Janeen Wood

Since making Cromwell home in 2006, Janeen Wood has been a quietly consistent force behind many of the community initiatives that have helped shape our town and its surrounds. Stepping away from a corporate career in health and safety, environment and people leadership, Janeen embraced the opportunity to become more deeply involved in local life while running a motorcycle hire business and B&B with her husband.

Janeen was involved in formalising the Cromwell & Districts Community Trust at its inception and continues to serve as Secretary at a governance level. In this role, she provides continuity, institutional knowledge and a strong connection to the Trust’s original purpose, while supporting the current operational team.

Alongside her role with the Trust, Janeen’s wider community involvement has been extensive. She was a long-standing member of the Cromwell Promotions Group, serving as Chair for two years, and has been instrumental in progressing a number of projects arising from the original 2008 Cromwell Community Plan. In particular, she has remained committed to the vision expressed in the 2008 Cromwell Community Plan, of a cycle trail linking Cromwell and Clyde - a vision that expanded into the amazing Lake Dunstan Trail, and a growing regional trail network.

Janeen continues to be actively involved in the next stages of regional trail development, including the Kawarau Gorge Trail, the Roxburgh Gorge Gap, and the planned Wānaka–Cromwell link.

Alongside navigating the long and complex process of trail development, Janeen also led Lake Dunstan clean-ups for a decade, helped organise two public murals in Cromwell, and supported local planting programmes through her role as trustee. She is also a driving force behind the current Cromwell Chinese Village project.

In the winter months, Janeen is involved with Bannockburn Indoor Bowls, reflecting her belief that community connection happens in many forms.

She occasionally mentions retirement (Yeah Right!), but for now, her passion for community, place and progress keeps her firmly engaged.