Women in Business 2026

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Showing Up: The Quiet Power of Confidence

There’s something powerful about confidence. Not the loud, look-at-me kind, but the quiet, steady belief in yourself that allows you to step forward, speak up, and back your decisions, even when the path isn’t entirely clear.

This year’s Westpac Queenstown Women in Business theme, Inspiring Confidence, feels especially timely. In a world that continues to shift, economically, socially and technologically, confidence is the thread that helps us navigate change.

But let’s be honest, confidence isn’t something any of us have mastered, it’s something we practice. Daily. It’s built over time - through experience, setbacks and failures, and often through the encouragement of others. A conversation, advice, someone taking a chance on you, these are the moments that quietly shape our belief in what’s possible.

That’s why spaces like the Westpac Women in Business Conference, and this very issue of Women in Business, matter so much. They remind us that behind every “successful” person is a collection of doubts, detours, and small brave moments that built their confidence over time. And importantly, they show us that we can do it too.

Across the Queenstown Lakes, as you’ll see in this issue, we are fortunate to be surrounded by people doing exactly that. Women who are leading businesses, mentoring others, and contributing in ways both big and small. The collective impact is significant and something worth celebrating.

Of course, none of this happens in isolation. A huge thank you to our long-standing conference partners, Westpac, Lane Neave Lawyers, Deloitte, Air New Zealand, TomTom Productions, QT Queenstown and Gibbston Valley. These partnerships reflect shared values and a commitment to seeing our business community thrive. We’re looking forward to hosting some amazing speakers to inspire us this year – Jenny-May Clarkson, Lucy Blakiston, Ali Mau, Lisa O’Neill, Morgan Connaughton and Lu Blade-Bittle. We can’t wait.

As you read through these pages, I hope you find something that resonates or simply a reminder that you’re more capable than you might think. Confidence, at its core, isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up regardless.

Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui, Be strong, be brave and be steadfast

Sharon Fifield

Chief Executive

Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce

Spotlight on Queenstown businesswomen

Women-led businesses are everywhere in Queenstown - paving the way for an innovative future. From tourism and canine care to communications and hair salons, ambitious women in our region are doing some amazing things in their niches. Here are a few to keep your eye on.

After twelve years focusing on building the creative agency Fluid, this year it was time for something new. I found my place in the economic development team at QLDC which taps into my passion for connecting like-minds and enabling big things to happen.

Economic Futures are a team of seven, responsible for helping foster a healthier local economy. My specific area of focus is to support people and projects that can diversify our local economy and create new career and business opportunities.

We drive some projects but much of my work is ‘joining the dots’ between good people who have a passion for business and the community. Together we are committed to creating meaningful, well-paid work that allows people to build a future here.

I am a connector and creative-thinker who wants to use my experience to help individuals realise their dreams. I am incredibly privileged to be helping others grow our economy while caring for the environment and each other.

Lauren McMurray left Manchester in 2014 and arrived in Queenstown with a backpack, her scissors, and an unshakeable belief in what she could build. An international award-winning stylist, she brought a passion for bold, fashion-forward colour that quietly transformed the local hair scene and helped put Queenstown on the map as a destination for genuinely worldclass hair.

Today she leads Iron + Ivy Hair Studio at Queenstown Central, the largest and highest-rated salon in Otago, a place that reflects everything she has poured into her craft and her community over the past decade.

Her ambition has never stood still. In 2025 she opened Revolver Hair Studio in Arrowtown, bringing her signature boutique, high-end experience to a new community. Through the Iron + Ivy Academy she has also shaped four apprentices into confident, career-ready stylists, proof that her greatest investment has always been in people.

From Manchester to the mountains of Queenstown, Lauren’s story is one of quiet determination, extraordinary talent, and a genuine commitment to lifting everyone around her.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Lauren Luque — Hustle & Flow Queenstown

For Lauren Luque, business has always been about people first. As the owner of Hustle & Flow, located at the Queenstown Marina, she has built a reformer Pilates studio centred around movement, connection and community. What began in Ōakura, New Plymouth, in 2021 has continued to grow, with Hustle & Flow opening its Queenstown studio in 2024 during an exciting season personally and professionally for Lauren and her family.

The studio offers reformer Pilates classes designed to complement all lifestyleswhether clients are training for sport, balancing busy schedules or simply wanting to feel stronger and healthier. Lauren believes the difference at Hustle & Flow comes from the experience created both inside and outside the studio, with a strong emphasis on community, personalised coaching and making people feel welcome from the moment they walk through the door. Lauren is driven by seeing clients grow in confidence and leave feeling better than when they arrived. For her, being a woman in business has been empowering because it has shown her the value of trusting her instincts, building authentic relationships and creating something meaningful from the ground up.

Michelle Needham — Lane Neave

Originally from the North Island, I have called Queenstown home for nearly 10 years and am a Partner of Lane Neave. I specialise in property law, with expertise spanning conveyancing, property development, subdivisions, overseas investment, leasing, trusts and estate planning.

A key part of my approach is building strong relationships with clients and providing practical, straightforward advice. Property matters can often feel complex or overwhelming, so I focus on making legal processes as easy to understand and navigate as possible. I enjoy working with a broad range of clients, from first-home buyers taking their first step onto the property ladder through to large corporate organisations managing significant developments and investments. I feel very fortunate to be able to live and work in Queenstown and to have one of the most scenic commutes in the country. Our Queenstown office has a great cohesive culture and being part of a nationwide firm means our clients benefit both from local knowledge and access to extensive expertise across a wide range of legal areas which allows us to deliver tailored, high-quality advice.

Rebecca Viale is a Mortgage Adviser at Roost, known for helping clients navigate the home-buying journey with clarity, confidence and genuine care.

At Roost, clients don’t just work with one adviser, they benefit from a collaborative team approach.

