Candidate Statement: Matt Hollyer for ORC

The following statment has been received from Matt Hollyer.

“My name is Matt Hollyer, and I am standing for election as a councillor for the Dunstan Ward on the Otago Regional Council.

The contribution I want to make to the Otago Regional Council is based on the belief that what’s good for people, business, and the environment don’t have to be in conflict. Otago is blessed with stunning landscapes, rare wildlife, as well as talented people wanting to ensure that the wonders of our region are sustained for generations to come. The ORC’s own scientific monitoring shows that the natural world elements of these blessings are in decline and I want to contribute to correcting this.

Since graduating from Otago University 29 years ago, I’ve lived in Queenstown with my wife Gigi where we have raised our now adult children, Caitlin and Anthony. We are a busy family with deep community ties. I have spent many years as a volunteer: cricket coach/manager, cricket club committee member, ice hockey club helper. I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with others to get good things done. This led to me forming the Whakatipu Sports and Recreation Hub Incorporated Society.

My Queenstown work career began as a ski instructor and hotel porter in the mid-1990s. Since then, I’ve gained a range of experience, including :

- 4 years in sales for Tourism Holdings Limited

- 3 years branch manager for Johnston’s Coachlines

- 14 years as general manager of Shotover Canyon Swing

- 6 years elected to the Destination Queenstown board, 5 years as chair (part-time, volunteer role)

- Gaining a Masters of Entrepreneurship (Otago)

- 6 years as project and innovation manager at AJ Hackett Bungy

Working at AJ Hackett Bungy when covid hit, I pivoted from tourism to conservation through the Jobs for Nature program. This resulted in connecting with, and supporting an extensive, grassroots network, of environmental groups and the local businesses backing them. I have been integral to the establishment, and operation of the Southern Lakes Sanctuary, a large-scale community-led conservation project that spans the whole Wānaka and Wakatipu catchment areas. I also managed restoration work at Tucker Beach Reserve and predator control operations near Glenorchy for the Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust. Recognising the value of collaboration, since 2020 I have convened the Whakatipu Conservation Alliance to strengthen local conservation networks. Through this work I’ve engaged closely with regional council processes and initiatives, including ORC's catchment action plans and large-scale environmental fund.

Over the past five years, one thing has become clear to me: the long-term wellbeing of our people and economy is dependent on the health of our natural environment.

We must improve water quality, remove invasive species and restore habitat for native plants, birds and lizards – and for ourselves. Whether it is noxious plant removal, invasive predator elimination or cleaning our waterways, our land and native biodiversity needs all the help it can get.

I recognise a councillor needs to listen carefully, think thoroughly and clearly determine how best to enable actions that will do good. I believe my unique mix of practical know-how, proven collaborative approach and future-focused leadership, rooted in real community connection and experience, can help deliver on this.

Should I be elected as one of four Dunstan Ward representatives on the Otago Regional Council I will bring a proven track record of strategic thinking and operational effectiveness. I will work with diligence, integrity, and long-term thinking to build a thriving Otago – economically, socially and environmentally.”