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Cr Matt Hollyer
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Cr Matt Hollyer
Councillor - Dunstan Constituency
| Portfolio: | Transport |
| Email: | Matt.Hollyer@orc.govt.nz |
| Tel: | 027 2930 054 |
Matt developed the skills needed to unite people over 30 years spent in Queenstown working in business management and tourism governance. Since Covid times, Matt has brought businesses and community groups together in the battle against introduced pests pushing native species to the brink in Wānaka, Hāwea and the Whakatipu catchments. Coming from his role with Southern Lakes Sanctuary — one of New Zealand’s largest conservation projects — Matt brings energy, positivity and connection to community. If there was one pest he could eliminate with a wish, it would be stoats: “Phenomenal animals, really, in an evolutionary sense, fast breeding, but just so nasty.”
During his time there, Queenstown has seen phenomenal growth, but it’s a boom that has tipped the balance.
“How do we contribute as a regional council to growth that brings social, cultural and environmental harmony?”
In his new role as an elected member, Matt says he most wants to accomplish awareness raising: “I really want to raise the profile of the conservation sector in the region, enhance the profile of those volunteer groups protecting and enhancing our biodiversity, connect people with the cause. Getting out there, making a coordinated impact is the way to go. Collaboration can be an incredible force for change.
“I’m here to get the word out. Everybody needs clean water, fresh air and nature to be healthy, but we can take it for granted sometimes. Look at how the environment around us shapes our lives; take the fantastic green belt in Dunedin, for example — such a big part of people’s everyday lives as they walk or bike through it. I want to meet loads of people, hear about new issues and understand how we can help them. Going to the Ōtākou Marae during our induction was such a privilege, seeing and understanding the enduring spirit and connection the local Māori community have with the environment. It’s that respect and strong presence that I want to bring — the best of all the things we are — into creating positive outcomes.”
Very diplomatic, “I don’t like people going home grumpy,” Matt says, “There is always a way through something. However, I’m there to make an impact.”
Not so on the rink, where, as a social ice hockey player, Matt is the opposite of an enforcer. “Any sport I play, I always want to be able to have a beer with both teams. I don’t care if I win, as long as we put in the effort and have fun.”
