The QRC Team
Directors
QRC is privately owned and operated by education experts. Together, our Directors have more than 50 years experience in public tertiary education in New Zealand. Meet our Chairman, a former Chancellor of the University of Otago and our Founding Director, an Emeritus Associate and experienced education executive in New Zealand.
The QRC Board from left to right:
Eion Edgar (Chairman), Tony Hill, Jan Fitz-Gerald (Founding Director), Alan McKenzie and Mark Taylor.
A former Chancellor of the University of Otago, Eion Edgar is known throughout New Zealand for his outstanding contributions to New Zealand education, business, arts and sport. Eion has served as Chancellor of the University of Otago in Dunedin and has been closely associated with this University for 23 years. Eion is Chairman of Forsyth Barr Group Ltd, New Zealand's largest locally owned sharebroking firm. His deep involvement with sport includes the Presidency of New Zealand Soccer Incorporated and the Presidency of the New Zealand Olympic Committee.
Named New Zealander of the Year in 2004
In 1996 Eion received the Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit and in 2003 he was awarded the Distinguished Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit. He holds numerous directorships and was recognised as the National Business Review's "New Zealander of the Year" in February 2004. Eion was made an Honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Otago in 2003 following his service as Chancellor at the University. Eion lives in Queenstown.
Emeritus Associate Jan Fitz-Gerald, founding Director
With more than 30 years of experience in New Zealand education, Jan Fitz-Gerald is one of New Zealand's outstanding international marketing and tertiary education industry executives. With more than 30 years experience in New Zealand education, Jan brought extensive hands-on teaching experience to Queenstown Resort College. She has held senior positions in New Zealand secondary schools and was seconded to the New Zealand Ministry of Education before joining the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) as Director of University Relations.
Awarded Emeritus Associate for her outstanding contributions
Jan left AUT in 2000 after 13 years and was awarded an Emeritus Associate in 2001 for her outstanding contribution to the university. Jan has served on boards of directors, national and community forums, committees and taskforces, and educational trusts. She is committed and passionate about Queenstown Resort College and dedicated several years in Queenstown to establishing the College.
school of tourism and hospitality management: Academic Staff
QRC employs a wide range of industry experts and highly qualified, experienced lecturers and teachers in the delivery of the Diplomas in Adventure Tourism Management and Hospitality Management. Among our academic team are the following:
Donna Skoropada, B.A, Dip Tchg, Cert TESOL: Academic Advisor
Donna was a secondary teacher and deputy principal for many years. She has been working in the tertiary education sector for the past six years as an assessment consultant, moderator and programme manager. Her major educational interests are in teacher development, assessment practice, and quality assurance. Prior to joining QRC, Donna was Acting Manager for Tertiary Assessment and Moderation for the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. Email Donna
Harvey Bourne, FCFANZ ,GradDipBusStuds: Head of School
Harvey is responsible for the overall leadership, management and academic development of the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management. Harvey has an extensive background in teaching and working in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining QRC, Harvey was the Programme Director for Catering, Hospitality, Tourism and Travel at Massey University. Harvey is a fully qualified chef and his career highlights include a term as Executive Chef at New Zealand’s Government House. Email Harvey
Dr John Cossens, PhD: Programme Manager, Adventure Tourism Management
Instrumental in the early development of the Diploma of Adventure Tourism Management, John brings with him a wealth of tourism, marketing and business experience. John has held positions as the Marketing Executive for the Middle East, Africa & Turkey and the British Tourist Authority in London. He was the Senior Lecturer in Marketing for Otago University for some years and the Marketing Manager for the Otago Rugby Football Union. He has also owned various consultancies and hospitality businesses here in Queenstown. John has PhD in Marketing through the University of Otago and now teaches marketing papers to both Diploma of Hospitality Management and Diploma of Adventure Tourism Management students. Email John
Ruth Saavedra: Tutor, Hospitality Management
Originally from Argentina, Ruth has been involved in the high-end of the hospitality industry for over 10 years, working at prestigious establishments such as The Sheraton Hotel, Buenos Aires, The Regent Four Season Hotel in Sydney and Queenstown's luxury super lodge Blanket Bay.
As a Tutor at Queenstown Resort College, Ruth teaches F&B papers. Email Ruth
Susan Houge: Tutor, Adventure Tourism Management
American-born Susan tutors at QRC whilst also working as a Senior guide with Queenstown river surfing company, Frogz Have More Fun. Susan helps design and teach courses on all aspects of Adventure Tourism Management. She also facilitates and guides outdoor adventure and team building activities for students.
