General Manager of Destination Northland, Brian Roberts, is the latest independent representative to take up the invitation to join the NorthTec Council. His appointment follows that of fellow independent representatives, New Zealand Refining Company Chief Executive Ken Rivers and educationalist Gwen Edge.

Mr Roberts has a 37-year career in the New Zealand and international travel industry specialising in consumer marketing areas, having worked for major international airlines such as Air New Zealand and the Passport United Travel Group.

Prior to arriving in Northland in 1997, Mr Roberts was Marketing Manager for Tourism Auckland for three years before being approached to move to Northland and set up Destination Northland. He then went on to establish Enterprise Northland in 2001.

Mr Roberts is currently responsible for marketing Northland as a visitor destination in partnership with local government and more than 1,000 visitor-related businesses in the region.

"During 13 years spent living, working and raising a family in Northland I have gathered a wide and comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the region. I have a good understanding and appreciation of what employers in Northland are seeking."

Mr Roberts has previously held positions on boards of national organisations and brings strong governance experience and an understanding of what has worked in other areas of New Zealand to his role on the NorthTec Council.

"I would like NorthTec to develop so that it is the first choice in New Zealand for Northland employers who are looking to source well-trained and skilled employees. I would like to see NorthTec students attaining the highest level of industry standards possible and for NorthTec to be attracting and employing the best staff from around New Zealand."

Mr Roberts will attend his first NorthTec Council meeting on (XXX).

The NorthTec Council can have up to eight members, four of whom are ministerial appointees.