CUBE WANAKA appoints Business Development Manager
Jason Watkins has been appointed Business Development Manager for The Centre of Unique Business Evolution (CUBE) in
Wanaka. This new role is charged with the development of innovative opportunities for existing local businesses,
attracting new business to Wanaka and helping grow the local economy.
The CUBE is an economic development group which receives significant funding from the Queenstown Lakes District Council
and is focused on growing Wanaka and the region as a destination for both work and lifestyle. It was established as part
of a broader business development plan that was implemented in conjunction with the Gigatown Campaign in 2014. QLDC is
contributing $100,000 in funding for The CUBE initiative this year.
Jason said: “Wanaka is a unique location and a wonderful place to work and live. This is a great opportunity to
positively influence how it develops. It is important that development reflects sustainability, diversification and the
enhancement of the lives of the people that reside here and these are key drivers of my role”.
One of Jason’s first tasks will be to coordinate with Chorus on the launch of a Gigabit broadband connection in The CELL
collaborative working space in Helwick St.
“This broadband connection is yet another positive outcome of the tremendous amount of work that went into the Gigatown
campaign. It will open up opportunities for those that currently operate at The CELL and others who have requirements
for high speed/high capacity internet access”, Jason said.
Kelly Good, Director of The CUBE, said Jason’s wealth of business experience and knowledge make him a key addition to
The CUBE. “The Board are excited by his appointment and this represents the continued evolution of The CUBE and
compliments its recent local achievements.”
She listed these as the establishment of The Cell collaboration space (currently there are 20 members working out of The
Cell), the installation of fibre for high speed internet in the Wanaka CBD and the introduction of a co-starters
business start-up training programme, which has had 27 participants to date.
The CUBE is also working with the Little Entrepreneurs club and hosting weekly Code Club sessions for children.
“We are confident that Jason will build on the great progress that has been made to date and I know he is looking
forward to engaging with key business and community stakeholders and developing these relationships further,” Kelly
said.
Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Vanessa van Uden said that the Council commended the leadership, drive and collaborative
approach displayed by the various business groups based in Wanaka. “The CUBE is an example of an entity that has been
successful in proactively pursuing initiatives that support the development of business opportunities in Wanaka and the
associated benefits to the broader community.”
Jason Watkins and his family have lived in Wanaka for five years. He has environmental science and business degrees and
considerable senior management experience in science and technology, sport, education and banking.
ENDS