Meet the Lake Wānaka Tourism Board
The Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT) Board is made up of six dedicated members, each bringing valuable experience, local insight, and a shared passion for the region. Elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting, they play a vital role in guiding LWT’s strategic direction and ensuring the rules of the incorporated society are followed.
Leigh Stock
Chair
A hospitality veteran with over 40 years experience and previous LWT Board service. Now General Manager at Edgewater, Leigh brings valuable tourism governance expertise and is committed to balancing tourism success with community infrastructure needs.
Brona Parsons
Board Member
A passionate Wānaka local of 27 years who has shaped the region’s hospitality scene as co-founder and Managing Director of Federal Diner Ltd and Fudog Ltd. Brona’s commitment to excellence continues to enhance the visitor experience and put Wānaka on the map for its vibrant food culture.
Gina Dempster
Board Member
A long-time Wānaka local and General Manager of Wastebusters, Gina is leading the charge in zero-waste initiatives and circular solutions. With a background in communications and environmental advocacy, she works to protect Wānaka’s natural environment and inspire lasting change.
Charles Cochrane
Board Memebr
Managing Director of Racers Edge and Director of Bike Glendhu. A passionate outdoors enthusiast and Wānaka local of nearly 20 years, Charles joined the LWT board to support sustainable tourism and elevate the Wānaka brand for future generations.
Kirsty Barclay
Board Member
Kirsty is the founder of Wanaka Transfers & Tours. Originally from Hawkes Bay, Kirsty has spent much of her career in banking and corporate hospitality before setting up Wanaka Transfers in 2022. Over the past 3 ½ years Wanaka Transfers & Tours has grown to be a successful private transfers and tours company providing private transfers and touring not only between Wānaka and Queenstown but all around the southern half of the South Island.
David Goadby
Board Member
David is the founder of nzbiketrails, a Wānaka based Qualmark Gold accredited biking business, operating across the wider Otago Lakes District. David brings significant experience in executive and board positions from consumer focused businesses with a strong focus on strategy, financials and operational capability. He is passionate about developing lower impact sustainable tourism – sharing the beauty of the area, encouraging visitors to stay longer, spend more in local businesses, increasing the resilience of the area whilst giving back to the communities that we operate in.
