Tourism New Zealand confirms commitment of VIN Inc and i-Site network

Following a recent review of the structure of the i-SITE Board and Network, conducted by the i-SITE Board and discussed with the management and Board of Tourism New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand has reconfirmed its commitment for on-going support of VIN Inc and the i-SITE network as outlined in the VIN Inc Constitution and Rules and the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations.

However, Tourism New Zealand has decided to make changes to its appointment of directors.

This means the term of office of the three current directors appointed by Tourism New Zealand will come to an end as of 31 January 2012.

Chair, Kerry Marshall and Directors Graeme Osborne and Bronwyn Monopoli, who have all provided on average around 10 years service to Vin Inc, will stand down in January.

Tourism New Zealand will begin to seek nominations for two new directors to be appointed for a two year period this week. Nominees will be required to be either owners (or their representatives) or managers of member i-SITEs.

Tourism New Zealand will also appoint as a third director its General Manager Tourism Operations, Paul Yeo, to chair the board. It is expected that the new board will be in a position to meet during February 2012.

Existing elected members will continue to represent members during their current terms. These members are Louise van de Vlierd (to September 2012), Garry Brunton (to September 2013) and Larry Lumsden. Larry has tendered his resignation effective from 31 January 2012 and the Board will consider a replacement at its next meeting. This person will serve the remainder of Larry's term until September 2014.

Tourism New Zealand will also advise existing elected members and nominees that a resolution will be put to the February Board meeting recommending that directors will not be remunerated by way of directors' fees. Reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses will of course be undertaken. This change reflects the situation where in the future all board members will be employed by member i-SITEs and there will be no need to employ independent directors.

Tourism New Zealand also reconfirmed that it will continue to assign and direct staff to deliver outcomes associated with i-SITE New Zealand's business plan.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler passed on his thanks to the outgoing Chair and directors for their service and commitment over the years.