New Chinese Garden manager named

After an extensive search a person “who understands the commercial world and has a passion and enthusiasm for tourism” has been found to manage Dunedin’s Chinese Garden, Dunedin City Council General Manager Community Life, Graeme Hall, said today.

Margo Winchester, of Dunedin, will start work at the Garden on 11 January 2010.

“The Garden got away to a flying start in its first year and visitor numbers have exceeded our expectations. We are now looking forward to Margo’s input to improving the visitor experience at the Garden and at the same time following up national and international marketing opportunities to make the Chinese Garden the stand-out Dunedin visitor attraction” said Mr Hall.

Chairman of Chinese Garden Trust, Malcolm Wong, who assisted in the selection process, said there was never any concern that Ms Winchester was not of Chinese origin.

“She will be ably assisted by the current Chinese staff and the volunteers and the Garden is about introducing everyone to the Chinese Garden experience as well as commemorating the Chinese contribution to Dunedin’s past and present cultural heritage” Mr Wong said. “The Trust looks forward to working with Margo."

Ms Winchester has a background in hospitality, education and business and said she is passionate about the tourism industry.

“I’m looking forward to having the chance to work and develop what should be an iconic tourist attraction in Dunedin and also celebrate the role Chinese have played in the region’s history.”

She is especially looking forward to having her office at the Garden.

“To have an office in such a stunning attraction will be quite amazing –easily the best place in town!”