Susan is currently completing her PhD in Physical Education through the Otago University. Email Susan
Paul Tudgay: Tutor, Hospitality Management
Paul has 18 years experience in the hospitality industry including; working as a maitre d, bar manager and restaurant manager. He has worked in 5 star properties like Fountain Bleu Hilton Miami, The Hotel d'France in Jersey and the Chateau de la Mare, also in Jersey. He has worked as bar manager and maitre d of the Boardwalk Seafood Restaurant and as Cellar Door manager for Waitiri Creek Wines. Paul is a qualified Sommelier and currently works as a Sales Representative for Cellarworks Wines. Email Paul
Language & Learning support Centre
QRC employs qualified teachers in English as a second language and provides experienced teachers to support academic learning in the Diploma programmes.
Industry Advisory Groups
QRC regularly consults with high level industry representatives from around the Queenstown region. Our Industry Advisory Groups critique the relevancy and delivery of our courses and programmes.
Adventure Tourism Management Advisory Group
Andrew Brinsley, Director, Kawarau Jet
Rebecca Cochrane, General Manager, Info & Track
Maryann Geddes, Operations Manager, Skyline Enterprises
David Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer, Destination Queenstown
John Knight, Director, Outside Sports
John MacDonald, Director, Whyte-Waters Tourism Publishers
Tracey Maclaren, General Manager Operations, Real Journeys
Michel Marchand, Snowsports School Director, Southern Alpine Recreation
Hospitality Management Advisory Group
Graham Ham, Regional HR Manager, Accor
Jim Moore, GM, Novotel Lakeside Queenstown
Jason Dell, Executive Chef, Blanket Bay
Simon Boyle, Executive Assistant Manager, Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Grant Hattaway, Director, Captains Restaurant
Claudio Heye, Sales Manager, Gibbston Valley Wines
Melanie Hill, Manager, Saffron Restaurant
Jan Hunt, General Manager, Millbrook Resort
Lynne McVicar, General Manager, Mercure Grand Hotel St Moritz Queenstown
The Corporate Centre
The operations team in the QRC Corporate Centre is made up of Accounts, IT, the Librarian, Sales and Marketing, Student Relations and a Careers Manager. Among these staff are:
Charlie Phillips, BA Hons: Chief Executive
Australian-born Charlie Philips has been living in Queenstown for 12 years. As General Manager of the car rental company, Europcar for six years, Charlie was influential in turning it from a 30 car operation to 800 with centres in New Zealand, Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Charlie was General Manager, Operations at QRC for 18 months before being promoted to Chief Executive following the resignation of Founding Director, Jan Fitz-Gerald in 2008. Charlie has a BA (Hons) in Environmental Science from the University of Tasmania. Email Charlie
Rachel Exell: Careers Manager
Rachel places QRC diploma students and international interns into suitable work placements within the tourism and hospitality industry. Rachel is the liaison point between employers, interns and their home education providers. Email Rachel
Duncan Sadleir: International Marketing and Recruitment Manager
Duncan holds a Diploma in Hotel Management from IHTTI, Switzerland and a B. Com Tourism (Marketing) from Lincoln University, NZ. In addition to his previous experience in the hotel and services industries, Duncan brings over 15 years international experience in marketing education. Prior to joining QRC he worked in international and domestic marketing and recruitment with Pacific International Hotel Management School (PIHMS) New Zealand, Blue Mountains Hotel School (BMHS), Australia and International College of Management Sydney (ICMS), Australia. Email Duncan
Rachel Senior BCom, TESOL, TEFL: Student Relations Manager
Rachel is responsible for student accommodation and welfare, providing full support to students to help them achieve their academic and personal goals. Rachel has over 14 years experience in the English language industry in both New Zealand and Europe, and eight years experience running her own English language school in Queenstown. Email Rachel
Sarah Cairns: Domestic Marketing and Recruitment Manager
Sarah has previously completed an Advanced Swiss Diploma in Hotel Management. She has been involved in the Hospitality and Tourism industy for the past 8 years with management roles within Hotels in NZ, Australia and the Unitd States and Marketing and Operational Management roles within the Adventure Tourism industry in Canada and NZ. Email Sarah
