About | Cities and Regions NZ

Our Team and what drives us

OUR TEAM

Making the boat go faster

DR DAVID WILSON

| Founding Director & CEO

CRL is led by Dr David Wilson with support from Senior Associate, Susan Houston and Associate Zane Taylor and Joseph Stuart. David offers comprehensive capabilities and the deep industry knowledge necessary to help you solve the most complex issues for your organization, community, city or region. As former Chair of Economic Development NZ (EDNZ) David was responsible for the renaissance period enjoyed by EDNZ under his leadership. He has a 360% view of economic development as a leading academic in ED, a former CEO of a large economic development agency within Aotearoa / New Zealand and as an entrepreneur.

As former long-serving CE of Economic Development New Zealand and an ED practitioner both in Australia and NZ for over three decades, Susan understands the issues and needs confronting large and small economic development agencies and will work with you to develop innovative and effective strategy to meet those needs. For more detail please go to LinkedIn.

SUSAN HOUSTON

| Senior Associate

JOSEPH STUART

| Associate

Joseph is a commercialisation and growth specialist with 20+ years’ experience in governance and operations in both the public and private sectors. Facilitating innovation and growth in some of New Zealand’s most successful companies, his specialist areas combine environmental and technology execution through focus on strategy/planning, entrepreneurial ecosystem development, commercialisation, high value manufacturing, and capital raising. He works to create ecosystem impact to support us all to become better ancestors.

Joseph is a member of the Institute of Directors and is chairperson of BioGro Ltd, New Zealand’s leading organics certifier. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Economic Development (AUT), a BA in Economic History (VuW) and has been an Accredited Economic Developer since 2007.

ZANE TAYLOR

| Associate

Associate

Zane is a skilled Economic Development professional with expertise in the areas of economic development, urban planning, and placemaking He has a strong background in both the Private Sector and Government, including an elected role in Auckland's Local Government and serving as the Economic Development Manager for Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development.

His extensive governance experience encompasses positions on the boards of a community Art Centre, a Business Improvement District (BID), and Surf Life saving. At ATEED and as an Innovation Advisor to Massey University (Auckland), Zane was instrumental in launching initiatives like the Techapuna Initiative and Grow North, and he contributed to the early development of the AKL Grid initiative.

Zane's skills and experience have been cultivated through a career that spans both Australia and New Zealand.

What Drives Us?

Vision: Sustainable and resilient regions that support the aspirations of all Kiwis

Mission: Supporting cities and regions to realise their aspirations

Values:

*Integrity

*Diversity

*Innovation

*Collaboration

*Research led consultation

*Bespoke client focus

*Pragmatism