This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is pleased to announce the appointment of Kirsty Wyndham as its new general manager, bringing experience in tourism, visitor experience, and business leadership to the valley where tourism in Aotearoa was born.
The Waimangu Volcanic Valley business is owned by Tūhourangi Tribal Authority (TTA) and Te Puia. Kirsty joins Waimangu Volcanic Valley as general manager at an exciting time for the business as it continues to strengthen its position as a visitor attraction, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience the world’s youngest geothermal system, with cultural significance within a beautiful natural environment.
In her new role, Kirsty will oversee all aspects of the operation, including visitor experience, commercial performance, conservation initiatives, and strategic growth opportunities.
Her experience includes being a marketing and strategy consultant to tourism businesses including Waimangu Volcanic Valley, The Waitomo Experience and Velocity Valley, a prior role as general manager of Rotorua Rafting and Ziplines and also roles with Ngāi Tahu Tourism, Queenstown Rafting, Kiwi Discovery and the Rotorua Sustainable Charter.
Te Puia chief executive Tim Cossar says he’s excited to have Kirsty join the Waimangu team as the business moves to its next phase of development.
“Kirsty has deep knowledge of the business already and an extensive knowledge of the tourism industry which will be of immense value as we move into another busy tourism season.”
Waimangu Volcanic Valley Limited Partnership Board chair Lana Ngawhika says “Importantly, Kirsty already has strong relationships with our team and understands what makes Waimangu such a special place. Her appointment provides both continuity and fresh leadership at an important time in our history. She can quite literally hit the ground running, and the Board has every confidence in her ability to lead Waimangu into its next chapter”.
Kirsty says she is excited to join the team as GM and contribute to a place with incredible depth of history which is a privilege to share with the world.
“Waimangu Volcanic Valley is a truly special place, with a rich Māori history and ownership, outstanding natural features and a talented team dedicated to sharing its story with visitors from around the world. I am honoured to take on this role and look forward to working with the team, our partners and the wider community to continue building on the success of Waimangu.”
As New Zealand’s newest geothermal ecosystem, created by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption, Waimangu Volcanic Valley attracts visitors from across the globe seeking an authentic nature and geothermal experience. Under Kirsty’s leadership, the organisation will continue to focus on telling the stories of the whenua and its history, sustainable tourism, conservation, and delivering world-class visitor experiences.
