Jim Boult is a well-known New Zealander active in the not-for-profit sector, the business community, and local government in both Management and Governance.

Jim was elected mayor of Queenstown Lakes District Council in October 2016 and completed his second term in October 2022, when he elected not to contest the role. His actions in leading the district through the Covid 19 crisis have been widely acclaimed.

Jim completed five successful years as Chief Executive of Christchurch International Airport in December 2013 and was a government appointee to the CIAL board for six years before that. During his time at CIAL, he managed the airport through the period of and the recovery after the Christchurch earthquakes. He also oversaw the development of a new terminal, which was completed on time and on budget.

Jim has had extensive business interests in many fields, including construction, aviation, tourism, financial services, property, automotive, materials handling plant leasing, publishing, and hospitality. He is a past chair and director of many significant companies and government entities, including Real NZ, Shotover Jet Group, Civil Aviation Authority, Hawkins Construction, and a member of the Risk and Audit committee for New Zealand Customs. His current interests include directorship of several substantial family-owned companies, and external governance roles. He is Patron of the Child Cancer Foundation, the Whakatipu Rowing Club, the Whakatipu Wildlife Trust, and an Ambassador for the Whakatipu Community Foundation. He is also deputy chair of Friends of Lake Hayes.

Jim has resided at Lake Hayes in New Zealand’s South Island for the past 42 years, where he and his wife Karen have brought up two children – James and Victoria. In his hometown of Queenstown, he has chaired many charities, council-sponsored working parties and community groups. His personal interests include jogging, reading and motorsport where he has competed nationally and internationally.

AWARDS AND MERITS
* 2024 – Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (for services to local government, tourism and the community)
* 2022 – Life Member of the Child Cancer Foundation
* 2021 – Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary (for services to the community)
* 2014 – Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (for services to Tourism and the community)
* 2014 – Lifetime Achievement Award from Queenstown Chamber of Commerce
* 2012 – Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management