Half the board of Northland's new economic development agency, Northland Inc, has quit over what is described as a difference of opinion over its management.
Directors Russell Shaw, David Caselli and James Parsons were appointed in October 2012 and comprised the agency's audit and risk committee.
Northland Inc is the latest incarnation of a board first set up by the Northland Regional Council 20 years ago to manage funds from the sale of port company shares and develop the region's tourism and economic potential.
Chairman Colin Mitten has also been acting as chief executive while the council looks for a permanent appointee.
The council says it is sorry to lose the services of three highly-skilled directors and their collective action has triggered some changes.
It says Mr Mitten has given up his acting role in favour of regional council chief executive Malcolm Nicholson until the vacancy is filled.
