Our people & values
Waka Abel Tasman
At NRDA, our people are our greatest strength, bringing a diverse mix of skills and experience to everything we do.
We’re guided by an expert board of independent directors, appointed by Nelson City Council. With a strong private sector focus, they help steer our strategy and ensure our work supports a thriving future for Nelson Tasman.
Chief Executive
Fiona has extensive experience in regional, economic, and tourism development and is particularly interested in strategic development and innovation. She is passionate about improving the well-being of local communities through economic development. Originally from Wales, Fiona moved to Whakatū Nelson with her family in 2021 after living in Tasmania. In her spare time, you'll find her exploring our region with her family, usually by kayak!
Finance & Corporate Manager
Lauren is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience in financial management, strategy, and operational leadership across government, local government, and not-for-profit sectors. Originally from a small town in the North Island, Lauren studied in Auckland, earning a business degree before moving overseas. She recently returned to New Zealand with her husband and children to be closer to family and enjoy the Kiwi way of life. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys exploring the outdoors, travelling, and swimming.
Investment Attraction Lead (part time)
Anna moved to Tasman in 2007 with her Irish husband and two sons, following 17 years in the UK. She works part-time as the NRDA's Investment Attraction Lead and also develops innovation and business cases across the food and fibre sectors. In her spare time, Anna enjoys travelling, cycling, hiking, and great food with friends and family. She lives 25 minutes from the Abel Tasman National Park, which is her favourite happy place.
Innovation & Business Growth Manager
Mark relocated to Nelson Tasman after 13 years in Wellington. His strong commercial background includes 15 years of experience in corporate governance, operational design and strategy, product development, change management and succession planning. Mark manages the Regional Business Partner Programme delivery across the top of the south. The RBP programme focuses on helping businesses innovate and grow by providing information, independent advice, funding and connections to businesses seeking support in their growth journey.
Visitor Destination Manager
Craig grew up in Nelson Tasman but left for Lincoln University, where he earned a BCom majoring in tourism. His affinity for tourism runs deep. His experience includes being a Team Leader in Guest Services at NZSki.com, a Hotel Manager in Austria, and a tour guide for international students throughout Aotearoa. Previous roles in the region include marketing at Marchfest and Nelson Beer Week and marketing manager at NMIT. Craig also spent three years as a Marketing Coordinator at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
Sector & Regional Innovation Lead
After a successful media career in London, Nikki made Nelson home and hasn’t looked back. For the past 11 years, she’s been happily eating and drinking her way through the region’s finest, and swimming in her secret spot almost every day. When she’s not doing that, she’s been busy leading brand and marketing efforts for local legends like Pic’s Peanut Butter, Proper Crisps and Chia Sisters. These days, she’s Innovation Manager at Mahitahi Colab, a proud NRDA partner, where her world is a lively mix of creativity and chaos.
Events Lead
Rebecca studied science and marketing at Otago and Massey, kicking off her career in FMCG account management and space planning. After moving to Nelson Tasman in 2006 and a three-year chapter in Abu Dhabi, she joined NRDA. She now promotes events across media channels, manages the three Nelson City Council Event Grant Funds, and helps deliver major events and city activations. Her work connects people across the events industry, strengthening communities and supporting local businesses.
International Marketing Lead
Originally from Palmerston North, Donna’s love for tourism began as a Scuba Diving Instructor with Dive! Tutukaka. After travelling and working around the world, she’s now our International Marketing Lead, working with Tourism New Zealand to showcase Nelson Tasman globally. She focuses on upskilling travel agents so they can confidently promote everything our region has to offer.
Business Events Lead & Events Support
Rita moved from Canada to New Zealand in 2004 and has spent 20 years managing conferences and sporting events, including the South Island Masters Games. As our Business Events Lead, she promotes Nelson as a prime spot for conferences, using social and print media to boost event exposure. A thrill-seeker at heart, she loves hiking, skiing, kayaking and has explored 59 countries so far.
Marketing & Communications Lead
Born and raised in Nelson, Charlotte headed to Melbourne after completing her Bachelor of Design (Hons) at Massey University to kick off her marketing career. Over eight years, she gained experience across media, events, design and advertising before returning home in 2018 to work with World of Wearable Art. She joined NRDA in 2020 and now leads our marketing and communications. Outside of work, she loves soaking up the sunshine with her growing whānau. Charlotte is currently on maternity leave and will return in December 2025.
