Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce CEO Ruth Stokes is stepping down.
Stokes, who’s been in the top job for the past two years, will finish at the end of this year.
She tells Mountain Scene much has been achieved by the Chamber during her term — overshadowed, largely, by a global pandemic — but it’s time for a new challenge.
‘‘For two really hard years for everybody, including [the Chamber], I think we’ve put ourselves in a really, really good place.
‘‘But for me, personally, the strengths that I brought and the connections I have, nationally, there are lots of opportunities at the moment, and I think it’s time for someone else with the local passion and drive to take the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce on its next journey, as we come out the other side.
‘‘I’ve been around a long time … and when good people you know ask you for help, and you think you can help and make a difference, you have to say yes.’’
Stokes says she’s most proud of the national visibility the Chamber managed to get for Queenstown over the past couple of years, which led to ensuring an equitable outcome for all.
One example’s the resurgence payment the Chamber lobbied the government to extend across the country.
‘‘Originally, they were just looking at it applying to Auckland, but we were a major contributor to that continuing to be made available nationally.
‘‘We did a lot of work to ensure we were part of the conversation, and I’m proud of that.’’
She’s also proud of the way the Chamber’s continued to grow, despite the turbulent times, the heart it’s in, and the community it serves.
‘‘If Covid had a silver lining, I think that collaboration, that willingness to work together and support each other, there’s been a step-change in that [compared to] where we were as a community, pre-Covid.’’
Stokes has encouraged the board to consider ‘‘taking a breath’’ before potentially recruiting a new chief executive — council’s former senior economic development adviser Sharon Fifield’s starting with the Chamber this month, leading business growth and capability, joining membership and development manager Fiona Reeve and events and marketing manager Rachel Clifford.
‘‘We’ve got a really strong team there, and I have encouraged the board to consider just taking a breath and let that team come together.
‘‘I’m still going to be available to support them as and when required, and then in a few months, in the new year, then reflect on where the Chamber’s at and what does it need.
‘‘I’m not leaving the district, Queenstown will continue to be our home, and I’d like to remain involved as much as I can.’’