Rebecca works alongside a highly experienced lending team, giving clients access to shared knowledge, multiple perspectives, and a more considered path forward, particularly when navigating a complex or fast-moving market.

Rebecca’s role within that team is to bring calm, structure and clarity to what can often feel overwhelming - especially for first-home buyers. She focuses on listening first, explaining options in plain English, and guiding clients stepby-step so they feel informed and supported.

Clients consistently highlight the difference this makes. One described Rebecca as “a massive asset… very knowledgeable, listened to our needs and stuck with us through multiple attempts to secure the right property.”

Another shared, “We don’t know what we would have done without Rebecca… she explained everything clearly and kindly and answered every question.”

Rebecca’s advice for building confidence is simple: start early and ask questions. Understanding your options ahead of time removes uncertainty and gives you confidence to act when it matters.

To get in touch with Rebecca and the Roost team, visit www.roost.co.nz or call 0800 4 ROOST.

Donna Harpur-Swain — ABC Business Sales Managing Partner, Central Otago and Southland

Most brokers sell businesses. Donna builds relationships with people. The deal, she’ll tell you, is just what happens when the right people connect.

As Managing Partner across Central Otago and Southland, Donna brings together buyers and sellers with genuine care, deep local knowledge and a sharp commercial mind shaped by over 30 years in banking. She understands what both sides need, earns their trust, and makes one of life’s most significant transactions as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

Your business gets one chance to make the right first impression. Donna makes sure it counts. Professional video, quality photography and premium presentation put your business in front of serious buyers who are ready to act. It’s an approach her clients feel in the results, and one the industry has recognised too, with Donna named ABC Marketer of the Year four times and her region taking out Regional Office of the Year in 2024.

With 25 years spanning Queenstown’s fast-moving business scene and Southland’s tight-knit regional community, her network and knowledge run deep in both directions.

“Selling or buying a business is personal, and I’m proud to guide people through that journey with care, experience, and genuine support.”

Liz Walker – Forsyth Barr Ltd

Liz recently stepped into the role of manager for Forsyth Barr’s Queenstown office, after more than a decade advising clients in the region. Having worked in financial services in major cities, she says the Queenstown market offers a rewarding environment because of its diverse and connected community.

After graduating from the University of Keele in 1995, Liz began her career working for an investment bank in London, before moving to New Zealand with her Kiwi husband. She completed the NZX Diploma in 2008 and joined Forsyth Barr in Auckland, later relocating to Queenstown in 2015.

Today, Liz works with a wide range of clients, from first-time investors to high-net-worth individuals and business owners. She says the variety of people and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships are what she enjoys most about the role. As branch manager, Liz combines client work with mentoring staff and overseeing business development, while staying closely connected to global markets to help guide clients through changing conditions.

Outside work, she enjoys Queenstown’s food and wine scene, biking, walking trails, golf, and supporting her son’s ice hockey. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as financial advice.

Donna Hewitt is passionate about supporting and empowering women in business — something deeply influenced by her own journey into real estate. She never planned to become an agent. During the Global Financial Crisis, Donna worked in mortgagee recovery, helping families navigate financial hardship and uncertainty. It taught her resilience, empathy and the importance of lifting people up during difficult times.

After relocating to New Zealand, Donna started as an assistant to a high-performing real-estate agent, determined to learn the industry from the ground up. Within just 18 months, she had sold 37 homes, building a reputation based not on hard sales tactics, but on genuine connection, trust and care for people.

In 2025, Donna founded Connect Realty with a vision to create a more collaborative and supportive real-estate environment — particularly for women building careers and businesses. She believes success grows stronger when people work together, share opportunities and champion one another.

Women bring incredible emotional intelligence, resilience and leadership into business,” Donna says. “I wanted to create a brand that values connection over competition and encourages others to rise together.

Today, Connect Realty continues to grow with a peoplefirst philosophy focused on collaboration, community and empowering others through meaningful relationships and shared success.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Hubber – Hub Design Interiors

Mother, interior designer, couples design councillor, household administrator, motorcycle enthusiast, car collector, social butterfly.

Founded in 2003, Hub Design Interiors has become a leading name in Queenstown’s interior design scene. The firm has earned several accolades over the last 10 years, including the Southern Region Best Kitchen Award and the coveted People’s Choice Award at the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA) Awards in 2024. Carmen’s expertise was first recognised with the Emerging Designer Award in 2014, an honour later passed to her daughter Ruby, in 2023, marking a significant generational milestone.

Hub Design’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and passion for design is deeply rooted in Carmen’s family legacy. 65 years ago, Carmen’s father, David Hubber, and uncle, Lloyd Hubber, started their flooring business in Gore, laying carpet and vinyl. This venture eventually led to Lloyd opening Hubber’s Furnishings in Christchurch, where a 22-year-old Carmen began her own journey in interior design. Carmen takes great pride in the family business, valuing the personal connection it fosters with clients. “I prefer being a face and name behind the business rather than hiding behind a corporation,” she says, emphasizing the personal touch that defines Hub Design.

With over 30 years of experience, Carmen is the visionary leader at Hub Design. Her deep understanding of trades and construction ensures high standards of craftsmanship and natural materials. “I’m passionate about creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional,” says Carmen. “Each project is crafted to support daily life while reflecting the client’s style.”

Hub Design attributes its success to its close-knit and specialised team. Together, the team brings each client’s vision to life. With its strong foundation in family values, craftsmanship, and design excellence, Hub Design Interiors continues to lead the way in Queenstown, proving that exceptional design is possible at any scale.

