MEET THE TEAM
ANDREW AITKEN
Destination and Tourism Manager
Having joined DWC in September 2024, Andrew comes from a tourism marketing and business development background after having worked within a variety of commercial tourism organisations throughout New Zealand including AirNZ, Ngāi Tahu Tourism and Skyline Enterprises. In his current role, he oversees the agencies delivery of the destination management strategy and the regions tourism promotional plan and execution.
Like other members of the team, Andrew loves experiencing the Coast’s wild wilderness, iconic landscapes and pristine rivers before stopping for a coffee at one of the many local cafes.
LARA THOMAS
Tourism and Events Executive
Lara joined the team at DWC in May 2023. She is a “true coaster” having spent her entire life on the West Coast. While Lara has the desire to travel, she has also visited many countries overseas but is convinced the West Coast is the best place to live. Lara has a strong passion for tourism and events which fits her role perfectly. Her role includes attending tradeshows, arranging and hosting media and trade familiarisation tours across the region as well as promoting the West Coast as the destination for business events.
Prior to joining DWC, she spent eight years in the travel and tourism industry, studying tourism and working at a local i-SITE Information Centre and the past four years as the Community & Events Facilitator at the Grey District Council.
TAYLOR TIAN
Tourism - China Market
Taylor is originally from mainland China and moved to New Zealand in 2015. His tenure in the tourism industry began with establishing and spearheading the Chinese department for a prominent tourism operator based in Marlborough.
Over the years, he has been involved with remarkable transformations in regional awareness and visitor influx.
In recent years, Taylor has become an independent advisor specialising in the Chinese tourism market, extending his expertise to various regions across the South Island. Taylor is dedicated to promoting the allure of the Untamed West Coast in the Chinese market by collaborating with neighboring regions.
Taylor is committed to assisting the West Coast in navigating the dynamic landscape of the Chinese tourism industry, fostering awareness among visitors, promoting regional dispersal, and facilitating partnerships with key industry stakeholders.
MAIA PEART-ANDERSON
Trade and Marketing Executive
Maia joined the team at DWC in 2024. Her role focuses on promoting the West Coast as a tourism destination and involves domestic consumer campaigns, international consumer activity, business to business promotions, conference marketing, media, and event attraction.
Maia brings with her valuable experience in a variety of marketing, communication and engagement roles, including Cardrona X Treble Cone, and central and local government agencies. She is passionate about the region and is looking forward to showcasing the unique offerings of the West Coast.
Lucy Nilson
Tourism Executive
Lucy joined the DWC team in July 2024. As a 6th generation West Coaster, Lucy brings deep-seated knowledge of the region to her role at DWC. With a passion for the outdoors, Lucy loves the untamed natural wilderness of the coast, in fact you will often find her in rugged mountain peaks, or dense West Coast bush.
Having ventured beyond the West Coast’s borders, her experience spans across recruitment and government agencies. Lucy is excited to spend the next 12 months exploring trade and tourism offerings as Lara’s maternity cover.