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Christopher Doig is leaving his post as chairman of Creative New Zealand's Arts Council to head a new Christchurch-based opera company for the South Island.
Mr Doig, a leading opera singer and former Cricket New Zealand chief executive, was appointed chairman of the Arts Council just nine months ago.
"Much as I have enjoyed my short tenure with Creative New Zealand, the inevitable conflict of interest has forced me, with regret, to tender my resignation," he said.
Wellington's deputy mayor, Alick Shaw, will act as chairman until the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage appoints a new one.
