With the pending retirement of two longstanding Queenstown Airport Corporation directors, the Queenstown Lakes District Council has announced a new appointment.

"I am very pleased to announce that the council has appointed businessman and chartered accountant Murray Valentine to the position," QLDC Mayor Clive Geddes said.

Mr Valentine is the sole director of Jackson Valentine Limited, chartered accountants and business advisors based in both Dunedin and Queenstown. He is also involved with the local ski fields and The Hermitage, Mount Cook.

Previously a director of the Kiwi Income Property Trust, Television New Zealand Limited and Tourism Holdings Limited, Mr Valentine was looking forward to the role with QAC.

Both QAC chairman John Davies and long serving director Ian Farrant would retire from the board on December 31, 2006.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to both these men who have taken the airport from strength to strength during their stewardship," Mr Geddes said.

QAC director Mark Taylor would be appointed as chairman for the remainder of his current term, commencing from January 1, 2007.

ENDS

For further information please contact Clive Geddes 03 441 0499.

By: Sarah