MEDIA RELEASE
Destination Fiordland takes unique opportunity & New manager employed at Destination Fiordland
The Board of Destination Fiordland have taken the opportunity through the recent establishment of the Southland Regional Development Agency (“SRDA”) to pursue a new funding model in order to better serve its members and create greater leverage from local oversight.
As of the 31st March 2019 Destination Fiordland will be known as Destination Fiordland Incorporated and will be funded through the Southland District Council and a strong membership base having previously sat under Venture Southland. Board Chair Gareth Davis says that by entering into this new relationship with the Southland District Council the organisation can make decisions at a community level by those who are working at the sharp-end of the industry.
The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Madeleine Peacock to move into the manager’s position. Ms. Peacock has an extensive personal and professional background in tourism in Fiordland being granddaughter of Les and Olive Hutchins, one of NZ tourism’s pioneering families, as well as working on the front line in tourism for over 20 years. She has spent the past five years working for Fiordland Trips & Tramps in Te Anau and has developed strong networks in the industry particularly with inbound operators. Deeply passionate about the area Ms. Peacock also serves on the Guardians of Lakes Manapouri, Te Anau and Monowai. Ms. Peacock says she is looking forward to leading Destination Fiordland as it moves into a new season of growth. “There is immense depth of knowledge and experience in the tourism sector in Fiordland and great opportunity to promote Fiordland as a significant contributor to the NZ tourism industry. It goes without saying that Fiordland holds its head high with an exceptional natural environment however one of the strengths of the region is a community committed to sustainable growth and my hope is that the next chapter will be one of the community working together to achieve this,” states Ms. Peacock.
The Board of Destination Fiordland, Venture Southland and the Southland District Council will be working together over the next month to ensure a smooth transition to the new funding model. The Board notes that it remains ‘business as usual’ at Destination Fiordland with the organisation being in good hands with interim manager Philippa Murrell, and team members Sarah McDonald and Shevaun Taberner.
For further information please contact Madeleine Peacock on 027 367 1334, or Gareth Davis gareth.davis@prlaw.co.nz
ENDS