Helen Tait

Helen Tait grew up in Christchurch, graduating from Canterbury University, before completing a post grad diploma in Library and Information Science.

She worked as a manager of public libraries in Christchurch, Auckland, and Victoria, where she was Director of the State Library.

In Auckland, she was seconded to work with a team preparing submissions on local government reform, and was appointed as an Operational Manager for the expanded city.

Her keenness to be involved in developing better public services has led to a wide range of consulting and contract management roles in both local and central government.

This includes project management of major plans — Wanaka 2020 and Tomorrow’s Queenstown — as well as leading planning programmes for Fairlie, Lake Tekapo, Twizel, and towns throughout the Waitaki District.

She has lived in Wanaka since 2000, initially growing grapes on a rural property, and more recently having built in town to enjoy lake views.   

She is a keen skier, and in the past has been a national executive member of the NZ Ski Association and organising secretary for international ski race series.

Helen was attracted to the philosophy and policies of Opportunity because she sees in them a practical balance in providing protection where it is needed, while also looking at development incentives.  

Her ambition is to see Opportunity taking on a role in influencing — and in time leading — the direction of our future.