Amy Wilson has been appointed marketing manager of family business Wilsons Abel Tasman, a tour service that operates in the Nelson region.
Wilson has spent the past 10 years building up professional credentials and credibility in other marketing roles around the country.
“I always knew I wanted to move away from home and get some experience so that when I came back to work in our family business I had earned it and deserved it,” says Wilson. “I didn’t want people to think ‘oh she’s just got that job because she’s got the last name’.”
Right time to come home
Wilson has held roles with industry training organisation MITO, VTNZ and Kiwibank, before working for Mitre 10, based in Dunedin.
After a period of international travel, Wilson relocated to Nelson in 2022 where she took up a role with Māori food and beverage producer Kono (an associated business of Wakatū Incorporation).
Maternity leave in 2024 provided an opportunity for Wilson to consider whether it was the right time for her to join the family business.
“All of my experience is in the corporate sector and I see this as a good time to bring that knowledge to the business in a way that can help us to streamline our activity and be the best that we can be.
“I’m passionate about us sharing our stories. We have a real opportunity to work with our community to tell interesting and unique stories about the park, conservation and Te Tauihu. A huge part of this is continuing our multigenerational relationships with local iwi to ensure the stories are told authentically and appropriately. That’s something I’m looking forward to.”
Proud family history
Wilson says she is very happy to be getting her feet under the table at Wilsons Abel Tasman.
“I’ve always been proud of the work that I’ve done for the businesses I’ve worked for, but joining Wilsons has an extra layer to it, which is why I wanted to make sure I was ready. This isn’t just a business, it’s my family’s business.
“Even though I’ve grown up in the business I’ve still got so much to learn. I knew our grandparents started it and I knew about our family history and I was super proud of that, but it wasn’t until recently that I appreciated how much work has gone into it, from the whole family. The multigenerational aspect of the business makes me really proud.
“I’m excited about that and the projects ahead,” she adds. “I’m also grateful to be enjoying it as much as I am, because if I’m not with Oscar [her son], the work I’m doing has to be worth it. Working within our family business definitely feels worth it. It’s nice to have that validation and to feel that I’ve made the right decision.”
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