ERMA announces new chief executive

The Environmental Risk Management Authority today announced the appointment of Rob Forlong as the new chief executive of ERMA New Zealand.

Mr Forlong is currently working as the divisional manager, landcare for the Wellington Regional Council and will assume his new role on August 1.

Authority chairman Neil Walter was delighted to have someone of Mr Forlong's calibre taking over at the helm, he said.

" The decisions taken by ERMA New Zealand will be important not only to this but to future generations of New Zealanders. Rob Forlong brings to the job an impressive track record as a leader and manager," Mr Walter said.

"He has built an outstanding reputation for his open and consultative style of operation. He has all the experience, ability and personal attributes to provide leadership in the challenging times ahead."

Mr Walter also paid tribute to the work of retiring chief executive Dr Bas Walker.

ERMA New Zealand is the body set up to regulate the introduction and use of hazardous substances and new organisms in New Zealand.

- NZPA