You may have noticed the road works around our Queenstown office and library located on Gorge Road. Don’t worry, both are still open so pop in and see our friendly team! For information on the road works underway, please visit our Major Projects page.

CURRENT WATER RESTRICTIONS: Arrowtown is in Alert Level 2 (hand-held hosing to a minimum, no sprinklers or contracting takes at any time) and the rest of the district is in Level 1 (hand-held watering to a minimum, and outside watering only between the hours of 12.00am and 6.00am). Find out more: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/wai-wise 

Our Welcoming Communities Advisory Groups

Our Welcoming Communities Advisory groups are made up of a diverse mix of passionate people living across the Queenstown Lakes District community. They meet once a month on a voluntary basis and provide leadership and advice on the development of the Welcome Plan 2023-2026 and the delivery of our programme of activities.

Get to know those selected for the groups in the Whakatipu. Please note the Upper Clutha group is currently being formed and profiles will be shared early in the new year.

Please see the draft Terms of Reference (PDF, 247KB) – to be finalised by the Advisory Group in October.

Upper Clutha Advisory Group Whakatipu Advisory Group

Welcoming Communities Advisory Group – Upper Clutha

Expressions of interest to serve on a Welcoming Communities Advisory Group for the Upper Clutha closed on Monday 28 November.

The Advisory Group will meet once a month on a voluntary basis and actively participate in events and activities. 

Appointments will be made by a panel of three by 5.00pm on Friday 2 December 2022.

Welcoming Communities Advisory Group – Whakatipu

  • Denise Cropped

    Denise Ng

    About me

    I am a recent returnee to New Zealand. I came back to New Zealand in 2019 to live in Queenstown after spending 35 years overseas with my Malaysian husband and family. I have lived in Singapore, Hong Kong, Pakistan, England, United States, and have spent significant time in Malaysia, China, Brunei and the Philippines. I was born in Dunedin and am a 4th generation Chinese New Zealander. My forebears have been in Otago and Southland since the 1890s.

    Growing up, like many Dunedinites, I spent holidays at my parents’ crib in Queenstown and continued to visit over the years. I thought it would be easy to settle back in Queenstown with its population of people with international perspectives. However, a lot was unfamiliar. I no longer knew how things worked here: the health system, the education system, Te Reo, politics, sport, what was important to Kiwis, where to go for services or what was available. Though a New Zealander, I didn’t feel “Kiwi”.

    What I can contribute

    My time overseas has given me exposure to a myriad of cultures, races, ethnicities and religions, as well as the experience and understanding of the struggles of being a newcomer. Having moved internationally and within a country many times, I have insight into what is needed to quickly find facilities and support to adjust and settle into a place. Moreover, as I am from a minority ethnic community in New Zealand, I see the real issues of people from different cultures here and can advocate with my resources as a New Zealander.

    In my work as an image consultant, I advise on cultural communication, etiquette and style. Within the community, I am involved in heritage projects. Currently, I am Chair of the Lawrence Chinese Camp Charitable Trust, Vice-chair of the New Zealand Chinese Heritage Research Charitable Trust and a member of the Otago-Southland Chinese Association.

    Photo 1 of 19

  • Anna Cropped

    Anna Dorsey

    About me

    I am an English born migrant of Italian/Welsh heritage. My NZ journey started in 2001, when I visited NZ on a working holiday visa, and immediately felt at home in this new country. After emigrating here in 2003 and working in Wellington initially, I moved to Queenstown with my partner in 2009. I wascharmed by the landscape and the promise of a community that valued being active, being in nature and that attracted people from all corners of the world who chose to be here. I recall it took me about a year and a half to really build friendships and noticed that people were often hesitant to put effort into welcoming new people in case they left in a few months of arriving.

    What I can contribute

    As a public health professional, I have co- founded health professional networking groups (Wakatipu Public Health Group) and community trusts supporting mental health post COVID (the Southern Wellbeing Trust) and been Vice President and Secretary of the Wakatipu Plunket Committee. Since June 2022, I am a trustee and Chief Executive of the Head Light Trust, an organisation that is helping to empower communities to better support their own mental wellbeing.

    Over the past 12 years I have been an active supporter and advocate of the Queenstown Lakes District community and I’m keen to bring my strategic planning skills, knowledge of this community and public health and prevention background to support the continued strengthening of our community and growing its potential to welcome, nurture and retain newcomers.

