Our People
From passionate owners and dedicated staff to our award-winning chefs and greenskeepers, the teams at Robertson Lodges are dedicated service professionals, committed to making your stay a truly unforgettable experience.
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Martin Hamilton
Lodge Manager
When did you start with the company:
February 2017
Notable previous employment:
I left my native Australia in 2002 and spent 7 years in the UK most notably at Turnberry, in Ayrshire, Scotland. I adopted NZ as my new home in 2009, working at Millbrook in Queenstown before arriving at Kauri Cliffs in February of 2017
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
I truly enjoy the personal nature of the Lodge. It enables us to really get to know our guests and in doing so, it allows us the opportunity to create and tailor authentic and memorable experiences based around our amazing property and talented team.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
For a city break, I found Barcelona to have it all, great Museums, fabulous Food, amazing Architecture, beautiful Beaches and beautiful people. It is always pleasure to return to. I especially love wandering the Gothic Quarter and discovering amazing Tapa’s restaurants and sampling a Tempranillo or two.
For an escape the world experience, for me, New Zealand has so much to offer. Rugged and beautiful coastline, magnificent Mountains and rolling hills. So much untouched and unspoilt beauty, there are plenty of ways for everyone to get out there, explore and enjoy a truly unique and beautiful country .
Kris Shepherd
Lodge Manager
When did you start with the company:
November 2014
Notable previous employment:
Spent several years at Poronui among other Luxury Lodges in NZ, an equestrian from a sheep and cattle farming background.
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
I love to share the whole farm experience with our guests. Getting out onto the property soaking up the iconic views, wildlife and dramatic landscape.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
Driving cattle on horseback up into the Montana Mountains followed by some summer alpine fly fishing. I love getting out into the wilderness.
Emanuel Grosch
Lodge Manager
When did you start with the company:
October 2016
Notable previous employment:
Capella Singapore, Washington D.C., Capella St. Lucia
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
The beauty and diversity of Queenstown. Indulge in an exclusive wine tour through Central Otago and visit some of NZ best wineries
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
To meet the locals and connect with the local culture and cuisine. Each destination has its beauty
Thomas Gueridon
Assistant Lodge Manager
When did you start with the company:
September 2016
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Love showing the natural beauty of the area on property tour.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
Travel in Chile with my family, very friendly people and beautiful natural diversity
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.
Joanne Tickner
Assistant Lodge Manager
When did you start with the company?
When Matakauri Lodge opened in 2010.
Notable previous employment:
I commenced my career in hospitality in the 1980’s working larger hotels in Napier & Queenstown and I was fortunate to be a founding member of Les Clefs D’or New Zealand branch in 1994. I spent a stint at the newly opened Blanket Bay in late 1980s, followed by time at Matakauri Lodge when it was under previous ownership. It was really exciting to have the opportunity to return to Matakauri after the Robertson family purchased and refurbished the property, starting in Front Office and moving to Guest Relations Manager role, before being appointed to my current position.
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests?
I have a passion for sharing true kiwi experiences with our guests and ensuring that they get the most out of their time at Matakauri and in our stunning district. It is truly rewarding to have our guests appreciate the lodge and all that Queenstown has to offer. My greatest joy is when departing guests promise to return to Matakauri in the future.
What is your favourite travel experience?
A passionate New Zealander (and adopted South Islander!) I simply can’t go past our local area. I believe that Stewart Island is probably the best kept secret in the south. Time spent in this paradise is truly special and a step back in time. White sand beaches fringe bush clad islands that are predator free and home to an amazing array of our native birds. A visit to Stewart Island would not be complete without a catch of Blue Cod, Crayfish, famous Bluff oysters and the local abalone known as Paua. The Southern Ocean surrounding Stewart Island is a favourite haunt of the great white shark and the latest activity for thrill seekers is Shark Diving! There really is something for everyone.
Tatsio Franco
Assistant Lodge Manager
When did you start with the company?
