Rod Lawrence - Project Lyttelton Development Manager

“ I see a huge potential for developing a sustainable Lyttelton, working together we can make a real positive difference to our environment, both living and visiting Lyttelton and the harbour communities. Since arriving here in 2005, I have been impressed with the many improvements, many attributed to the team at Project Lyttelton. I am delighted to be able to contribute and help out with the opportunities that lie ahead and working together with this great team and the future teams for our projects. I am a great believer in using our synergy, sharing our vision for the best outcomes”

Rod has been in the new position since March 2008. Since meeting Wendy Everingham three years ago at the Winter Festival Of Lights Opening event, Rod has been in discussions with Project Lyttelton. Rod feels he thrives in the positive Project Lyttelton community team culture, that focuses on contributing in the many aspects of the community well being.

Rod is now developing opportunities in the Lyttelton and the Harbour communities with Project Lyttelton as Development Manager -currently;


  • Initiated a new Lyttelton Harbour Visitor Group, developing new products, meeting monthly.
  • Forming a London Street Cluster group in conjunction with LH Business Association
  • Coordinating a new sea charter operator’s promotional group
  • Canterbury Visitor Guide promotions and sales
  • Co- Event Managing with Wendy Everingham the Festival Of Lights and Summer Street Party
  • Developing a Lyttelton Ellerslie International Flower Show event team, in partnership with Canterbury Soil and Health to promote sustainability, green tourism and our community garden.
  • Creating an informative Farmers Market brochure with stallholders.
  • Offering a new service to local businesses ( Restaurants, Venues, Charters, Transport/Tours )wanting to collectively promote their business opportunities further , including regular direct sales calls into key Christchurch businesses.
  • Representative role for Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism
  • Conference Coordinator offering a full service for conferences and meetings in Lyttelton and the Harbour region
  • Banks Peninsula Signage Project Manager, coordinating for Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism team
  • Media and Corporate hosting
  • Supporting our stand with Margaret Jefferies in the ECan Step Up Canterbury, World Environment Day 05 June
  • Initiating, coordinating the April 2009 Walking On, Lyttelton Harbour annual walking Festival

Rod's Impressive CV

Rod has a diverse background in the business and visitor Industry.

After 20 years with Air New Zealand in the passenger services, sales roles, Rod moved on and gained experience in several key roles: Including as International Travel Agent, Mitchell Corp Hotel Group’s National Business Development Manager, Operating a distribution and sales service company representing nation- wide corporate venues, accommodation, and wineries.

In Tauranga Rod represented the region’s Industry in an elected Tourism Taskforce Team setup by Council/ Operators to recommend Industry solutions. Formed Destination Tauranga, a conference collective group of 20 operators and initiated product and representation at the annual Meetings Exhibition. Biz Info Manager for Bay Of Plenty, with the Chamber of Commerce, and YES (Young Enterprise Scheme) Manager, coordinating schools and their entrepreneurial products, local Schools won the Natiional Award Title for two years during this time. Other key Chamber Of Commerce functions including the Business After Five meetings. Marketing for Top Kid’s preschools in Tauranga and Auckland, initiating and creating a new Mount Manganui Toy Library building in partnerships with business, sponsorship and grants.

In the Southern Coromandel town of Waihi, Town Coordinator, responsible for visitor developments, events including the annual Outrageous Wearable Arts Event ,Business Community’s representative to Newmont Gold ( Mining company) Appointed to the Tourism Business School Industry Liaison committee for Bay Of Plenty Polytech.

Created the Akaroa District Promotions Marketing Manager’s position and promoted Akaroa for 2.5 years, mostly by funds by from Ministry Of Development Grants, creating new products and services.

Project Lyttelton wish to acknowledge the support of the following organisations assisting the funding of this new position

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism , Tindall Foundtion , The Canterbury Community Trust , Christchurch City Council.