The Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT) board is seeking a new chair following the resignation of current chair, Andrew Blair.

Andrew, who has been chair and trustee since October 2018, will retire from his positions at the end of April.

QLCHT deputy chair Joanne Conroy said while the trust was disappointed to be losing Andrew, it welcomed the opportunity to bring someone new on board. 

Andrew Blair is leaving a vacancy for QLCHT chair. PHOTO: Supplied

“We are looking for a leader who understands that good housing outcomes are the cornerstone of a strong community. This person should be passionate about our district – its diversity, strength and sustainable growth,” she said.

QLCHT is a not-for-profit social enterprise created to manage and deliver affordable housing solutions to those vital to the community who cannot afford it. 

The skills sought for the chair role include: strong governance experience; an understanding of local housing issues and a strong connection to the local community; experience in local and central government; and leadership and relationship skills. 

The role would require an estimated 150 hours per annum, including 11 trust meetings and potential subcommittee meetings.

Andrew said he had enjoyed supporting the trust’s work to provide affordable and secure housing.

“It has been particularly rewarding to witness the pleasure that individuals and families share when they finally achieve home ownership with the support of QLCHT. I have always viewed this as a community service which I have taken pride in contributing to, but now feels like the right time for someone else to have the opportunity to contribute to their community through the trust,” he said.

Andrew will continue with his other local roles, including being a director of Queenstown Airport Corporation and executive chair of the Southern Cross Central Lakes Trust Hospital company.