Marketing Executive
Alex is a data-driven digital marketer with a deep passion for all things digital. With over 18 years of experience in digital media and marketing, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a sharp strategic mindset to NRDA. In 2019, she made the move into destination marketing, where she helped deliver strategy-led marketing campaigns for Destination Great Lake Taupō. Alex joined the NRDA team in August 2023, where she continues to combine data insights with creative storytelling to promote Nelson Tasman. Outside of work, you'll find her hiking or mountain biking on our local trails with her trail dog, Coya.
Critical Skills Pipeline Project Lead & Strategy Executive
Leslie has a background in production management, project management and business process reengineering. Lesley enjoyed a variety of roles before joining the Nelson Regional Development Agency in 2013 to deliver economic development projects and economic insights. Lesley now has a dual role: first, delivering the Critical Skills Pipeline Project, and second, as Strategy Executive supporting the CE with NRDA strategic planning.
Skills & Workforce Projects Lead
After travelling widely in New Zealand and abroad, Ange fell in love with Nelson Tasman and made it home in 2016. With experience across many roles and industries, she brings strong coordination, relationship, and organisational skills to the team. Her role focuses on connecting local employers, schools, and students to boost vocational education and youth employment. She works to create lasting career pathways, support economic growth, and help keep young talent in our region.
Economic Development Project Support & Visitor Ambassador Programme Coordinator
Anjali moved to Nelson in 2018 and quickly embraced the region’s vibrant community and landscapes. With a background in banking, quality assurance, and running her own business in India, she brings strong organisation and strategic insight. She coordinates the Visitor Ambassador Pilot Project, supports the Regional Business Partner Programme, and assists with initiatives across economic development, investment, and skills.
Chair of NRDA Board
Sarah-Jane is Chair of the NRDA Board and brings a wealth of governance experience. She is a professional director, currently serving on the boards of Network Tasman and the Cawthron Trust, chairs Nelson Bays Primary Health, and holds leadership roles with the Institute of Directors and the Financial Advisors Disciplinary Committee. She and her family live near central Nelson, enjoying the local cafés, city buzz, and nearby trails around the Grampians, the Maitai, and the Centre of New Zealand.
Ngāti Porou
David, of Ngāti Porou, brings strong leadership and governance experience, including CEO roles in Iwi businesses and a background in banking and operations. He has served on several boards, including as Co-Chair of Kotahitanga mō te Taiao and the Te Tauihu Iwi Charitable Trust, and is Managing Director of Kururangi Consulting Ltd. Whānau is central to David, and in his spare time, he enjoys paddling waka ama.
Technology & Social Entrepreneur
Sam Ng is a seasoned tech and social entrepreneur who leads teams at the United Nations Development Programme’s Chief Digital Office. He’s founded ventures like Optimal Experience, Optimal Workshop, and others in edtech, anti-trafficking, humanitarian aid and impact investing. With global experience in innovation and emerging tech, Sam is passionate about using technology wisely to help Nelson Tasman thrive.
Finance, Tourism & Governance
Educated in Nelson, Dennis returned in 1992 and has built a diverse career in finance, tourism and governance. After a long stint with BNZ, he ran Flying Kiwi Adventures until 2020, then retrained during lockdown and now works in real estate with Bayleys. Alongside his NRDA role, Dennis chairs the Tahuna Beach Camp Association board, is independent chair for Wilsons Abel Tasman, and serves as a trustee for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust.
Founder of Fintech businesses
Matthew is a fintech founder using tech and machine learning to tackle cash flow challenges for SMEs in Australia and New Zealand. He began his career as a scientist, earning a PhD in Virology and Immunology, and led research in vaccine development and virus detection. His journey through science, finance and tech has sharpened his focus on governance and entrepreneurship, earning him Nelsonian of the Year for business. He also serves as an independent director for the Cawthron Institute and Tasman Rugby Union.
There is one paddle to this canoe.
He kotahi te hoe o te waka nei.
Individually we are accomplished, but we are strongest as a team. We assist, share with, and support each other. The joys of the job come through enjoying the team, celebrating the wins and taking the time to connect.
There are no obstructions to our boldness.
He taupā kore te pākaha nei.
We are leaders of change. We see challenges as opportunities for new learnings and a sense of accomplishment. They are an opportunity to be agile and to see what we are capable of. We remain accountable for our actions even if it is confronting to do so.
We are at the front of the canoe.
Ko mātou kei te ihu o te waka.
We strive to excel - to do our best, to be our best. We have a growth mindset. We recognise that progress beats perfection every time.
We conduct ourselves in a respectful manner.
Ka tuku mā te ngākau whakaute.
We listen to learn and understand. We nurture trust. We value each other’s time. We respect and embrace diversity, seeing other’s unique contributions as an asset.
