Elke Thompson

“He aha te mea nui o te ao, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata.” - What’s the most important thing? It’s people!

Elke Thompson joined LGNZ in late 2022, eager to support local government through the redevelopment of LGNZ’s continuous improvement programme, CouncilMARK.

With a career spanning tourism, regional economic development, cultural heritage and tertiary education, Elke brings expertise in stakeholder management, leadership, and business development.

At the heart of Elke's work is a strong focus on people. She understands the unique challenges and aspirations of councils throughout the country and is determined to transform the CouncilMARK programme, ensuring it provides effective support to the sector. Her ultimate goal is to empower councils, helping them thrive and make a positive impact on their communities.

Outside of work, Elke finds joy through ocean swimming, yoga, taekwondo and learning Te Reo. She values quality time with her whanau and embraces outdoor adventures with her three little ones.