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Introducing the current Board of Tourism West Coast.  

Phillip Barnett   MBA, Chair

Company director of the businesses trading from the Greymouth Railway Station. Phillips professional life has been extensively involved within the NZ Tourism industry working closely with sector groups and Regional Tourism authorities. Phillips industry knowledge & commercial expertise will add to the impetus of Tourism West Coast in acting as a catalyst in providing opportunities for our members.

Margaret Grant, Development West Coast Representative

I am thrilled to have been appointed to the Tourism West Coast Board. Tourism is a real passion of mine having been Manager/ Director of Westport Motor Hotel for 16 years. I have interests in other businesses  and consider myself to be up to date on all employment matters and I have a reputation for my business skills.  

Margaret Montgomery, Buller District Council Representative

My family and I have owned the Westport Holiday Park and Motels for the past 14 years. I am a Buller District Councillor for the Westport Ward and have been their representative on the Board of Tourism West Coast for the last 5 years. I am looking forward to working for all operators for the betterment of our amazing region.

Jenny Keogan, Westland District Council Representative

I am a Proud and Passionate West Coaster who from a young age have actively been involved in various volunteer community work projects and ventures promoting our community and all it had to offer. I have been General Manager of both Jade Factory Hokitika stores now for 5 years, and also currently hold the role of Chairperson for our Senior Management Team with our NZ operation. I bring to the Board of Tourism West Coast a sound knowledge of Tourism on the West Coast from an operators perspective, as well as  commitment, loyalty and dedication to assist in our region developing better relationships with one another, sharing of ideas and promotion of the West Coast as a destination not to be missed by our National and International visitors!

Richard Benton, Industry Representative

Richard completed a Manager Buy Out of the International Antarctic Centre  (only 2 shareholders) in December 2000 – purchasing the business from Christchurch International Airport Ltd. At the end of November 2011 he sold the Company back to the original vendor.

During those 11 years the attraction was twice been voted the best visitor attraction in NZ as part of the New Zealand Tourism Awards and won the Canterbury Champion Awards as the best medium/large size “Host” business in the region. The business was one of the first attractions in NZ to gain Qualmark accreditation and achieve Green Globe environmental status. It is very highly regarded among its peers. 

Richard is an entrepreneur and a tourism leader who has a passion for innovation. He has been well trained in business practices and management working as a young man in Europe and the UK, and is widely travelled having been fortunate enough to have journeyed to Antarctica 4 times and visited all 4 historic huts in the Ross Dependency.

 

 Tourism West Coast Board Meeting Minutes