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James Mackay
Lodge Manager
When did you start with the company: October 2021
Notable previous employment: Huka Lodge, prior to 14 years in the United Kingdom, where I spent time at Alexander House Hotel and Utopia Spa, Charlton House Hotel and Spa and The Grove.
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why? I enjoy sharing my own life experiences while learning about theirs. It helps me to create personal and genuine connections, while identifying any extra memorable moments I can create for our guests based on what I learn.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why? I have no “favourite” per say (and getting married to my wonderful wife in Cascais, Portugal aside) . . . . . some outstanding experiences would include enjoying Comtes de Champagne and an amazing meal at Taittinger’s family homestead in Reims hosted by Vitalie and Clovis. Degustation menus and wine pairings with friends at Petrus at The Berkeley, Gravetye Manor and Bath Priory under Michael Caines stewardship.
Callum Farnell
Director of Hospitality
When did you start with the company:
February 2019
Notable previous employment:
The Savoy - London, Solitaire Lodge - Lake Tarawera, Eagles Nest - Bay of Islands, Lake Kora - Upstate New York, Annandale - Akaroa
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Sharing the sublime natural beauty New Zealand has to offer, while enjoying truly memorable lodging, food and wine experience.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
Although travelling extensively worldwide, I now prefer to explore all that New Zealand has offer.
Robyn Younger
Central Reservations Manager
When did you start with the company:
September 2013
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Creating bespoke itineraries with unique experiences throughout New Zealand. I love arranging incredible experiences for our guests and showcasing the very best that New Zealand has to offer.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
Experiencing new cultures and exciting activities are always the moments that leave me with the most enduring memories.
Averil Patterson
Assistant Lodge Manager
When did you start with the company?
July 2017
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Our activities and experiences which showcase our native Flora and Fauna. Being able to meet a Kiwi during the day, then hear it call at night as you walk through native plantings to your suite is truly special. Waking up early in the morning to the birdsong of Kaka, Kakariki, Tui and to then to watch the sunrise and be one of the first people in the world to see in the new day!
What is your favourite travel experience?
I spent seven weeks hiking and dining through South America in 2018, it was incredible!
Julian William
Executive Housekeeper
When did you start with the company: February 2018
Notable previous employment: I worked for The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa in 2017, and sailed onboard luxury cruise liners Silver Seas for four years. Before that I was working in the Maldives on a on a private island for three years.
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why? The early morning CanAm tour, it is a mesmerizing experience
What is your favourite travel experience? And why? I have been to both the Arctic and Antarctic. It's a once in a lifetime experience, and feels like you are on a different planet.
Glenn Brabin
Maintenance Manager
When did you start with the company: December 2020
Notable previous employment: I was Biodiversity Manager for Central Districts Pest Control where I managed several high profile projects such as the contorta pine eradication from Makahu Spur. The project involved the removal of approximately 180,000 wilding pines from the area.
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? I take pride in, and enjoy sharing local knowledge with our guests.
What is your favourite golf experience? And why? My favourite travel experience was living in a village in Vanuatu. I ended up sponsoring two families there, which I continue to this day.
James Honore
Head Chef
When did you start with the company:
10/2007
Notable previous employment:
Opening team Cape Kidnappers/Sous KC
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
My Cuisine, our garden produce, our Hawkes Bay products
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
Visiting the markets in Changmai, the noise & smells. It was my first experience in a truly foreign country
Brad Sim
Golf Course Superintendent
When did you start with the company:
December 2012
Notable previous employment:
Kauri Cliffs, The Els Club – Dubai, The Australian Golf Club, Sydney.
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Our jaw dropping landscapes and the views from the cliffs. Not to mention the pristine golf course to play while soaking it in!
What is your favourite travel experience?
Camping near a beach or exploring Thailand on a scooter.
Raymond Geffre
Director of Golf
When did you start with the company: November 2012
Notable previous employment:
While working at Cape Kidnappers in the southern hemisphere summer, I would return home to the USA in the winter months. While in the USA I worked at Point Judith Country Club, and later on at Stowe Mountain Club.
In 2015 – 2018 I worked for Ralph Lauren Golf & Tennis, before deciding to move back to New Zealand year round.
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
I most enjoy sharing my passion for the Hawke's Bay region with guests. Whether it is discussing where to eat on a given night, or which vineyards to seek out to taste wine. I’m also an avid trout fisherman, and enjoy speaking with other guests that have travelled to New Zealand to get out in the rivers to seek out a trophy fish.
What is your favourite golf experience? And why?
My favourite golf experience would of course be Cape Kidnappers! However, I enjoy travelling around rural New Zealand and playing honesty box courses. Mahia Golf Club is my favourite so far!
Matt Winstanley
Guest Relations Manager
When did you start with the company: December 2017
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why? I enjoy taking guests out for a tour of the property and sharing with them our own slice of heaven. It is a great opportunity to get to know our guests and connect with them.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why? My favourite travel experience was when I visited the Bay of Islands. I went on a boat trip and saw dolphins up close, which was an amazing experience.
Levi Heaps
Farm Manager
When did you start with the company:
June 2015
Notable previous employment:
Stock Manager Read Farms LTD
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Explaining how hill country sheep and beef farming works in New Zealand and how dogs are used to muster paddocks. This is very new to most guests so they are pretty amazed by what they see.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
Spending a few years working and living on the Chatham Islands. It was interesting seeing the different ways of life on this remote island that is still a part of New Zealand.