Meredith‘s goal is to empower and instill confidence in new parents by offering education, support, and confidence through hypnobirthing and other birthrelated services. Meredith believes that every parent deserves a positive birth experience no matter the path that unfolds. Meredith also has a broader vision to change the birthing narrative in Queenstown by creating a community of confident, informed, and supported parents. Mama Gaia’s local hypnobirthing classes provide a warm and nurturing environment where complex pregnancy and birth topics are made relatable. The course uses evidence-based information that is easy to understand and using a touch of humour. Hypnobirthing uses visualisation to help parents overcome fears around birth, and includes gentle movement and practical birth tools for the birth partner, so that they also feel entirely capable and able to support.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Eloise Green – General Manager, Crowne Plaza Queenstown

Eloise Green has recently stepped into the role of General Manager at Crowne Plaza Queenstown, bringing 14 years of experience with IHG Hotels & Resorts and a genuine passion for people, connection and leadership.

Eloise’s career with IHG has taken her through a range of roles and development pathways, including Future Leader, RISE and Journey to GM. She has also been fortunate to work alongside many inspiring female General Managers throughout her career, who helped guide the way and showed what strong, authentic leadership can look like in hospitality.

Taking on her first General Manager role is a proud milestone for Eloise, and Queenstown felt like the right place to take that next step. The stunning location, the opportunity to explore more of New Zealand, and the chance to work with a great team and supportive owners all played a part in drawing her to the role. For Eloise, the best part of hospitality has always been the people you meet and the connections you make. As a leader, she hopes to be known for being authentic, approachable and focused on creating an environment where people can do their best work.

At Crowne Plaza Queenstown, Eloise is looking forward to continuing to bring new ideas to the hotel, particularly around technology, guest experience and colleague experience, while also driving strong business performance.

Outside of work, Eloise is making the most of the Queenstown lifestyle. She enjoys bike riding and is now learning to snowboard. What excites Eloise about Queenstown? “The stunning location, the opportunity to explore New Zealand, and working with a great team and owners.”

What does she love most about hospitality? “The people you meet and the connections you make.”

Cristina Griffith – Gibbston Valley

Cristina began her career in the United States as a CPA and auditor at PwC, developing a strong understanding of how complex businesses function. She moved to New Zealand in 2022 to take the Chief Financial Officer role within her family’s business gaining her hands-on exposure to the full operation, including vineyard, hospitality, property, and people.

Becoming Executive Managing Director in 2025, Cristina set out to strengthen the foundations of the business and guide its next phase of growth. She is responsible for the overall direction, performance and long-term resilience of Gibbston Valley, spanning wine, hospitality, tourism, infrastructure and community.

Her leadership approach is practical and long-term focused, centred on building a business that performs consistently without compromising its people or place. Cristina sees her role as one of guardianship and protecting what has been built while ensuring the business continues to evolve.

Sustainability is central to that thinking. She views it as the outcome of doing the fundamentals well, supporting teams properly and making decisions that strengthen the business for the long term.

Looking ahead, Cristina is focused on ensuring Gibbston Valley continues to grow into a resilient business, connected to its land, its people and its future.

Amy Smith – Auburn & Ash Hairdressing

Amy Smith is the owner and creative force behind Auburn & Ash Hairdressing, a boutique salon based in Lower Shotover, Queenstown, specialising in healthy, lowmaintenance colour and personalised oneon-one service.

I’m a South Auckland girl who landed in Queenstown at 18 with no real plan, no contacts and absolutely no idea what I was doing. Twenty-five years later, I’m co-owner of Queenstown Electric - a team of 12 sparkies and a business my husband and I are genuinely proud of. He’s the electrician. I’m the one who actually keeps the power on. Behind every successful trade business is someone managing the chaos - the finances, the people, the culture, the compliance and the weekend paperwork that nobody outside these four walls ever sees - that’s me. While my husband may get all the handshakes and high-fives, I’ve quietly been the engine room. I’ve done it while raising three fantastic kids, navigating a male-dominated industry and the ultimate challenge of working alongside my husband for 16 years without either of us blowing a foofoo valve! Admittedly, I’m probably the reason he’s lost all his hair.

The glory doesn’t always find its way to the back office, but the results do. I’m proud of what we’ve built, proud of the team we lead and genuinely excited about where this industry is heading - electrification is transforming everything and we are here for it.

Known in Queenstown for creating beautiful blondes and effortlessly wearable hair, Amy has built Auburn & Ash around a more holistic approach to hairdressing - creating a calm, welcoming space where clients can relax, feel looked after, and leave feeling refreshed both inside and out.

“Sometimes women don’t just need their hair done they need someone to take a little of the mental load away for a few hours,” she says.

Amy has worked at New Zealand Fashion Week and alongside some of New Zealand’s leading technical educators within the hair industry, as well as helping with multiple charity fashion events, including a fabulous Breast Cancer Runway Event in Wellington.

Building Auburn & Ash with her husband, Glen, while raising 9-year-old twins, Olive and Tom, has been one of Amy’s proudest achievements and has allowed her to create a business that supports both family life and community connection. She is also passionate about supporting local schools, fundraisers, and charities throughout the Queenstown community.

Amy believes there is often a misconception that industries like hairdressing are simply “creative industries”, when in reality they require an enormous amount of business knowledge, emotional intelligence, technical skill, and resilience.

“Women in business often wear every hat at once — business owner, marketer, accountant, mentor, parent, and creative — and I think that deserves far more recognition.”

Bookings: auburnandash.nz

Louisa “Choppy” Patterson – Over The Top

Louisa “Choppy” Patterson is the force behind Over The Top – New Zealand’s leading luxury helicopter experience.

A trailblazer in the aviation industry, renowned for her decades-long dedication to aviation excellence and innovation. Louisa’s passion for flying has led her to become a highly respected pilot.

What inspired Choppy was sharing the beauty of New Zealand with guests from around the world while building a business grounded in family values and genuine connection.

This year, Over The Top celebrate 40 years, having grown into an internationally recognised luxury tourism brand. Louisa’s passion still lies in creating unforgettable experiences that combine authenticity, hospitality, and world-class service.

Reflecting on those years, it has taught Louisa the strength of intuition, emotional intelligence, and perseverance. She says being a woman in business has empowered her to lead with empathy, resilience, and instinct.

