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Our Team and what drives us

OUR TEAM

Making the boat go faster

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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 in NZ for over three decades, Susan understands the issues and needs confronting large and small agencies and will work with you to develop innovative and effective strategy to meet those needs.  For more detail please go to LinkedIn.

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SUSAN HOUSTON

| Senior Associate

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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.

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ZANE TAYLOR 

| Associate

 Zane is a qualified Economic Development professional, adept at navigating the intricate intersections of economic development, urban planning, and placemaking. With a proven track record spanning both Private Sector and Local Government. Zane brings a wealth of experience, including an elected position in Auckland's Local Government.

In his role as Economic Development Manager for Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED), and previously as a Marketing Manager for a specialised Inbound Tourism Operator, Zane drew on his qualifications and passion for Inbound Tourism, operations, and marketing, as well as sector development and place shaping. 

Zane for a time was a certified decision maker under the Resource Management Act NZ (R.M.A.), He is very experienced at fostering collaborations between community, private sector, and governmental entities. His special interest lies in the complexities of urban development and precinct initiatives (including Place making), as well as Sector development and Regenerative Tourism. His experience and skills honed through a career straddling both Australia and New Zealand.

His extensive Governance experience includes seats on boards  of a community Art Centre and a Business Improvement District (BID), and Surf Lifesaving. Zane in his roles at ATEED and as Innovation Advisor to Massey University (Auckland) also played a pivotal role in initiating initiatives such as the Techapuna Initiative and Grow North and contributed to the early stages of the AKL Grid initiative. 

Outside of his professional pursuits, Zane contributes to the world of Arts as a practicing and exhibiting artist, adding a creative dimension to his profile.  Zane's commitment extends beyond the professional realm to decades of service to Surf Lifesaving, demonstrating a generational dedication to the Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club. His contributions include a decade-long tenure on the clubs Governing Board and chairing the Club Redevelopment Committee, steering the vision for an innovative Surf Lifesaving Community Hub (redevelopment project). 

Beyond his professional and volunteer commitments, Zane maintains a diverse range of interests, from being an avid cook and 'foodie' to practicing yoga, surfing, and adhering to a regular swimming routine. This commitment to a holistic lifestyle reflects his belief in the significance of balance and health to the human experience. Ultimately, Zane finds his greatest sources of joy and achievement in meaningful connections with family and friends. 

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

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