Milford Opportunities board chair Dr Keith Turner is to retire at the end of March, after 5 years chairing the project since its inception in late 2017.
Keith will stay on in the role after the project launched the Milford Opportunities Masterplan, to provide continuity and direction. He believes the time is now right to handover to someone who can pick up and run with it.
“It’s been a very difficult decision for me as I am absolutely passionate about the Milford Opportunities Project,” he says.
“With feasibility testing work now firmly underway, a strong unit to undertake this work and board to guide it, the project is in excellent shape to support a new chair in the role.”
His contributions and leadership have been pivotal for the project to date said Milford Opportunities unit director Chris Goddard.
“On behalf of the wider Milford Opportunities team, I would like to thank Keith for his dedication and passion for the work and skilfully steering us to this exciting next phase.” says Chris.
“The next year is going to be busy for the project as we test the feasibility of the Milford Opportunities Masterplan recommendations. This work will include significant public and stakeholder engagement.”
Keith will finish in his role as chair March 31. The process for recruiting a new board chair is underway.
About Milford Opportunities:
The Milford Opportunities Project was established in 2017 in response to pressures that tourism was placing on Milford Sound Piopiotahi.
The Milford Opportunities Project works to uphold Piopiotahi Milford Sound’s extraordinary natural and cultural heritage, enhance and sustain the visitor experience and harness opportunities to support the communities of Southland.
The Milford Opportunities Project is a collaboration between Ngāi Tahu, the Department of Conservation, Southland District Council, the Ministry of Transport, Waka Kotahi, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
The project has delivered a non-statutory masterplan,which sets out a potential direction for the future of Milford Sound Piopiotahi, the Milford Road corridor and surroundings and management of the area.
The next phase of work is to test the feasibility of the masterplan’s recommendations.
Find out more: www.milfordopportunities.nz
