terms and the board of directors wishes him every success in his new position.

“I understand he wants a new challenge, but we’re very sorry to lose him.”

Mr Nicolson has shown great leadership while in charge of the Far North District Council-owned company and can pride himself in helping it to:

• upgrade facilities at Bay of Islands Airport to allow for passenger growth from 20,000 persons a year to more than 60,000 persons
• redevelop Waitangi Wharf as a cruise ship tender terminal, without which the Bay of Islands wouldn’t have a cruise ship industry
• build a new 230-berth marina and maritime building at Opua
• acquire Ashby’s Boatyard at Opua and develop it as a marine services centre.

Mr Blackman is pleased that Far North ratepayers and residents will continue to get the benefit of Mr Nicolson’s skills and expertise while he is at the regional council.

“I look forward to working with him in his new role, given that Far North Holdings and the regional council are intending to work together for the betterment of the north.”

Mr Nicolson will most likely take up the new position early next year.

“Malcolm has agreed to a very orderly handover and we will now go down the track of finding a new CEO.”

Mr Nicolson says he is proud of the positive working relationships Far North Holdings has built with the Opua, Paihia and Russell communities.

“Our ability to participate in some of the visions communities have is maybe a bigger achievement than just putting a couple of buildings up.

“There are times we disagree on things, but there’s a constructive dialogue taking place all the time.”

Mr Nicolson was born in South Africa but has lived in New Zealand since 1996.

He lives near Kawakawa and is married with two adult children.