Louisa’s leadership extends beyond flying, as she spearheads innovation in aviation safety with Eye In The Sky, a Cockpit Video Recorder designed by her to enhance safety in aviation. Her philanthropic endeavours include donating all proceeds from this device to charity, She challenges the misconception that women in aviation and tourism must lead aggressively to succeed, proving strong leadership can also be thoughtful and deeply personal.

Sarah O’Donnell – Destination Queenstown & Lake Wānaka

Tourism

Sarah O’Donnell has spent more than a decade helping tell the story of one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.

As GM Destination & Brand for Regional Tourism Organisations Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, she leads the team that markets this region to domestic and international travellers, supporting our biggest industry and hard-working operators, while also driving the push towards truly regenerative tourism.

“I believe deeply in the transformational power of travel, and in tourism’s ability to be a force for good, both socially and economically,” she says. “For me and my team, that starts with a real love of place for Queenstown Lakes. We care deeply about this region and its future, and that makes the work incredibly rewarding.”

Helping shape and drive the Queenstown Lakes’ Destination Management Plan has been a pivotal moment in her career, reinforcing her belief that regenerative tourism can create lasting benefits for businesses, communities and the environment alike.

She is also passionate about people development and building strong teams, and her advice to other women in business is simple: “Believe in yourself and the value you can add. Understand it’s ok to break a few eggs to make the omelette – any good career will have those challenging moments so don’t shy away from them. And don’t forget to have fun along the way.”

Eleanor Trueman – Auburn Environment

This year’s World Environment Day on June 5 focuses on climate action now. What does that mean to an everyday business?

Eleanor Trueman co-founded Auburn Environment to help local businesses cut through the complexity and BS around sustainability.

Auburn Environment bridges the gap between well-meaning sustainability targets, and real, on-the-ground action. Eleanor, and co-founder Meredith Gee, deliver practical, no-nonsense sustainability advice that helps businesses reduce their environmental impact, cut costs, and meet compliance without the fluff.

With extensive experience in carbon management, waste, procurement and packaging, Eleanor and Meredith can help de-mystify sustainability. Auburn Environment can show businesses how they can incorporate and embed sustainability into everyday operations. By translating complex carbon, waste and sustainability goals into real, achievable actions, Auburn Environment empowers Queenstown’s business community to reduce operating costs, and confidently make a positive environmental impact to protect our stunning backyard for the future. And we have quite a lot of fun along the way.

Minka Boddé leads the Family Team at Aspiring Law, bringing warmth, clarity, and genuine care to her clients most personal and challenging moments. With offices in Arrowtown, Wānaka, and Christchurch, she and her team support individuals and families through separation, relationship property, care of children, family violence, mediation, and collaborative law. What sets Minka apart is her focus on family law being about people first. She takes a holistic approach — really listening, meeting clients where they are, and helping them find a path forward that works for their whole lives, not just the legal part.

A pivotal chapter in Minka’s journey was the move from running her own firm in the Bay of Plenty to joining the leadership team at Aspiring Law. It’s a decision she values deeply. “The collaborative culture here genuinely changes what’s possible for clients,” she says. “When a great team has each other’s backs, the people we’re helping feel that.”

That team spirit extends to how Minka invests in the next generation of lawyers. She’s a passionate mentor who challenges the idea that you need to be aggressive to succeed in law. For Minka, the real power tools are communication, empathy, and human connection. She endeavours to lead by example every day and loves sharing her knowledge presenting seminars and at speaking engagements.

At Aspiring Law, the goal has always been to make the law accessible and easy to for people in the communities where we work. Minka embodies that spirit completely — practical, approachable, and absolutely in your corner.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Megan Wallace

– Vita Nova, Immigration Specialists

Originally from the United Kingdom, Megan Wallace’s journey is one of bold decisions, fresh starts, and purposedriven success. After graduating with a Law degree from the University of Northumbria, she chose in 2017 to press pause on her barrister career and explore the world, eventually arriving in New Zealand, where her path took an exciting new direction.

With nothing but a backpack and a sense of adventure, Megan travelled the country in a campervan before discovering Queenstown - a place she now proudly calls home.

Inspired by her own migration and visa journey, Megan founded Vita Nova – Immigration Specialists in May 2021, driven by a passion for helping others create new beginnings. Since then, the business has supported thousands of immigration matters, assisting individuals and businesses across New Zealand and internationally, turning dreams into reality.

As a Licensed Immigration Adviser and Education Counsellor, Megan brings together expertise and empathy, demonstrating that true leadership is measured not only by outcomes, but by the people it impacts.

Beyond the complex world of immigration, Megan is passionate about giving back to her community and proudly serves as a Trustee of Happiness House.

Megan’s story reminds us that life doesn’t always follow a straight path. When women believe in themselves, embrace change, and lead with heart, they don’t just build businesses - they create opportunities and change lives.

Audrey (Drey) Boys and Jade James –Collab. Coaching

Collab. Coaching was created when we decided to join forces after previously coaching as two separate individuals. Bringing our strengths together showed us the incredible power of women supporting women, and that mindset quickly became the foundation of both our business and the community we continue to build today.

Through personalised 1:1 fitness and nutrition coaching, we help women feel strong, confident, and empowered, both inside and outside the gym. Based in Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, we work with women both in-person and online, helping them improve their health, build confidence, and better understand training and nutrition. Our approach is centred around education, balance, and creating habits that are realistic and sustainable long-term.

As former bodybuilders ourselves, we also coach athletes through competition prep and the journey to stage. One of our proudest accomplishments has been coaching our athlete Grace, now also a coach at Collab. Coaching, from a first-time competitor to becoming a Pro Champion in her very first season!

What makes Collab. Coaching different is the supportive environment we’ve created: one where women feel encouraged, challenged, and genuinely supported throughout their journey, no matter where they’re starting from.

