Originally from regional Otago and South Canterbury, Mark holds qualifications in business and economic development and he brings a relatively unique blend of public and private sector experience from a diverse background in senior executive positions in both the public and private sectors at a ‘hands on’ operational, senior management and governance level.  

This comes from his previous roles in local and regional economic development, regional destination marketing and management, Local Government economic and regulatory service delivery, events and venues management and marketing, inner city revitalisation and four years in Private Equity.  

Prior to the Destination Rotorua role Mark has held the positions of Group Manager Economic & Regulatory Services at Rotorua Lakes Council and prior to that was GM of a Rotorua based Private Equity company involved in a wide range of investments both in NZ and China with a predominant focus in the sectors of Wood processing, Manufacturing, Property Development and China market F&B exporting.

Outside of work Mark’s interest span from cycling, golf, cricket, rugby to pretty much any sport while also maintaining an interest in NZ business and investment markets.  Mark is married and has a 20-year-old stepdaughter to help keep him on his toes.

Contact Mark at markrawson@nrda.co.nz or phone: 03 923 2051