Restructure of Timaru CCO confirmed, three roles cut

Tuesday, 21 July 2026

Venture Timaru has confirmed three of its seven roles will be cut following a restructure of the organisation.

The restructure of the council-controlled organisation, responsible for the district’s business development and tourism promotions, was confirmed at the beginning of June.

Chief executive Nigel Davenport confirmed the disetablishment of three roles and the creation of two new positions on Monday evening, following a board-led restructure.

“Like most organisations, it’s important we continually review what we need to do and how we need to do it. This process has provided real clarity about how we deliver on Venture Timaru’s strategic priorities,” Davenport said.

He said the focus now would be on ensuring the organisation’s people and resources were “aligned behind the work that will have the greatest impact for the Timaru District”.

“The new structure strengthens collaboration across the organisation, provides clearer accountability, and positions us to respond effectively to opportunities while continuing to deliver practical outcomes for our businesses, visitors and wider community.”

Asked when the roles would be disestablished, Davenport said he would not comment on “individual employment matters” but confirmed one redundancy.

“The process has involved a combination of redeployment opportunities, one redeployment, one planned resignation unrelated to the restructure and one redundancy.”

The Timaru Herald has requested copies of the proposed and final restructure documents.

The Venture Timaru website lists the former structure of the organisation as including: the chief executive, an operations and destination manager, a finance manager, a graphic designer, a personal assistant to the CE/business support officer, a business development manager and a tourism marketing and engagement manager.

Davenport said one of the new positions, a business support and finance lead role, had been advertised on Monday.

A statement issued by Venture Timaru said the final structure of the organisation had been decided following a thorough consultation process with staff.

It said the process started with a strategic board review of the organisation earlier in the year, and had included “further targeted consultation on specific roles” following consultation with staff.

“Throughout the process, the Board carefully considered the feedback received from staff, and that feedback informed refinements to the final structure,” it said.

The purpose of the restructure was to ensure the structure and resourcing of the organisation “fully aligned to its four core priority pillars” which were listed as business attraction, business development, investment attraction and promotion of the district.

Board chairperson Logan Hanifin said the board was responsible for ensuring Venture Timaru was structured to “deliver the greatest possible value” for the district.

“This new structure provides a clear focus on our core priorities and positions Venture Timaru to support sustainable economic growth, attract investment, and create opportunities for our district.”

Mayor Nigel Bowen said he was confident the board and Davenport had undertaken a thorough process and established a clear direction for the organisation.

“I look forward to seeing Venture Timaru continue its work supporting local businesses, attracting investment, promoting our district, and delivering positive outcomes for the Timaru community,” Bowen said.

Venture Timaru has been under mounting pressure to perform in recent years, and a report to Tuesday’s council meeting showed a range of options for its future had been considered.