Cladis Brocardo – Moss Spa

Inspiring Confidence Through Leadership and Care

From therapist to Spa Manager in four years, Cladis Brocardo’s journey at Moss Spa Queenstown is a quiet testament to what passion and genuine care for people can build.

Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, Moss Spa offers a sanctuary of premium treatments — from restorative massages and advanced facials to body therapies designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. It’s a place where attention to detail and genuine hospitality come first.

Joining Moss Spa when it first launched in 2022, Cladis quickly distinguished herself through her calm presence, meticulous attention to detail and an innate ability to make every client feel truly seen. That dedication led her through a Senior Therapist role before stepping into leadership 18 months ago.

Today she leads her team with equal measures of empathy and high standards, recruiting therapists who share the spa’s culture and guest experience philosophy, and nurturing an environment where excellence is the baseline.

The results speak for themselves. Under Cladis’ leadership, Moss Spa recently claimed the number one ranking for Spas and Wellness in Queenstown on TripAdvisor, an achievement she attributes to consistency, teamwork and the commitment to creating meaningful moments for every guest.

“For me, it’s about making people feel comfortable, cared for and confident,” she says. “Whether it’s a guest or a team member, I want them to leave feeling better than when they arrived.”

Her story is a reminder that great leadership isn’t always announced. Sometimes it’s quietly built, one client, one team member and one meaningful experience at a time.

Celia (Kai Tahu) is the founder and managing director of Scope Communications, a Wānaka-based PR consultancy that serves clients across a range of sectors around Aotearoa New Zealand.

An Accredited Public Relations professional and a current board member of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand, she is passionate about connecting communities through positive, respectful relationships and the power of authentic storytelling.

Celia is an award-winning former journalist and enjoys longstanding connections with media. She is highly skilled in helping brands anticipate ‘the story’ and specialises in communications strategy, crisis comms and reputation management, stakeholder relations and digital PR.

Celia leads a team of talented, results-driven communications professionals who collectively deliver communications with impact and genuine engagement.

Scope is the proud winner of the PRINZ Best Small-to-Medium PR Consultancy Award in 2022, 2024 and 2025. This year, Scope is a finalist in the PRINZ Awards’ Best Use of Media Relations category for its 2025 campaign on the sale of the historic Cardrona Hotel.

Meet the women of Country Lane

Country Lane is home to a remarkable community of women who have turned passion, courage, and creativity into thriving businesses. From ceramics and vintage fashion to bookshops, dog grooming, cookies, and fine art, each woman brings her own unique story to this vibrant Queenstown destination. Many have taken bold leaps of faith, navigating real-life challenges — grief, relocation, financial risk, and the juggle of family and work — to build something meaningful on their own terms. Together, they represent the very best of local entrepreneurship: independently driven, community minded, and deeply rooted in the places and people they love.

Tineke Enright and Annika Grant – Founders, Country Lane

When Tineke and Annika set out to create Country Lane, they weren’t simply building a retail village. They were creating the kind of place they wished existed.

As a sister-in-law team, they understood the challenges many women face: balancing family, careers, community commitments, and the desire to pursue something meaningful. They saw talented local makers, entrepreneurs, and business owners searching for opportunities that offered flexibility, connection, and a chance to build a livelihood on their own terms.

What emerged is Country Lane, a thriving destination built around supporting owneroperated local businesses and creating opportunities for people to turn their passions

Claire Todd – Vintage Liberation

Claire Todd is the curator behind Vintage Liberation, Queenstown’s destination for unique, antique, vintage, and preloved garments and accessories. With 30 years of collecting one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable history from around the world, Claire brings an expert eye and a deep respect for craftsmanship to every find. Her passion is preserving these beautiful timepieces so they can be cherished by their next custodian—because you can’t beat the quality, construction, love, and care poured into

Connie Jones – Saturday Ceramics

Connie is the creator of Saturday Ceramics. Originally from Dunedin, she relocated to Queenstown 11 years ago, where she discovered her passion for pottery.

What began as a creative outlet in a shared studio space gradually became a defining part of her career. In those early days, she worked alongside other makers, learning and experimenting with clay before moving into a small setup in her garage, where she began to develop her own style and build confidence in her practice. This then grew into a dedicated studio space at Country Lane, which provided the opportunity to expand her work and begin teaching others. As

into sustainable enterprises. Today, many of the businesses that call Country Lane home are led by women, each bringing their own story, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit to the village.

The journey has not been without challenges.

Tineke and Annika have navigated uncertainty, financial risk, setbacks, and the complexities of growing a business while remaining true to their values. Through it all, they have learned that success is not just measured by profit, but by the opportunities created for others and the community built along the way.

Their story is a powerful reminder that when women support women, remarkable things can grow.

each individual piece. In her first year working for herself, Claire has transformed a lifelong passion into a thriving boutique experience unlike anything else in Queenstown. A standout moment this year was welcoming award-winning costume designer Michele Clapton into her little shop — an exceptional affirmation of Vintage Liberation’s calibre. At Vintage Liberation, each garment is selected for its story, integrity, and enduring style, inviting customers to invest in pieces that feel as good as they look.

interest in her classes and ceramics continued to grow, the studio evolved into The Clay Club, now a community of around 25 members.

The Clay Club has become a welcoming, creative space where people can explore clay, develop their skills, and connect with others through making. Alongside teaching, Connie continues to design and produce handmade homewares, focusing on functional, timeless pieces intended for everyday use.

Her journey in ceramics has opened opportunities in teaching, community building, and running a creative small business, evolving from a personal passion into a growing and sustainable practice.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

What started as a small local grooming business has grown into a trusted space for dogs and their owners. Tara Roberts, owner of Posh Paws Dog Grooming, has built the business around calm, compassionate handling and creating a lowstress grooming experience where a dog’s health and welfare always comes first.

