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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.
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.
Averil Patterson
Guest Relations 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!
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
Laurent Dugast
Restaurant Manager
When did you start with the company: I began with Robertson Lodges in October 2013 at Matakauri where I worked for three years. I have been employed at Cape Kidnappers since late 2018.
Notable previous employment: I have worked for Gordon Ramsey's, London Hotel (NYC)
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why? I love sharing with guests about Robertson Lodges, and the family's contribution to New Zealand. I also love to share my knowledge of wine and the journey that has brought me from France to New Zealand.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why? My favorite travel experience so far was the five months I spent traveling Australia on a Fat Boy - Harley Davidson motorcycle. It was incredible.
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:
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.
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.
Raymond Geffre
PGA Golf Operations Manager
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.
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.