Introducing the Team

Hans Neilson

CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Hans brings a wealth of experience in economic development, project management, and cross sector collaboration and has worked with and for local government, business, and non-profit organisations... READ MORE.

Kathryn Stewart

GROWTH ADVISOR
Kathryn brings her diverse background and a passion for helping businesses grow to her role as Marlborough’s Regional Business Advisor. She has worked both in the private and public sectors across aviation, news media and digital......READ MORE.

Chris Shaw

VOCATIONAL COORDINATOR

Chris’s role of Vocational Coordinator combines a passion for education developed during his time as an instructor at Outward Bound and establishing youth programs with a more recent history of business enterprises...... READ MORE.

Alice Parkinson

MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER

With qualifications and fundamental career roles in business support, branding and marketing, both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, Alice manages the communication activity, marketing, events and administration..... READ MORE.

Annabelle Wiley

OFFICE OPERATIONS MANAGER

Annabelle recently moved back to Marlborough this year, after spending almost a decade working overseas in Europe. She has been solely based in the Super Yacht industry, working on the logistical side..... READ MORE.

Nita Craig

PRESIDENT
A creative and strategic thinker – coupled with firm commercial background – Nita van Grinsven started her career with PwC in Internal Auditing in South Africa before moving to Financial Auditing in Auckland.... READ MORE.

Anthony Barnes

VICE PRESIDENT
Raised in Timaru, Anthony came to Marlborough in 1994 as an Air Force Recruit. Trained as a Logistics Supply Specialist, Anthony served at Woodbourne for six years, before moving north to Whenuapai. On leaving the RNZAF... READ MORE.

Fiona Fenwick

VICE PRESIDENT
Fiona has been successfully developing, managing and protecting corporate and individual reputations in Europe, the USA and Australasia for over 30 years. A passionate Marlburnian of choice... READ MORE.

Khalid Suleiman

BOARD MEMBER
Khalid has grown up in Marlborough and is passionate about the province, especially the Marlborough Sounds. A Chartered Professional Engineer, Khalid is at the coal face of development in Marlborough... READ MORE.

Nicky Simpson

BOARD MEMBER
Nicky has lived in Marlborough for all but 2 years of her life and takes an active interest in the local community. She currently holds the role of Manager.... READ MORE.

Jayden Duthie

BOARD MEMBER
Jayden is Taranaki born and bred and returned to the region after University to work as an Auditor for a professional services firm...READ MORE.

Nate Bainbridge

BOARD MEMBER
Nate is currently the directing manager for Bainbridge Building & Roofing which employs 14 staff. Nate and Amy his wife started the business in 2011 with only a handful of tools, a ute.... READ MORE.

Natalie Christensen

BOARD MEMBER
Natalie grew up in Moncks Bay, Christchurch and moved to Marlborough in 2006 to join the wine industry. Now calling Marlborough home, she is the Senior Winemaker at Yealands Estate.... READ MORE.

Pete Coldwell

BOARD MEMBER
Pete arrived with his young family to Marlborough in 2007. They chose to live here, believing that the region is a world beater as a place to raise a family.
Over those years he has seen a lot of.... READ MORE.