Over the past year, Posh Paws has expanded to two dog groomers, allowing the business to welcome even more local clients while maintaining the personalised care it has become

known for. Tara’s focus has always been on building genuine relationships with both pets and their owners, ensuring every dog leaves feeling comfortable and cared for.

Originally from South Africa, Tara first began her grooming journey in Auckland before eventually owning Posh Paws Queenstown. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog and making the most of the region’s beautiful trails.

Raquel, artist and creator of Art Adventures NZ, welcomes you into hfrankslowing down, tuning in, and letting your inner artist find its voice—whether you're just beginning or returning to your practice after time away. Raquel’s deep love for the natural world runs through everything she does. In her own paintings, surreal landscapes our environment. Her work in did you know this is just fulling in.

The Barn was the very beginning of the Country Lane Retail Village, first opening in 2013. A unique collaboration bringing together two locally loved brands under one roof - Lusso Boutique and Pretty Kiwi - owned by Amie Saxton and Tineke Enright.

Beyond the art studio, the larger focus of Art Adventures is out on one of her plein -air style painting or sketching adventures into the local landscape. These outdoor art adventures are immersive experiences that awaken the senses.

Raquel Carter - Art Adventures

Their partnership began more than a decade ago while setting up neighbouring stalls at the Remarkables Market. Week after week, the pair built their businesses side by side, forming a friendship grounded in creativity, trust, and a shared passion for thoughtful retail.

The Barn offers a carefully curated shopping

experience, blending homewares, gifts, baby and children’s products, wellness items, and locally inspired finds. The store reflects both owners’ distinctive styles while creating a warm and welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike. With an emphasis on thoughtful curation and quality products, The Barn has become known for its boutique feel and ever-evolving collection. Their long-standing partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration, with both women continuing to grow their brands while supporting one another through the changing landscape of retail and business ownership, creating a business that feels both inspiring and uniquely personal.

Raquel, artist and creator of Art Adventures NZ, welcomes you into hfrankslowing down, tuning in, and letting your inner artist find its voice—whether you're just beginning or returning to your practice after time away. Raquel’s deep love for the natural world runs through everything she does. In her own paintings, surreal landscapes our environment. Her work in did you know this is just fulling in.

Beyond the art studio, the larger focus of Art Adventures is out on one of her plein -air style painting or sketching adventures into the local landscape. These outdoor art adventures are immersive experiences that awaken the senses.

Raquel, artist and creator of Art Adventures NZ, welcomes you into hfrankslowing down, tuning in, and letting your inner artist find its voice—whether you're just beginning or returning to your practice after time away. Raquel’s deep love for the natural world runs through everything she does. In her own paintings, surreal landscapes our environment. Her work in did you know this is just fulling in.

Beyond the art studio, the larger focus of Art Adventures is out on one of her plein -air style painting or sketching adventures into the local landscape. These outdoor art adventures are immersive experiences that awaken the senses.

Moving to Queenstown with my husband and son was one of the biggest and most meaningful decisions of my life. I had always dreamed of owning and operating my own food business, a dream that originally began with my dad. We had spoken so many times about creating something special together, centred around good food, family, and bringing people joy. Sadly, he passed away before we ever had the chance to make it happen, but his encouragement and belief in me never left. In many ways, this business is my way of keeping his spirit alive every single day.

Raquel, artist and creator of Art Adventures NZ, welcomes you into hfrankslowing down, tuning in, and letting your inner artist find its voice—whether you're just beginning or returning to your practice after time away. Raquel’s deep love for the natural world runs through everything she does. In her own paintings, surreal landscapes

Building a new life in Queenstown has come with challenges, sacrifices, and long hours, but it has also brought incredible happiness and purpose. I juggle many roles every day, business owner, employee, mum and wife, and while it can be exhausting, it is deeply rewarding. Watching our business grow while raising our son in such a beautiful place makes all the hard work worthwhile. Queenstown and Country Lane have given us the opportunity to build the life we dreamed of, and I truly love the balance, adventure, and community we have found here.

our environment. Her work in did you know this is just fulling in. Beyond the art studio, the larger focus of Art Adventures is out on one of her plein -air style painting or sketching adventures into the local landscape. These outdoor art adventures are immersive experiences that awaken the senses.

I own Tomodachi Bookshop in Country Lane - an Indie bookshop which stocks Manga, Fantasy, and Sci-fi, with a little sprinkling of everything else.

Starting a small business was daunting, but the idea had been floating around in my head for about 7 years before the opportunity came up to take a leap of faith- and I took it. That leap was a leap of faith and trust into myself. Into the support and knowledge that if it isn’t to work out, at least I can look back and say - I owned the

Raquel, artist and creator of Art Adventures NZ, welcomes you into hfrankslowing down, tuning in, and letting your inner artist find its voice—whether you're just beginning or returning to your practice after time away. Raquel’s deep love for the natural world runs through everything she does. In her own paintings, surreal landscapes our environment. Her work in did you know this is just fulling in.

cutest bookshop in town which helped me learn and grow.

Beyond the art studio, the larger focus of Art Adventures is out on one of her plein -air style painting or sketching adventures into the local landscape. These outdoor art adventures are immersive experiences that awaken the senses.

Raquel Carter - Art Adventures

Raquel, artist and creator of Art Adventures NZ, welcomes you into hfrankslowing down, tuning in, and letting your inner artist find its voice—whether you're just beginning or returning to your practice after time away.

Raquel’s deep love for the natural world runs through everything she does. In her own paintings, surreal landscapes our environment. Her work in did you know this is just fulling in.

The people and women I have met through this journey have been beautiful, their careful tips and tricks have made the day to day run easier. And if I need help — I just ask one of the people that surround me - a combined wealth of knowledge to pool from. Sometimes just even a hug - a hug that can get me through the day. One step at a time, will eventually lead to the top of a mountain (of books).

