Our Board
Startup Queenstown Lake’s Board of Trustees is made up entirely of volunteer community stakeholders and change-makers
David Wallace - Chairman
David is the managing director of Armillary Private Capital, a specialist investment banking, funds management, financial training and advisory firm.
He has a background in investment banking, equities research and corporate treasury, with more than 20 years experience working in the private capital markets in New Zealand. He is chairman of the trustees.
MICHAELA BLACKLOCK
Michaela has a proven track record of leadership and innovation across various sectors. As a self-employed professional, she brings a wealth of experience from senior roles in business, education, and economic development. She is a Trustee of Alpine Community Development Trust and Chair of Tātai Aho Rau Core Education.
Through her leadership, she champions inclusive and equitable learning environments, ensuring that all individuals have access to quality education and opportunities for personal growth.
Emma Pickering - Trustee
Emma is a Chartered Accountant with over 9 years of local business experience working as a Trusted advisor to her clients here locally and across the globe.
With a background in assisting and implementing finance functions, including building advisory boards, Emma is committed to leveraging her expertise to support the success and innovation of emerging businesses in the vibrant region.
Andrew Stinchcombe-Gillies - Trustee
Andrew is an internationally experienced Board Member and Managing Director helping businesses with their governance and growth challenges. With a strong business acumen and a proven track record of success in regional and international growth Andrew’s breadth of experience and has led him to hold Managing Director and Director positions with publicly listed multinationals.
After 25 years in the technology sectors of Australia and Europe, Andrew has returned to New Zealand with a passion for empowering people and businesses to be the best they can be.
Matt Wong - Trustee
Matt is the Owner of iFLY Indoor Skydiving NZ and Councillor for QLDC. He was appointed to the SQL Board as the QLDC representative. Matt is a transformational leader committed to driving economic growth and creating commercial opportunities for both startups and established businesses. With his extensive experience and expertise, Matt strives to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and identify market opportunities to create lasting impact for the businesses and individuals he works with.
OTHER SUPPORT
We are pleased to receive input and regular participation from Peter Harris, QLDC Economic Development Manager, and we have regular consultation with the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce, Ignite Wanaka Chamber of Commerce, Destination Queenstown, Lake Wanaka Tourism, Study Queenstown, and Film Otago Southland who are each serving in broader economic development roles for our community.
In addition, we regularly work with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise - which provides us with resources to assist our Startups to develop and secure funding.
We also receive valuable promotional support from the Lakes Weekly Bulletin, helping us to raise awareness and reach a wider audience throughout the region.
