Meet the Destination Queenstown Board
Destination Queenstown (DQ) is an Incorporated Society governed by a sector representative Board of Directors. Elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting, the board ensures the organisation’s objectives and strategic goals are being achieved by its executive staff. As well as adherence to the rules of the incorporated society.
Richard Thomas
Large activity seat (chair)
Richard was born in Queenstown and lived here most of his life. He has a strong governance background and is a chartered member of the Institute of Directors. Richard has been heavily involved in the Queenstown Lakes District business community with a deep level of experience in media, marketing, branding and tourism. He is the former publisher of Mountain Scene newspaper and his previous governance roles include; board member and president of the New Zealand Community Newspapers Association, independent director and chairman of Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track, board member, deputy chairman and chairman of Queenstown Chamber of Commerce.
Richard’s current governance roles include; director of Skyline Enterprises and director and chairman of a number of Skyline’s International Luge subsidiaries, director of Totally Tourism, director of Bookme, and appointed board member of Snow Sports New Zealand. Richard firmly believes good governance forms the foundation of great organisations. He is passionate about the Queenstown Lakes Region.
Matthew Day
General seat
Matthew is an active member of the Queenstown business community and was elected to the Board in September 2018. He has a diverse commercial background in tourism, airports and consumer businesses and is the General Manager Corporate Affairs at RealNZ.
Trish May
Retail/service seat
Trish is founder of the New Zealand Travel Collective. Based in Queenstown for 14 years, she represents several local tourism businesses to the international travel trade.
With more than 30 years’ experience in the sector, including roles with the New Zealand Ski Tourism Marketing Network, Shotover Jet, and two other RTOs, Trish brings extensive industry knowledge.
She is the incumbent in the retail/service/professional seat on the DQ board and chairs the QCB Advisory Group.
Brett Duncan
Small-medium accommodation seat
Brett Duncan is Managing Director Adventure Hostels New Zealand.
After opening the first Adventure Hostel in Queenstown in 2011, it has since expanded to become the third largest hostel operator in the country.
Passionate about the value of youth tourism, Brett is an advocate for the Working Holiday Visa scheme as a vital part of the Queenstown tourism and hospitality industry.
Brett is on the Board of Backpacker Youth Adventure Travel Association (BYATA) and co-authored BYATA’s study into the Lifetime Value of Youth Tourism.
Jeremy Samuels
Large accommodation seat
Jeremy is General Manager Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa.
Having relocated to Queenstown seven years ago with his family, Jeremy is proud to call the region home.
With 24 years’ experience in the hotel industry, spanning roles across operations, revenue, business development, and hotel management, Jeremy has a deep understanding of the sector and is passionate about helping shape thriving communities.
Andrew Bell
Small to medium activity seat
Andrew is General Manager of Queenstown Golf Club. Originally from Christchurch, Andrew spent much of his career in banking before moving into golf club management.
Since December 2021, he has led Queenstown Golf Club, balancing the needs of local members with visitors drawn to the region’s golfing reputation.
With more than 25 years’ connection to Queenstown, Andrew understands both the opportunities and pressures tourism brings.
Erik Barnes
General seat
Erik founded Auxilium Ltd. in 2014 to help organisations become more successful in dealing with the complexities of our fast-changing world. Erik has extensive experience in operations & infrastructure management/development, strategy & business case development, asset/activity management, facilitation, and learning & development.
He has worked in senior management & governance roles across a range of public & private businesses enabling him to understand the challenges from many different perspectives.