Beyond the art studio, the larger focus of Art Adventures is out on one of her plein -air style painting or sketching adventures into the local landscape. These outdoor art adventures are immersive experiences that awaken the senses.

beginning the Adventures

paintings, surreal landscapes our environment. Her work in did you know this is just fulling in.

Beyond the art studio, the larger focus of Art Adventures is out on one of her plein -air style painting or sketching adventures into the local landscape. These outdoor art adventures are immersive experiences that awaken the senses.

Raquel

Carter - Art Adventures

Kim Shaw manages what is termed a portfolio career – a working style where one has multiple jobs that reflect their interests and skills. She is a keen sports woman, and during the summer seasons she works as a tour/cycle/hike guide for Adventure South, a company that helps shape the way travellers explore New Zealand’s outdoors. Her professional background began in graphic design and later in the Arts with Masters degrees in both Fine Arts and Arts Administration. Kim continues her own visual art practice.

paintings, surreal landscapes our environment. Her work in did you know this is just fulling in.

Beyond the art studio, the larger focus of Art Adventures is out on one of her plein -air style painting or sketching adventures into the local landscape. These outdoor art adventures are immersive experiences that awaken the senses.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Raquel, artist and creator of Art Adventures NZ, welcomes you into hfrankslowing down, tuning in, and letting your inner artist find its voice—whether you're just beginning or returning to your practice after time away. Raquel’s deep love for the natural world runs through everything she does. In her own paintings, surreal landscapes our environment. Her work in did you know this is just fulling in.

highly regarded Browne School of Art reinforced the importance of a strong, supportive arts community and the impact it can have on students.

Beyond the art studio, the larger focus of Art Adventures is out on one of her plein -air style painting or sketching adventures into the local landscape. These outdoor art adventures are immersive experiences that awaken the senses.

Raquel Carter - Art Adventures

Kim regularly volunteers for Baskets of Blessings, Arrowtown.

Kim has travelled extensively and spent several years living abroad. Back home, she has worked in several Auckland art galleries and been artist co-ordinator for New Zealand Sculpture On Shore. Her many years experience at Auckland’s

Raquel, artist and creator of Art Adventures NZ, welcomes you into hfrankslowing down, tuning in, and letting your inner artist find its voice—whether you're just beginning or returning to your practice after time away. Raquel’s deep love for the natural world runs through everything she does. In her own paintings, surreal landscapes our environment. Her work in did you know this is just fulling in.

After moving to Queenstown, Kim opened a new pop-up art school, “Art Assembly”, at Frankton’s Country Lane this Autumn 2026, offering Queenstown Lakes residents and visitors a chance to learn core visual art skills and join a growing creative community. She sees a clear opportunity in the Wakatipu for a serious, skills-based visual arts programme that also encourages connection, discussion, experimentation and peer learning. “I want people to spark off each other, take creative risks and deepen their understanding of visual art,” she says. The project has launched as a pilot this autumn and it is intended to run again this spring.

Beyond the art studio, the larger focus of Art Adventures is out on one of her plein -air style painting or sketching adventures into the local landscape. These outdoor art adventures are immersive experiences that awaken the senses.

Founded in Country Lane, Queenstown, The Kukupa Collective is a creative studio and collective space dedicated to art, culture, and connection.

Raquel Carter - Art Adventures

Created by artists Christine and Ebony Hayes, the studio brings together contemporary artworks alongside Māori taonga and handcrafted pieces by local and Indigenous artists. The collective showcases painting, uku (clay), jewellery, hue art, taonga pūoro, and other works carrying stories of identity, heritage, and place.

and Pākehā worlds, Christine and Ebony’s work reflects landscape, memory, and belonging, drawing influence from the ngahere, coastlines, mountains and wild places of Aotearoa.

Raquel, artist and creator of Art Adventures NZ, welcomes you into hfrankslowing down, tuning in, and letting your inner artist find its voice—whether you're just beginning or returning to your practice after time away. Raquel’s deep love for the natural world runs through everything she does. In her own paintings, surreal landscapes our environment. Her work in did you know this is just fulling in. Beyond the art studio, the larger focus of Art Adventures is out on one of her plein -air style painting or sketching adventures into the local landscape. These outdoor art adventures are immersive experiences that awaken the senses.

Raquel, artist and creator of Art Adventures NZ, welcomes you into hfrankslowing down, tuning in, and letting your inner artist find its voice—whether you're just beginning or returning to your practice after time away.

Raquel’s deep love for the natural world runs through everything she does. In her own paintings, surreal landscapes our environment. Her work in did you know this is just fulling in.

More than a gallery space, The Kukupa Collective was created as a place of gathering – supporting artists, fostering community, and creating opportunities for cultural expression and shared storytelling.

Beyond the art studio, the larger focus of Art Adventures is out on one of her plein -air style painting or sketching adventures into the local landscape. These outdoor art adventures are immersive experiences that awaken the senses.

Inspired by a lifelong connection to both Māori

Opening in Country Lane marks an exciting new chapter, bringing art, culture, and connection into the heart of Queenstown.

Cat and Kylee, the advertising duo behind Lakes Weekly Bulletin are passionate about supporting Queenstown businesses of all shapes and sizes. They’re the driving force behind this special edition, spotlighting some of the great women in business around Queenstown, and are passionate about showcasing all that’s going on around town. We couldn’t pass up this opportunity to shine a little light on them.

Cat says that having long-term relationships with many iconic local Queenstown businesses provides her with an in-depth understanding of the local media landscape.

She trained as a graphic artist and has a background in marketing, which she uses to help local businesses thrive.

Kylee’s background spans advertising, marketing and print production, including in London and Auckland, and enjoys the dynamic market that Queenstown offers.

She loves helping clients stand out and grow, motivated by building productive business and professional relationships.

If you want to get your business seen by more people, get in touch with Cat or Kylee today!

