Otago Local Advisory Committee - mihi mai rā.
Read more about the members of the Otago Local Advisory Committee.
| MEGAN MCPHERSON (Chair) | |
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Megan is a Director of Communications at the University of Otago and sits on the University's Incident Management and Pandemic Planning Group. With prior roles at the Medical Council of New Zealand, Presbyterian Support Otago and experience in the UK, she brings strategic and communications expertise alongside deep ties to South Otago. |
| HELEN ALGAR (Deputy Chair) | |
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Helen is a Community Development Facilitator for Waitaki District Council, Deputy Chair of Waitaki District Health Services and Executive Committee Member for Waitaki Multicultural Council. Her governance experience spans Age Concern Otago, Waitaki Multicultural Council and previous national board roles. Helen received the Queen’s Service Medal in 2008 and is a White Ribbon NZ Ambassador. |
| DES MINEHAN (Member) | |
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Des is based in Cromwell and is a forestry consultant and former National Chair of the Enlarged Rural Fire District. A life member of Mataura Rugby Club, he brings decades of leadership in fire management and community sport. Des was awarded an MNZM for services to Fire and Emergency. |
| HILARY MCNAB (Member) | |
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Hilary is a former Clutha District Councillor and has held roles in multiple local organisations, including Catlins Medical Centre and Rural Women NZ. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to sustainable community development in rural Otago. |
| MANDY MAYHEM-BULLOCK (Member) | |
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Mandy is a Deputy Chair of Keep Dunedin Beautiful and involved in emergency preparedness initiatives through Civil Defence and Red Cross. She is also an elected member of the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board and actively coordinates local events and training. |
| NEIL GILLESPIE (Member) | |
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Neil is a Deputy Mayor of Central Otago District Council and Community Relations Project Manager at Contact Energy. He also serves as Chief Fire Officer for the Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade, blending civic, emergency and energy sector leadership. |
| VANESSA VAN UDEN, ONZM (Member) | |
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Vanessa is an experienced director and former Mayor of Queenstown Lakes. She has contributed to numerous boards including Waka Kotahi, Shaping our Future Inc, Pivotal Point and Queenstown Lakes Baby Box Trust. Vanessa is a member of the Institute of Directors and received an ONZM in 2017 for her services to local government. |
| RACHEL COOPER (Member) | |
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Rachel is a Senior Policy Advisor at the Ministry for the Environment and a board member for Protect Our Winters Aotearoa. With a background in climate science, she was selected for the Homeward Bound international leadership programme and is committed to sustainability and resilience. |
The map below shows the area that the Otago LAC covers