    Photo 2 of 19

  • Olivia Cropped

    Olivia Plimmer-Jones

    About me 

    I moved to Queenstown from Auckland with my family when I was 11 years old.. I remember finding it difficult to change schools and fit in, even though I lived in the same country.  Queenstown has been my home ever since. I am in the final year of studying a Law and Psychology degree at the University of Otago via distance learning. I have begun my graduate position at Anderson Lloyd in Queenstown. I was selected by Mayor Jim Boult to be the Queenstown Lakes District Council Rangatahi Māori representative which means I am the youth representative and the voice for young Māori in Queenstown Lakes. This opportunity has been incredible and allowed me to connect with different cultures within our community and attend wānanga across the country.

    What I can contribute 

    Equitable access and inclusive leadership are important to ensure that newcomers feel welcome in the place they call home. Growing up in Queenstown, I know just how much this place has to offer. I contribute a youth perspective and believe that increasing the presence and community feel of young professional in Queenstown Lakes may help migrant workers feel more included and have better access to participate in the region’s activities. My leadership position as the Māori representative is a key driver of wanting to be a part of the advisory group. The youth of our district are passionate, vibrant and diverse, they just need their voice to be heard! 

    Photo 3 of 19

  • Esther Cropped

    Esther Whitehead

    About me

    I am an immigrant (I don't use the term ex-pat) from the UK, moving here in 1999. I have degrees in specialist teaching, ecology and leadership and have worked in the Education sector as a national lead in diversity, equity, and inclusion for over a decade. I now work for Thrivable Consultancy. Thrivable supports organisations with Strategy, Training and Mentoring, helping clients in designing inclusive, holistic leadership and policy frameworks so they and their organisation can be more adaptive to the new economic and environmental reality we face today. A reality which requires inclusive and equitable pathways for all.  

    What I can contribute

    I have set up a number of Impact Initiatives including KiwiHarvest Queenstown, Sustainable Queenstown Community Trust and am actively involved in bringing people together to resolve issues. I am a non-voting member of the Advisory Group and I am thrilled to be part of listening to our diverse community and shaping the thinking for a more welcoming and inclusive community here in the Lakes District.

    Photo 4 of 19

  • Lucia Cropped

    Lucia Hao

    About me

    I am Chinese and moved to Queenstown in 2015 after graduating from Auckland University of Technology. I have been a temporary visa holder from 2014 to 2017 going from a student visa, open visa to work visa.

    Obtaining my residence visa meant that I was a local, although it took some effort to develop a sense of belonging. Getting involved helped me. I joined the business sector in 2019 and now I am the co-founder of the Remarkable Gifts store in Queenstown.

    What I can contribute

    As a migrant business owner of small, medium enterprises (SMEs) I understand how vital it is to access information. During the pandemic, I joined local groups, met domestic customers, and obtained a lot of support from local kids and families.  I have over 10 years of tourism management experience and good advocacy skills and intend to use my experience to help others flourish in our district.

    Photo 5 of 19

  • Maznah Cropped V2

    Maznah Abu Hassan

    About me

    I am a Malaysian married to a French man and we have three daughters. Our whole family moved to New Zealand at the end of 2016. As a practicing Muslim woman wearing the hijab, I have on certain occasions experienced islamophobia, which has convinced me of the need to do my part in correcting several misconceptions about my faith among the non-Muslims.

    What I can contribute

    I am passionate about educating non-Muslims about Islam. After months of searching, my husband and I werefinally able to open the Maz Islamic Education Centre, a non-profit organisation where I can reach out to the public, showcase and provide a correct understanding of my faith. This is done through seminars, Open Day events and introductory classes for non-Muslims. I also offer pre- and post-marital counselling services to mixed-faith couples. As the mother of three daughters living here, I am also keen to share the solutions Islam offers to combat the social illnesses (drugs, intoxication, domestic violence, mental health) that contribute to the breakdown of our society.

    Photo 6 of 19

  • Autumn Cropped

    Autumn Servatkova

    About Me

    I am a Relationship Manager at Immigration New Zealand and have spent my career working in immigration matters. I was born in the United States and am a Native North American from the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. Living two hours north of the US/Mexico border fostered a deeply entrenched passion for immigration work and community engagement. I have worked as an immigration lawyer for a global immigration professional services firm, delivered critical legal services to those in the community with unmet legal need at a Community Law Centre and volunteered at Refugee and Immigration Law Centres around the world. I have called Aotearoa home for over a decade and am committed to the success of our communities in the Queenstown Lakes District.

