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Callum Farnell
Lodge Manager
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.
James McMenamin
Assistant Lodge Manager
When did you start with the company:
December 2012
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Tales and experiences of traveling around the world, particularly places to stay and eat
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
Bodega tour in Jerez, Spain. Sherry is my favourite summer aperitif.
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
Jonathan McCord
Director of Golf
When did you start with the company:
November 2011
Notable previous employment:
Prior experience in the golf industry at private clubs across the U.S. In particular, Spring Hill Golf Club, in Wayzata, MN; RedStick Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida; Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia and Indian Creek Country Club in Miami, Florida.
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
I enjoy sharing my passion for New Zealand and the wealth of different activities with guests from all over the World. New Zealand is full of unique and breath-taking scenery and it’s so enjoyable to share these experiences and assist in making sure each traveller gets the most out of their time in the country. Whether that be a round of golf or a hike to a waterfall tucked in an out-of-the-way location, New Zealand will inspire the explorer in all of us.
What is your favourite travel experience?
One of my favourite travel experiences was a recent trip to the South Island with my fiancée, Hannah. We hiked the seldom explored North Branch of the Routeburn River (yes, part of the famous Routeburn Track) on a splendid autumn day. The mountain peaks covered in just a bit of snow, the crisp autumn air, the smell of the beech trees and the stream in which we noticed some small brown trout combined for a magical experience. Fiordland and adjacent Mt. Aspiring National Park, are two of the most sensational places in the World and I recommend everyone explore them and enjoy their splendour.
Brad Sim
Golf Course Superintendent
When did you start with the company:
12/12
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.
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.
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.
Katy Jameson
Groups and Events Coordinator
When did you start with the company: Oct 2016
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why? Our properties are set in breathtaking and unique locations, with incredible activities and world-class facilities on offer. Despite all this, I most enjoy sharing the renowned Robertson Lodge hospitality with our guests, where every member of our team collaborate to create a seamless, tailored experience for each guest that stays. It is this rare and genuine hospitality that sees our guests return year after year to experience it all over again.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why? So many! For me, it’s always based around food and wine – I love to discover a location, region or country by trying the delicious local cuisine and wines, and creating fabulous forever-memories around them!
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.