Gurden Consulting Ltd was established in 1998. The company undertakes a wide range of project work across community, economic, sport, recreation, arts, heritage and business development. The majority of projects are led by Managing Director, Jackie Gurden. Given the specialist nature of some work professional colleagues are engaged from throughout the country where required.
If you have a project in the pipeline and require assistance contact Jackie to discuss what you are aiming to achieve.
Jackie Gurden
Background
The foundation of Jackie’s career was as one of the first students in the three year Diploma in Parks and Recreation. This qualification was the forerunner to the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management and Bachelor of Tourism at Lincoln University. She also holds a Graduate Diploma in Economic Development (AUT) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business and Administration (Massey University).
Moving to the West Coast to establish the recreation officer and community development position with the Greymouth Borough Council in 1982. Jackie gained 12 years of local government experience in sport, recreation, arts, event, youth, elderly and community planning. She then moved to self-employment and subsequently established Gurden Consulting Ltd. Over the last 25 years she has undertaken a wide range of community and economic development planning roles and contracts. These have included leading the economic development for three years under Venture West Coast redevelopment planning for leading tourism attraction Shantytown and undertaking a range of feasibility studies, funding raising and project management for community facilities, including the Westland Recreation Centre. Current roles include West Coast Wilderness Trail Manager and Tourism Manager for the Chatham Islands.
Having had an extensive involvement in the community, long serving governance roles have included being a trustee West Coast Technology Education Trust and the West Coast Sports Awards Trust. She is also the current chairperson of Heritage West Coast Inc.
The Coast’s environment, natural beauty, community, recreation and business opportunities captured Jackie in those early years. Much of Jackie’s career has involved greenfield roles and projects identifying needs and opportunities, strategic planning, feasibility and project management. Through this work she has developed a network of professional colleagues on the West Coast and throughout New Zealand.