Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) and Hauraki District Council (HDC) are pleased to jointly announce the appointment of five new trustees to the Destination Hauraki Coromandel (DHC) Board, effective from Thursday, 20 February. These appointments mark an exciting new chapter for the Regional Tourism Organisation, which plays a vital role in promoting Hauraki Coromandel as a premier visitor destination.
The new trustees bring a diverse range of expertise in governance, tourism, sustainability, and regional development, equipping DHC to navigate future opportunities and challenges with confidence.
The new trustees are:
- Jason Hill – A veteran in the tourism sector with 25 years of governance and senior management experience, both domestically and internationally.
- Ella Zhang – An expert in regional tourism and economic development, with a strong track record in sustainability initiatives and community engagement.
- Kristin Dunne – A seasoned tourism strategist and Fellow of Marketing, with leadership experience in destination stewardship and global tourism consultancy.
- Jo Malcom – A business coach with an accountancy background and 24 years of consulting experience, specializing in cultural and structural transformation across various sectors, including tourism.
- Clare Bradley – CEO of the award-winning AgriSea, with extensive governance experience and a strong focus on sustainability and Māori business leadership.
The newly appointed trustees have selected Jason Hill as Chair and Ella Zhang as Deputy Chair of DHC.
As we welcome the new trustees, we also extend our gratitude to outgoing trustees John Sandford, Scott Lee, and Tony Coombe.
“We’d like to thank John, Scott, and Tony for their immeasurable service during their tenure as trustees over the past decade,” says TCDC Mayor Len Salt. “Their dedication has been instrumental in advancing the region’s tourism sector.”
Their contributions include fostering collaboration, guiding the industry through challenges such as the global pandemic and Cyclone Gabrielle, and being strong advocates for visitation and product development initiatives in Hauraki Coromandel.
“We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful areas in New Zealand, offering an enviable work-life balance. The retiring trustees have been key in showcasing this nationally and internationally. I’m excited to see what new heights we can reach with the fresh leadership on board,” comments Hauraki District Council Mayor Toby Adams.
Destination Hauraki Coromandel is a Council-Controlled Organisation of Thames-Coromandel District Council and Hauraki District Council. It remains committed to driving the growth and success of the region’s tourism sector, ensuring positive impacts for local communities, businesses, and visitors alike.
