Ignite Wānaka Chamber of Commerce board member Jo Learnmonth has taken over as the organisation’s chair following the departure of Andrew Howard.

Andrew, who had served as chair of Ignite Wānaka since January 2021, chose to step down due to personal circumstances, and Jo was voted on as chair last week at the monthly board meeting.

“The Wānaka business community has endured a difficult two years with the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant economic crisis that we continue to navigate,” Jo said.

“This year will remain challenging for our local businesses. The chamber board is determined to support businesses in the Upper Clutha and advocate on their behalf to help enable the sustainable success of our local economy.”

Jo currently works as the operations manager for Wānaka Airport and she has extensive work experience in both public and private enterprise, specialising in business performance at SME (small-medium enterprise) level, as well as with start-ups and corporate project management.  

She thanked Andrew for his “leadership and dedication” in serving the Wānaka business community over the past 15 months.

Andrew said he had made the decision to step down as chair because, due to other commitments, he has not been able to dedicate the time and energy to the role that is required.

“I am still really excited about being a part of this great team and working to support Jo. I have no doubt she is the right person at the right time for us.”

The change in board leadership follows the recent resignation of Ignite Wānaka general manager Naomi Lindsay, who is leaving to pursue her own business ventures. 

See also: ‘Ignite Wānaka general manager resigns’.

The board is currently seeking expressions of interest for the role of general manager.

The Ignite Wānaka Chamber of Commerce board members are: Jo Learmonth (chair), Celia Crosbie (vice chair), Claire Dooney, Laura Hedley, Andrew ‘Howie’ Howard, John Mezger and Bronwyn McCarthy. Queenstown Lakes District Councillor and deputy mayor Calum MacLeod is an ex-officio member.

PHOTO: Ignite Wanaka