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).
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. This also included a lead role establishing the Greymouth Art Gallery, now the Left Bank Art Gallery. Jackie was race coordinator for the ASB Greymouth Womens’ Biathlon for eight years, the event growing to around 400 West Coast participants. She then moved to self-employment and subsequently established Gurden Consulting Ltd. Jackie also has four years experience as Business and Marketing Manager in a local accounting firm.
Jackie is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and a former member of Economic Development Agency of New Zealand (EDANZ) and New Zealand Recreation Association Executive.
Having had an extensive involvement in the community, current governance roles include being a trustee and secretary for the West Coast Wilderness Trail Trust and West Coast Technology Education Trust, chairperson of Heritage West Coast Inc. and a trustee for the West Coast Sports Awards Trust.
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, throughout New Zealand and recently into China.