Protect Wanaka 
Committee Members
Below are details of the committee spearheading Wanaka Stakeholders Group. You can also find out about our Core Team here.
Chairperson: Michael Ross. Michael has spent most of his professional life in local government as a Chief Executive. He has owned property in Wanaka for over 50 years. He is acutely aware of the pressures which are already affecting our community and the environment. He believes that development of the Wanaka Airport will only speed up the growth challenges we face here in the Southern Lakes.
Deputy Chair: Mark Sinclair
Mark has lived in Wanaka for a total of 19 years, returning from 18 years in the UK four years ago. Having spent plenty of time in places where growth and development have been poorly handled, he says we have a unique opportunity to get it right in Wanaka. “We’ve got one chance – and this is it.”
Secretary: Nikki McKay
Nikki McKay has lived in Wanaka for 19 years, and is a busy mother of three young boys who attend Holy Family School and St Bede’s College. Nikki has been involved in local businesses over the past fifteen years, was Social Media Manager for the Wanaka Sun and Wanaka Pharmacy for 10 years, and is now excited to be setting up her own venture.
Treasurer: Greg Cowles
Greg has been holidaying in Wanaka for over 25 years and recently moved here permanently. He has an extensive background in Finance and Governance as a partner in Chartered Accounting firms in Christchurch for over 38 years. He is looking forward to enjoying the privilege of living here and being involved in the local community. As a new permanent resident, he is concerned for the future
development of Wanaka and its amenities and that any change, fully involve the community and all stakeholders.
Committee Member: Doug Hamilton.
Doug has lived in the Wanaka region for three decades and is the owner of Black Peak Cycles and Black Peak Travel, an international guiding company. He originally came to Wanaka for its outdoor attractions and
lifestyle, and lack of pretentiousness and glitzy tourist attractions.
He wants to protect Wanaka’s quality of life and save the town from corporate greed.
Committee Member: Meg Taylor
Meg Taylor has lived in Wanaka since 1996. Her business history includes retail and tourism and she is currently a full time farmer. She says: “one of the best things about this town is that people are passionate about and involved in its future”.
The committee represents only a third of the total team working to keep Wanaka Stakeholders Group Inc. moving. You can also find out about our Core Team here.
