Venture Taranaki - About Us

Venture Taranaki is Taranaki’s regional development agency, responsible for delivering economic development services and projects, strategic economic growth initiatives and sector growth projects, regional tourism marketing, destination development and promotion, district marketing for New Plymouth district, and the management of New Plymouth District Council’s major event fund.

Venture Taranaki's mission is to drive and facilitate sustainable, diverse economic growth in Taranaki, positioning the region as the place to do business, to invest, to live, to work, to learn, and to visit, and to be recognised as New Zealand’s leading experts in regional economic development. Our vision: Taranaki – the envy of New Zealand for sustainable business, talent, investment and lifestyle.

What is Venture Taranaki?

Venture Taranaki is a Council Controlled Organisation owned by New Plymouth District Council (NPDC). Incorporated as a charitable trust, and charged with helping the region grow, Venture Taranaki operates a leveraged funding model with NPDC funding at its core.

Board of Trustees

Venture Taranaki is governed by an independent Board of Trustees, responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Trust.

Former Director with extensive governance expertise.

Author, presenter and passionate innovation advocate.

President of global hotel management company Swiss-Belhotel International.

Former CEO of TSB with many community and governance roles.

Chair of Parininihi ki Waitotara and has held many senior management roles.

Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa Trust CEO and transition and development lead.

Taranaki Mounga chair and holds numerous governance roles.

Chief Executive

Justine Gilliland

Justine became Chief Executive in March 2019, moving into the role from that of General Manager Transitional Economy. Before joining Venture Taranaki, Justine held the position of Deputy Director-General Sector Partnerships and Programmes at the Ministry for Primary Industries, where she led investment programmes spanning sustainable growth, Māori partnerships, and regional development, and the establishment of Te Uru Rakau (Forestry New Zealand) and the 1 billion trees programme. Prior to this, Justine ran MPI’s R&D and other external grants and funds, and ran the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission. She has held numerous leadership roles in the public sector leadership and has been admitted as barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. Justine grew up in Taranaki, attending Sacred Heart Girls’ College before completing arts and law degrees at the University of Otago. She recently moved back to the region with her husband and young family.

Executive Team

Business Advisory Team

The Venture Taranaki Business Advisory team work one-on-one with local businesses to create an action plan that breaks down barriers to growth and success. Your Business Advisor can help identify capability gaps, as well as opportunities for support and funding. These services are free and confidential. If you would like to book an appointment, please contact the team.

Our key partners

New Plymouth District Council

New Plymouth District Council is the owner and primary partner of Venture Taranaki.

Stratford District Council

Stratford District Council is one of the three district councils that govern Taranaki.

South Taranaki District Council

South Taranaki District Council represents the second largest of the region's districts.

History

Helping to grow the Taranaki region for more than two decades.

Venture Taranaki was formed by New Plymouth District Council in 1996, charged with fostering regional economic development. This mandate was expanded by New Plymouth District Council, with the support of Stratford District Council and South Taranaki District Council, to encompass the role of Regional Tourism Organisation and to include management of NPDC’s major events fund in 2004.

About Us

What we do

Our mission & vision

What is Venture Taranaki?

Board of Trustees

Robin Brockie

David Downs

Gavin Faull

Kevin Murphy

Hinerangi Raumati-Tu'ua

Hemi Sundgren

Jamie Tuuta