New trade agency names big cheese

By KEVIN TAYLOR

The organisation being formed by the merger of Trade NZ and Industry NZ now has a name and chief executive.

The managing director of Kapiti Cheeses, Tim Gibson, was yesterday named as chief executive of the new body, to be called New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

Government ministers Jim Anderton and Jim Sutton announced the name of the agency, which will kick off on July 1.

The new agency's establishment board chairman, Phil Lough, said Gibson was highly respected as a strong business leader.

Gibson, who starts his new job on April 7, said in a statement that his role was critically important to New Zealand's future. He declined to comment further when contacted by the Business Herald.

He will be in charge of an organisation with nine New Zealand and 38 foreign offices, and a $160 million budget.

It is unknown if there will be any job losses. Trade NZ had about 380 staff late last year, and Industry NZ about 120.

Lough said Gibson was chosen for his "outstanding business acumen" and leadership skills.

Before heading Kapiti Cheeses, Gibson was a senior Dairy Board and Fonterra executive, and managing director of New Zealand Milk (Europe).

He led the formation of the Anchor/Lurpak joint venture with Arla Foods, the largest milk co-operative in Europe, to handle all their combined butter and margarine sales into the British market.

Before joining the Dairy Board he spent three years working for the State Services Commission, followed by seven years with manufacturing firm Donaghys.

A bill is already before Parliament which provides for the formation of the new Crown entity.

Lough said NZ Trade and Enterprise was a response to feedback from clients on the need for a single economic and trade development agency.

Anderton, Minister of Economic Development, said the Government promised business a "one-stop shop" for advice and information on how to develop their firms.

"We know this can maximise jobs and business growth and that businesses will benefit from having advice under one roof."

Sutton, Minister of Trade Negotiations, said the Government was committed to helping exporting firms make the most of their opportunities.

"Amalgamating business capability advice along with exporting support, will be beneficial to trading ability."

Industry NZ chief executive Neil Mackay would step down on March 27, Lough said. Industry NZ was formed in late 2000 to deliver business assistance programmes.

Trade NZ chief executive Fran Wilde left last December.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise functions

* Contributing to a supportive environment for sustainable economic growth.

* Providing a conduit for input and advice from industry, local government, and community groups on programmes to implement the Government's economic, industry and regional development policies.

* Enhancing industry, regional enterprise and entrepreneurial capabilities by providing information, and facilitating access to skills, expertise and resources.

* Contributing to increased exports from, and investment in, New Zealand by strengthening global linkages through trade and investment promotion and providing market development assistance.