Mr Vern Dark, of Kaiweka, MNZM for services to business and education
Vern Dark was the Managing Director of Fletcher Challenge Petrochemicals, Chief Executive of the Northland Dairy Co-operative and Chief Executive of the Northland Port Corporation. He is currently a board member of several commercial enterprises, including Counties Power and Invivo Wines. As Chair of NorthTec Council, he maintained the Institution’s profitability through a period of funding cuts. Under his guidance, courses are now delivered at 58 sites, and he is overseeing the start of a Raumanga Campus rebuilding project. Mr Dark has ensured that NorthTec supports the local community and reaches out to those who most need assistance, whilst maintaining a sustainable business model.