New ski area manager for New Zealand's Mt Hutt ski area

Canterbury’s Mt Hutt ski area has announced the appointment of James McKenzie as its new Ski Area Manager.

Mr McKenzie will take over his new role on Monday January 30, replacing Dave Wilson who has managed the ski area for the past 11 winters.

NZSki CEO James Coddington said Mr McKenzie was well-known and well respected among the ski fraternity, having spent four years with the company as Assistant Ski Area Manager at Mt Hutt followed by a year based in Queenstown as General Manager of technical operations for Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt.

Mr Coddington said Mr McKenzie had made considerable contributions to all ski areas during his time with the company.

“James not only brings excellent analytical skills but a strong desire to innovate wherever possible, and his track record speaks for itself in the many achievements he has made.”

Mr Coddington said while he Mr McKenzie would be sorely missed by the Queenstown team, it was a ‘homecoming’ for him and his family as they relocated back to the ski resort town of Methven.

“I look forward to working with him to continue the great work Dave Wilson and his team have done over many years,” said Mr Coddington.

Mr Wilson will work with Mr McKenzie and the Mt Hutt leadership team until Friday February 24 to ensure a smooth transition of roles.

Mr Wilson said he and his family had decided to move to Christchurch to take advantage of a wider range of education opportunities.

“I’ve had a fantastic time at Mt Hutt but now I need to look for new challenges,” he said. “At this stage I don’t have a new job lined up, but I’m open to new opportunities.

“I’m confident I’m leaving Mt Hutt in the very best of hands and the future is looking bright.”

Mt Hutt is one of the largest and highest ski areas in the South Island with the most complete terrain mix, one of the longest snow seasons in New Zealand and an exceptional 10-year snow record.