Heidi Gillingham has been appointed the new Programme Director of the government-funded initiative Go with Tourism.

She takes on the position currently held by Matt Stenton, who is stepping down on 17 December after three years’ building the programme from the ground up. 

The Go with Tourism initiative is governed by an Industry Advisory Group and its chair, Bruce Robertson, oversaw the recruitment process. Go with Tourism is additionally managed by Auckland Unlimited, therefore finding a suitable person who can play a leadership role in Auckland’s own industry was a key factor for this role. 

Industry & Investment Director, Pam Ford, says that Matt was an invaluable member of Auckland Unlimited’s team. “Not only is Matt the kind of leader that creates an incredible working environment, his entrepreneurial and innovative way of thinking is refreshing and exciting.”

“Go with Tourism reached great heights under Matt’s leadership, and he will be missed. However, we are delighted to welcome Heidi to this role; her experience in HR and people development within the tourism industry will be key to growing the programme further.”

Heidi will be progressing internally from her current position in Go with Tourism as Regional Coordinator for the Lower South Island. Her previous work experience includes human resource management, and training and development coordination with Taco Medic, AJ Hackett Bungy and Queenstown Resort College.

Heidi says she is excited to be taking the helm of a project so critical to New Zealand’s tourism industry. “Building the tourism workforce is going to be a vital part of our industry’s recovery over the next five years and it means a lot to me to be able to play a key role in working towards this goal.”

“I want to acknowledge Matt and the fantastic work both he and the Go with Tourism team have done so far. I look forward to building on this momentum and leading Go with Tourism and the industry towards further success.”

Matt Stenton says it was an honour to have worked on this project for the past three years. “I consider Go with Tourism to have been my ikigai: the thing which combined all my passions and got me out of bed every morning. However, I love a new challenge and I look forward to what my next adventure will be.”

“Finding the right leader for the Go with Tourism team was very important to the team and me, and I’m so pleased to have helped progress the career of someone in our team. I know Heidi will do an amazing job.”

Heidi will take over as Programme Director in the New Year.

Written by Helen Shaw, Marketing Communications Manager