YHA Strengthens Board and Management Team

Appoints New Chairman and National IT Manager

YHA New Zealand today announced the appointments of Janice Fredric as chairman of the YHA board and Margaret Horne as national IT manager.

As YHA celebrates its seventieth birthday, the new chairman, Janice Fredric, is looking forward to ensuring YHA endures for a further seventy years.

“YHA established the backpacker industry in New Zealand and, while maintaining the commitment to what YHA stands for, has successfully adapted to the changing market. As a not-for-profit organisation we need to find a balance between being commercially successful and being true to our founding principles.”

Fredric joined the board of YHA two years ago shortly after completing her MBA (with Distinction) from Massey University.

“YHA was looking for board members and I was interested in the opportunity to use my business skills and commercial knowledge to benefit the community,” says Fredric.

Fredric also holds a BCom from the University of Canterbury and is a chartered accountant with Grant Thornton in Christchurch where she is practice manager.

Before joining the board her experience of YHA was as a guest – Fredric made extensive use of her membership while travelling overseas for six years.

New national IT manager, Margaret Horne, says she was attracted by the diversity and size of YHA.

“There are plenty of opportunities for technology to make a difference. Also there are unique challenges due to the growing nature of business in the tourism industry. I’m looking forward to managing the IT infrastructure of such a diverse organisation.”

Horne’s role encompasses managing the information systems and infrastructure for YHA and enhancing the business with technology. Priorities include replacing the legacy systems for membership and hostel bookings.

Horne brings a wealth of IT experience to YHA. She was previously southern region IT manager for the Department of Courts and prior to that IT manager for Central Electric based in Central Otago. Before coming to New Zealand, Horne was a senior manager in IT for British Gas.

David Beattie, chief executive officer YHA New Zealand, says the organisation is delighted to have a new chairman with a strong business background and broad commercial expertise, as well as an experienced IT manager.

“As the only nationwide chain that owns and manages its hostels, YHA is looking to sound leadership and innovative technology as the organisation focuses on future growth and opportunities in the accommodation market.”

About YHA
YHA was launched in New Zealand in 1932, developing over seven decades into a unique network of 64 hostels nationwide with around 28,000 New Zealand members. YHA has been built by the efforts of volunteers who raised funds, personally constructed and managed many of the facilities. In 2001/02 the network recorded 500,000 guest overnights, around 85 percent from international travellers.

YHA New Zealand is a full member of the International Youth Hostels Federation, which uses the Hostelling International brand for its global network. Comprising over 4,500 hostels in 60 countries, this international focus allows members to enjoy the benefits and culture of a truly global organisation, whether travelling locally or overseas.