The Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT) has announced the appointment of Queenstown finance professional Kate Skeggs as a trustee.

The long running local trust’s award-winning housing programmes provide affordable housing for low-to-middle income earners in Queenstown Lakes. 

It has helped hundreds of people into secure, long-term housing since it was created in 2007.

Kate said she is thrilled to be joining the QLCHT team.

“Having lived in the Queenstown Lakes for most of my life, I have seen significant changes in the housing market, and am passionate about enabling residents to have access to decent, affordable housing with security of tenure,” she said.

“The trust is developing in complexity and scale, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth.”

Kate has been part of the local business community for many years. 

She is currently a wealth management adviser with Jarden, providing investment advisory and management services to clients. 

Prior to Jarden she had an extensive career with Bank of New Zealand and she recently served seven years on the board of Invest South, Community Trust South’s private equity fund.

Kate replaces long-serving trustee Joanne Conroy, who has recently retired from her position after nine years serving on the QLCHT board.

QLCHT chair Richard Thomas said the trust is delighted with Kate’s appointment and acknowledged Joanne’s contribution to the board.

“We owe our appreciation to the valuable contribution from Jo, who [has been] a trustee since 2015,” he said.

“As an experienced director and property professional, Jo also served as chair of QLCHT’s finance and audit committee and was a valuable member of the board.”

“While we’re sad to see Jo leave, we look forward to utilising Kate’s strong background and capability in finance and her commercial acumen.”

PHOTO: Supplied