Catherine Mercer: 027 777 2785 | cat@qmg.co.nz

Kylee Evans: 021 044 2968 | kylee@qmg.co.nz

Queenstown Media Group www.lwb.co.nz

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Inspiring Confidence: The Women Behind The Mill

There’s a particular kind of confidence that comes not from having everything figured out, but from being surrounded by people who believe in what you’re building, and who show up every single day to build it with you.

At The Mill in Queenstown, women are doing exactly that.

Georgina Read Director, The Mill / Sports Podiatrist, Georgina Read Podiatry

The Mill began as a vision long before it became a reality. Georgina and the cofounder believed Queenstown deserved a space where world-class health and performance support could exist in one place - for everyone. That vision was driven by what Georgina saw every day in clinical practice: a desire to offer more, and the knowledge that she had the right people around her to make it happen. Together, they created a space that holds the full spectrum of human performance - from someone returning to movement after injury, to an athlete chasing their next personal best. As a podiatrist, Georgina saw firsthand how the gap between clinical care and everyday training left people without the support they needed to keep moving. The Mill was built to close that gap - bringing healthcare, strength and conditioning, recovery, and education together under one roof. “There are so many reasons why people choose to train,” she says. “Every single journey matters.”

Honor Saunders Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, The Mill

A strength and conditioning coach builds the whole picture — designing progressive programmes grounded in sports science, tracking how your body adapts over time, and using real performance data to make sure you’re always training with purpose, not just effort. It’s the difference between working hard and working smart.

Honor brings exactly that to The Mill. She has developed The Mill Method — a progressive, evidence-led strength programme that takes the guesswork out of group training, giving every member a structured pathway to genuinely get stronger. For those wanting more, she works one-on-one to build fully customised programmes, integrating testing — from strength baselines to VO2 max — so that results are measurable, not just felt.

What makes Honor exceptional is that she holds all of this expertise lightly. She translates the science into something every member can actually use and believe in — whether you’re picking up a barbell for the first time or preparing for competition.

Carly McCarthy General Manager, The Mill

If The Mill runs like a well-oiled machine, it’s in no small part because of Carly McCarthy. The title of General Manager doesn’t quite capture what Carly does day to day. In most businesses, a GM oversees one team, one service, one set of moving parts. At The Mill, Carly is responsible for multiple services such as: physiotherapists, podiatrists, musculoskeletal specialists, integrated GP, DEXA bone and body scanning, strength coaches, personal trainers, and recovery services — allowing this to all operate under the same roof, serving the same community, with the same philosophy, every single day.

But the thing that sets Carly apart isn’t systems or structure — it’s people. She knows the members by name. She anticipates problems before they surface. She creates the kind of environment where staff feel supported and clients feel seen. Her leadership is the quiet kind: steady and consistent.

The three of us hold very different roles, and we bring very different skills. But we share the same reason for being here.

The Mill was built on the belief that a community deserves access to world-class health and performance — not as a luxury, but as something real and accessible. We believe that when people feel strong and supported in their bodies, they show up differently in every other area of their lives.

The theme of this year’s conference — Inspiring Confidence — resonates deeply with us. Because that’s what we’re trying to do every day — building something that works, and creating a space where people feel capable of more than they thought possible. The three of us are passionate about health and wellbeing and push ourselves to reach our individual goals, whether that is in activity or business.

We are proud to be part of a community of women in Queenstown who are building something that matters and keep supporting the exciting things to come at The Mill.

5 minutes with Lu Blade-Bittle, Co-founder of Ohen

by Jessica Allen

From a corporate career in UX, digital and design to diving into entrepreneurship and co-founding modern lingerie label Ohen, Lu Blade-Bittle always had the desire to start something of her own. She’s in town for Westpac’s Queenstown Women’s in Business Conference, sharing insights and inspiration.

She was waiting for the right problem to solve - enter business partner Anja Bucher, who had the depth of experience to match the ambition of the idea. Bucher’s 20 years of lingerie design complemented Blade-Bittle’s background well. A short conversation later and it was clear the pair were aligned. They wanted to build something more considered, design-led, and more connected to how women actually want to dress day to day, and so Ohen was created.

LWB: What have these first few years in business been like? Any lessons learnt?

LB: It’s been a mix of exciting growth and continuous learning. A big part of it has been learning to go with the flow and adapt quickly to a completely new industry and way of working.

But the biggest lesson has been around focus – learning what to say no to and resisting the urge to do everything at once. I’m also learning to trust timing more, and to remind myself that this is a process of building something steadily, brick by brick, rather than expecting it to all come together immediately.

LWB: What’s your favourite part of owning your own business?

LB: The most rewarding part has been the community that’s formed around OHEN. Seeing how people connect with what we’ve created, and how our lingerie makes them feel — more confident, comfortable, and like themselves — is incredibly meaningful.

It’s no longer just about the product itself, but the relationships and conversations that have grown around it.

LWB: And least favourite?

LB: The uncertainty can be challenging — there’s never a real sense of things being fully settled, just an ongoing cycle of new decisions and problems to solve.

LWB: Any advice for others out there trying to start their own business, particularly women?

LB: Start before you feel ready. If you wait until everything is perfect, you’ll likely never begin.

Be intentional about who you work with — the people around you have a significant impact on how sustainable and supported the journey feels.

LWB: What’s on the horizon for you - personally and professionally?

LB: Professionally, it’s about continuing to grow OHEN in a way that feels considered — expanding our reach while staying really clear on who we are as a brand.

Personally, it’s more balance. Making space for family, health, and not being in constant output mode all the time.

LWB: What women in business inspire you?

LB: Phoebe Philo, fashion designer and previous creative director of Celine and Chloe has an unmistakable point of view and works entirely outside convention. There’s a restraint to everything she does — she doesn’t rely on spectacle, or feel the need to over-explain her work for it to have impact. I love that her clarity and conviction have built a highly influential fashion brand.