Rod Gates puts hand up to head Advance agency

A former career diplomat is prepared to become the new chairman of Whangarei's embattled economic development agency.
Rod Gates, a Whangarei-based lawyer and former career diplomat, said he was available to take on the role due to become vacant at the end of this month when Advance Whangarei chairman John Goulter's resignation becomes effective.
Mr Goulter quit the company last month citing personal reasons.
Mr Gates is an Advance Whangarei director who has worked at a large Auckland law firm, and is a former pro-chancellor of the Auckland University of Technology.
Councillors meet today to vote on a staff recommendation that Mr Gates be "interim chairman" until a replacement can be appointed.
A four-member "working group" is likely to be formed to find a replacement for Mr Goulter.
Mr Gates said he was the board's choice to fill Mr Goulter's shoes long-term.
His availability indicates his faith in the company which is now the subject of a major council review.
"We've had our difficulties certainly. But I strongly believe that Whangarei and the district need to have an economic development agency, and provided that we can get it set up in a way that works for the council as well as the company, I'm all for it," he said yesterday.
The council's working group could be looking to fill two vacancies if Councillor Frank Newman gains support at today's meeting for his push to have Advance Whangarei director Marshall Taylor dumped.
Cr Newman was today seeking council approval for a meeting of Advance Whangarei shareholders to be convened, with the intent of the meeting being to pass a recommendation that Mr Taylor be removed as a director.
Mr Taylor's position on the Advance Whangarei board is being looked at as part of the Advance Whangarei review, after it was revealed he had sat on the board of two companies which were liquidated.
Mr Taylor has said the liquidation matter was immaterial as he had not been declared bankrupt and therefore was not disqualified from being a director.
He is also a trustee of the Kaipara District Economic Development Trust, and - aside from Cr Newman's push for his sacking - is contemplating his future after the council recently ruled out joint memberships of rival economic development agencies.
Meanwhile, in her written report to the council, Advance Whangarei general manager Ros Martin stated the organisation continued to work closely with "individuals, organisations and potential investors" in providing information on Whangarei.
In December and January it had worked with local churches, the marine industry, food and beverage, tourism, conference organisers, manufacturers and property developers.
Marketing activities, including a campaign called "2 hours to" which targeted Aucklanders, had produced several articles in national publications. Wellington might be the next targeted market.
Mrs Martin had been working with the Young Farmer of the Year organisers ahead of the competition to be held in Whangarei in July.
Her report said a new edition of the company's glossy publication published last year was now being prepared.
The book would not be delivered to households, but would be freely available on request, she said.