The new Central Otago Destination Advisory Board has been set up to help enable the delivery of the Central Otago Destination Management Plan.

We have had two local tourism operators/managers put themselves forward for the Local Tourism Operator position. As there is only one place available we are asking you, as a local tourism business, to vote on who you would like to represent the industry on the Board.

Introducing the two candidates:

Meg Soper, The Cloudy Bay SHED

Through my work in Central Otago over the past two years I have seen the immense benefit of working with Tourism Central Otago and I am very passionate about the opportunity to support the Central Otago tourism industry through the Destination Advisory Board.

My focus is on high quality tourism throughout this region that maintains the integrity of what we all have built and gives harmonious balance of tourism within the community.

Having grown up in Otago and Southland, and working much of my career in Queenstown, I hold very strong values and loyalty to this region. I am so proud to call Cromwell, Central Otago my home. My career has given me experience in both small owner operated tourism businesses as well as large corporates, which has highlighted the challenges and opportunities in businesses of all sizes. Together with my current employment with a global luxury brand focused on high quality tourism, I can give varying perspectives and have access to great insights outside of the CO community.

My background in wine tourism and business development within the food and beverage and Tourism industry, and my enthusiasm for continuous improvement is my driver for applying for this board position.

Thank you for your consideration.

Meg Soper

Mark Button, Waipiata Country Hotel and Tussock Lodge

Kia Ora,

I’m Mark Button, the business owner and operator of Tussock Lodge Waipiata, the Waipiata Country Hotel and the Waipiata Pie Company on the beautiful Otago Central Rail Trail. I have run Tussock Lodge Waipiata for the last 11 years, the Waipiata Country Hotel and the Waipiata Pie Company for the last 7.5 years. I have certainly experienced the best and worst of what Tourism has to offer economically. I believe I am uniquely placed to understand the challenges of setting up, positioning and running a business in both buoyant and challenging times. 

I understand the responsibilities that businesses have to their local and wider communities.  I also appreciate the importance of being a part of an advisory board which effectively articulates the cares and concerns of local business owners as we seek to responsibly grow tourism in Central Otago and wider regions. 

I believe that I am ideally positioned to represent the interests and concerns of all local tourism operators on the Central Otago Destination Advisory Board and appreciate your consideration. 

Ngā mihi

Mark Button