With the departure of chief executive Jason Dawson, the Board of Hamilton & Waikato Tourism is pleased to announce that development manager Nicola Greenwell has been appointed as Interim General Manager, effective February 3, 2022.
For the past six years, Nicola has led HWT’s major events portfolio and the industry development and capability building programme, as well as providing support for the feasibility of new products and operators coming into the sector.
HWT Board chair Richard Leggat says Nicola will head the HWT team while the Board considers the skills and capabilities required to lead the organisation as the tourism sector emerges from the very dark clouds of Covid-19.
Richard says all HWT’s programmes and activities will continue as planned and the focus on leading, supporting and advocating for Waikato’s visitor and events sector remains unchanged.
The organisation remains committed to supporting our sector to navigate the new world with COIVD-19, promote the region domestically and prepare for the international border reopening. We will also be undertaking a second round of engagement and consultation on the draft destination management Plan for Waikato.
“As a Board, we are very comfortable with Nicola assuming the interim role and we will be focused on ensuring we undertake a thorough search to find the right person to follow on from the great work done by Jason.”
Outgoing chief executive Jason Dawson says it has been a privilege and honour to lead and represent the tourism and events sector for the Waikato for the past five years.
“I’m hugely proud of the achievements of the team, the organisation and the sector throughout this time. I feel I’m leaving the organisation in good heart, with strong leadership, a very capable team and a draft destination management plan which will steer the sector through the next five to 10 years.”
Jason is joining Air New Zealand as its new regional affairs manager from February 2022.