    What I can contribute 

    I am acutely aware of barriers that migrants face when trying to settle in a new place. I understand and empathise with those who have left their country to work, join family or pursue their dreams. The process of settling into a new place be a challenging process but a sense of community, easy access to settlement resources and a point of contact can make a world of difference. I have access to cross government, regional and national resources to ensure we can effectively deliver our programme. I work hand-in-hand with communities to help address the challenges. Risk management, problem solving, consensus building are all qualities that I bring to the table.

    Photo 7 of 19

  • Phillipe Cropped

    Philippe Saint-Pere

    About me

    I am a French national.  I lived for 30 years in Malaysia where I met my Malaysian wife, created a family (three daughters) and became a Muslim. Since the end of 2016, our family relocated to New Zealand, and we have been living in Queenstown since April 2018. Since moving here, I have been exposed to the life and challenges of the diverse community of the district. Arriving with my family, we discovered first-hand the lack of amenities and services faced by the local Muslim community and for visiting Muslims to turn to regarding faith needs.

    What I can contribute

    My wife and I established the Maz Islamic Education Centre (MIEC), to support the local Muslim community and young people to learn about their faith. Supported by the Lakes District Muslim Community registered charity trust, MIEC’s aim is to be a focal point where the public can come and learn about Islam, as well as provide travellers with a place to pray right in the heart of Queenstown. Our goal is to share the needs and concerns of the Muslim community, raise awareness and demystify misconceptions among the non-Muslims about the true values of Islam through seminars and workshops.

    Photo 8 of 19

  • Mel Cropped

    Mel Wright

    About me

    My partner and I made Queenstown our home in 2015, almost seven years ago. I grew up in Warkworth, north of Auckland. I am Ngāti Whātua on my father’s side, and on my mother’s side I am English, with our family settling here in the South Island in the 1800s. I have spent many years in leadership roles, as well as owning our own business, and now, I work as Mel Wright Consulting, across multiple contracts. I am the Tāhuna, Wānaka and Central Otago Co-ordinator for KUMA – Te Kupeka Umaka Māori ki Āraiteuru, Southern Māori Business Network and I enjoy supporting others to collaborate and be successful, however that may look to them.

    What I can contribute 

    I am actively involved in our community, holding space for and creating connections with many. I apply my facilitation skills to a wide range of community workshops from health and wellbeing to financial literacy. I am passionate about supporting people in our district and sharing our vibrant community, and I believe that everyone’s voice should be heard.

    Photo 9 of 19

  • David Cropped

    David Wright

    About me

    I am Vicar of The Anglican Parish of Wakatipu responsible for our churches in Queenstown, Arrowtown and Glenorchy. I provide pastoral care and support for our members and work on projects and initiatives with the wider community.

    What I can contribute

    I have 22 years of experience working with the Wakatipu communities including welcoming and ministering to newcomers.

    Photo 10 of 19

  • Nick Cropped

    Nick Fifield

    About me

    I am a UK Citizen who moved to Arrowtown in 2018. When I first arrived, I heard that due the transient nature of the district, it would take at least two years to settle in and make friends because people were not initially interested in investing time and energy in a friendship until they knew one was going to stay. I though this sounded a silly generalisation but two years later, I understood. I finally started to feel connected, that I belonged and that I had a place here. I became involved with community groups through work, my daughter and general sense of wanting to “contribute”, before finally I began to feel acknowledgement, then recognition and finally friendships grew outside of the context of those groups and activities.

    What I can contribute

    I am currently the Campus Manager for Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Queenstown, the Deputy Chair for the Arrowtown Village Association and Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association, and the Queenstown Branch President of Human Resources New Zealand. In my role as Campus Manager, I am ultimately responsible for the wellbeing of our student body, including international students taking the first step to study and ultimately settle in our district.  We are a district very much in need of new arrivals, a district that has post-covid been reminded of the value of those who come here to make a fresh start, build a new life and contribute to our community.

    Photo 11 of 19

  • Daniela Cropped

    Daniela Mercado

    About me

    I am from Mexico, and I arrived in Queenstown in 2018. I graduated in 2015 with a law degree from Mexico City. I have worked in civil, commercial, administrative law, and antitrust law firms.  I am also part of the Disaster Support Welfare Team for New Zealand Red Cross (NZRC). I have supported temporary visa holders in 2020 as a volunteer for the NZRC Visitor Care Manaaki Manuhiri Programme and since March 2021, as a Migrant Connector for The Kiwi Kit Community Trust.

