The Queenstown Lakes District Council has appointed Queenstown businessman Mark Taylor to the Queenstown Airport Corporation board, QLDC Mayor Clive Geddes announced today.

The Council has renewed the terms of existing board members John Davies and Ian Farrant - both of whom were due to have their term end in June this year - for an agreed 18 month term in order for the current airport upgrade project to be completed.

Due to the current workload of the four directors, the Council resolved to appoint a fifth director and expressions of interest were called for in June.

"I am delighted to announce that Mr Taylor, who has a distinguished background in both accounting and investment management, has accepted the appointment. I am confident he will be an asset to the future positive development of Queenstown Airport," Mr Geddes said.

Mr Taylor (44), who carries several other significant directorships, including New Zealand's busiest airport, Ardmore Airport Limited, and the Queenstown Resort College Limited, is also currently chairman of the Queenstown Alpine Ski Team.

"I look forward to assisting the community to ensure its major gateway meets the future needs of the region's stakeholders", Mr Taylor said.

Mr Taylor, who is married to local barrister Jane Taylor, lives at Lake Hayes and operates a specialist chartered accountancy practice specialising in structuring, executing and managing investments.

ENDS

For further information please contact Clive Geddes 03 441 0499 or Mark Taylor 03 441 0021

By: Tamah