Connecting businesses and growing opportunities together
Meet the Team
Get to know us
Our team is the heart of everything we do. We’re a passionate group dedicated to showcasing Wānaka as a world-class destination — while staying true to the values that make this place so special. Together, we work to balance growth, sustainability, and community, driven by a shared vision for Wānaka’s future.
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![Mat Woods CE LWT and DQ]()
Mat Woods
Chief Executive
Mat leads Lake Wānaka Tourism and Destination Queenstown, bringing extensive experience in tourism, outdoor retail, and governance. He is passionate about shaping the region’s future and ensuring it continues to thrive. Mat lives in Wānaka with his family and works across both sides of the hill.
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![Nadia Ellis - Head of Marketing at Lake Wānaka Tourism]()
Nadia Ellis
Head of Marketing
Nadia’s the one behind our marketing strategies, ensuring we’re reaching visitors in all the right ways. She and her team are responsible for showcasing what makes Wānaka so incredible, making sure we’re top of mind for anyone planning their next adventure.
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![Screenshot 2025-03-18 at 9.49.14 AM]()
Molly Hope
Destination Development Lead
Molly leads projects that help us find the perfect balance between welcoming visitors and preserving Wānaka’s unique identity. Her work is key to ensuring that our tourism strategy is smart and sustainable.
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![LWT_Headshots_B2B_Website D_Gerlach (1)]()
Shannon Kelly
Marketing Executive
Shannon is the creative force supporting our destination marketing activity. She’s all about making sure our digital presence is on point to bring Wānaka’s story to life online.
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![Elaine Kelly - Member Support and Admin at LWT]()
Elaine Kelly
Administration and Member Support
Elaine is the friendly face that helps our local businesses and members stay connected.
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![Screenshot 2025-04-04 at 4.24.51 PM]()
Liz Hills
General Manager Wānaka isite
Leading a passionate team dedicated to providing an exceptional visitor experience and promoting all that Wānaka has to offer, Liz ensures the isite remains a vital connection point between visitors and the region’s unique experiences.
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![Ash Bickley - Love Wanaka Community Fund Coordinator]()
Ash Bickley
Love Wānaka Community Fund Coordinator
Ash Bickley is the Community Fund Coordinator for Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown. Dedicated to supporting local environmental initiatives and fostering collaboration to protect and regenerate Wānaka’s natural landscapes.
Shared Services with Destination Queenstown
We’re all about working smarter, and that’s why we’ve partnered with Destination Queenstown (DQ) through a shared services model. This means we can share resources, collaborate on marketing, and better support the growth of both Wānaka and Queenstown. It’s a win-win for our region as we continue to grow sustainably.
To meet our talented colleagues over at DQ, head over to Destination Queenstown.
Be a part of the journey