    What I can contribute

    I have always been interested in the study and the quest for human rights and the participation of minorities in any given community. Through my experiences helping people, I feel more connected with the local community. I have diversity, equality and inclusion at heart. Although the Queenstown Lakes District is very multicultural, more representation of ethnic diversity is needed in the workforce other than just in the hospitality industry. I believe that developing more inclusive policies and projects that create a sense of belonging will encourage newcomers to get more involved in our district.

    Photo 12 of 19

  • Harri Cropped

    Hari Sapkota

    About me

    I am from Nepal, a country known for the birthplace of Lord Buddha and the world’s highest peak Mount Everest. I arrived Auckland in 2014 to study a Diploma in Business Entrepreneurship. Initially I came to Queenstown to visit after finishing my studies, but I ended up staying here for six years after falling in love with this beautiful town. After graduating in Travel and Tourism Management from Tribhuvan University of Nepal, I worked more than a decade in the tourism industry in Nepal. Besides tourism, I have worked in administration, diplomatic bodies, hospitality and cleaning industries. I have visited 15 countries on my travels and decided to make New Zealand my second home. I am actively involved in community and social work and currently act as President of Queenstown Nepalese Society Inc.

    What I can contribute

    As a founding president of Queenstown Nepalese Society Inc, a group of 150-200 Nepalese migrant community members residing in this beautiful Lakes District, I am aware of the obstacles that immigrant communities face. I genuinely understand those who come from another country to study and work. To ensure a bright future I know they may face one of the most challenging stages in their life for a certain period. My six years in Lakes District community have taught me that we need local community leadership to support newcomers and make them feel welcome in this beautiful town they’d like to call home. We play an integral part of the district’s growth and success, in the expansion of its economy as well as contributing significantly to diversity and instilling values of multiculturalism and acceptance. We have played a disproportionate role in the development of the multiculture, traditions, artistic, culinary and athletics in the communities. I aim to help develop plans and strategies to encourage newcomers to get more involved and create a sense of belonging in Queenstown Lakes District.

    Photo 13 of 19

  • Louise Cropped

    Louise Baines

    About me

    I arrived in New Zealand in 2018, and like most in their late 20’s, I campervanned my way around New Zealand looking for where I wanted to live. When I arrived in the Whakatipu Basin I knew this was where I wanted to be. Four years later, I am now a permanent resident, building my very own home in the Gibbston Valley. I have experienced being a newcomer to the Queenstown Lakes area, not knowing anyone, and how hard it can be to find ‘your people’. I have also experienced that once you do manage to find ‘your people’ how much easier life becomes here and what an amazing place it is to call home.

    What can I contribute

    I am the People & Culture Manager at Millbrook Resort, one of Queenstown’s largest employers. I understand and appreciate the importance of newcomers for businesses in the district, and I am passionate about helping newcomers feel connected to their workplace and their district. I regularly support our team members to source accommodation, schools, general practitioners, immigration advisors and really anything that can help them feel settled and part of our community.

    Photo 14 of 19

  • Darren Cropped

    Darren Rewi – Chairperson

    About me

    My wife Debbie and I moved to Queenstown over 30 years ago and raised our now six adult children here. Originally from Invercargill I am Ngai Tahu, Ngati Mamoe and Waitaha on my mother’s side, and Ngati Kahungungu and Rongowhaakata on my father’s side. Like many others I have moved here but proudly my youngest two were born here. For 22 years I was employed as a senior manager for Air New Zealand before going into business with my wife in Occupational Health and Safety. In our time here I have contributed to many of Queenstown Lakes District’s community organisations.

    What I can contribute 

    Welcoming Communities is our opportunity to ensure a legacy of manaaki/ welcome to all those from around the country and the world who choose to make Queenstown their home. Over twenty years as a senior manager and over 15 years in governance have equipped me to add value to my role as Chair of the Welcoming Communities Advisory Group. My experience also includes governance roles representing Ngai Tahu and the wider Māori community. I will work hard to ensure we welcome all newcomers to this town.

    Photo 15 of 19

  • Silvia Cropped

    Silvia Dancose – QLDC representative

    Welcoming Communities Coordinator at Queenstown Lakes District Council

    Photo 16 of 19

  • Marie Cropped

    Marie Day – QLDC representative

    Community Partnerships Manager at Queenstown Lakes District Council.

    Photo 17 of 19

  • Katie Cropped

    Katie Church - QLDC representative

    People & Capability Director

    Photo 18 of 19

  • Lina Cropped

    Lina Lastra –  Community and Partnerships Advisor, Ministry for Ethnic Communities.

    Photo 19 of 19

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