December 2016
Notable previous employment:
Outisde of my previous five years as Assistant Lodge Manager at Kauri Cliffs, I spent three years with Langham Hotel Auckland as well as several years at Relais & Chateaux's Huka Lodge
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
The amazing lodge we work in. I love to provide genuine excellence that is on show everyday, the property and the Robertson family vision. Also creating memories for all our guests to take away with them
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
Going to Guadalajara in Mexico a few years ago, enjoying the culture, site seeing, food and spending quality time with family.
Barry Frith
Executive Chef
When did you start with the company
June 2006
Notable previous employment
Four years at Charlton House, ‘The Mulberry Restaurant’ 1 star Michelin
A season with Inverlochy Castle, 1 star Michelin
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests ? And why ?
Belonging to a great team tireless with their energy & input, creating new exciting dishes with great local products, Being here at Kauri Cliffs in Beautiful New Zealand
What is your favourite travel experience ? And why ?
When my wife & I took a six week honeymoon vacation throughout south east Asia. Great food and understanding of simplicity, colours and aromas. Incredible culture & people
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 Rogers
Head Chef
When did you start with the company:
September 2011
Notable previous employment:
Bay of Many Coves resort, Spire Hotel
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Sharing New Zealand’s finest produce with our guests. Best way to explore is a walk through our on-site vegetable garden
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
New York City due to variety of different restaurants
Blair Hamilton
Restaurant Manager
Notable previous employment:
22 years in service industry. Working around the world including Island Resorts, Night-clubs and award winning Restaurants.
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Since returning to NZ in 2012 the most enjoyable thing is to share New Zealand as a world class destination. Particular favourite conversations are explaining the New Zealand wine industry, it’s rapid growth and how wonderful that my career has allowed me to enjoy this.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
17 years travelling the world has brought many wonderful locations but my absolute favourite was Disney's Grand Californian Hotel as it was the complete package. Accommodation, Pool, Restaurant, Spa and of course entry to Disneyland! Traveling without my family – my favourite was Rajasthan because of the history and Culture.
Jonathan McCord
Director of Golf – Cape Kidnappers & Kauri Cliffs
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.
Michael Venner
Guest Relations Manager Kauri Cliffs Lodge
When did you start with the company:
August 2012
Notable previous employment:
Waitangi National Trust
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
We find laughter together in the simplest moments. I love sharing the unique stories and histories of New Zealand.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
France, Toulouse, New Years Eve 2000. Completely submerged in southern French culture for two weeks with a crew of mischief friends. Food, wine, skiing, laughter, adventure. Different world. Best fun I’ve had on Holiday.
Sonja Eberly
Sommelier
When did you start with the company:
June, 2017
Notable previous employment:
Cellar intern: Carrick Winery, Bannockburn
Harvest intern: Wiengut Netzl, Goettlesbrunn, Austria; Anton Bauer Winery, Wagram, Austria
Wine Director, Northside Social, Arlington, Virginia
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Wines, of course! Wines carry a story. They speak uniquely of a place and a moment in time that can never be replicated. And they speak of the people whose passion is has gone into each bottle. When I open a bottle of wine, it’s an opportunity to transport our guests to that place and time; to bring them into that story.
And with a cellar that boasts one of the most extensive collection of wines from New Zealand, I have the opportunity to share a snapshot of this incredible country with our guests in every glass.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
I have taken every opportunity possible to drive the length and breadth of New Zealand’s two Islands, exploring every small town, every coast, every mountain track, forest and vineyard possible, and I still feel as though I’ve barely scratched the surface!
Exploring the North Island, certainly my most memorable experience was watching the sun set over the convergence of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean at Cape Rienga, and understanding the deep spiritual significance of the place to the Maori people.
Exploring the South Island, one of my most distinct and cherished memories was driving through Arthur’s Pass from the east coast to the west coast and suddenly coming upon Castle Hill, a naturally formed garden of limestone monoliths, which from a distance, look like an ancient castle ruin high up in the hills. Walking amongst the surreally shaped boulders felt like secretly walking through the sculpture garden of a giant. I felt like a child; at once totally free and awe-struck by the sheer beauty and artistry of nature. I watched the sunset here, too, as winter crept its frosty way through the south island; vivid, stark and achingly pure.
Robin Bush
Food and Beverage Manager
When did you start with the company:
July 2017
Notable previous employment:
Hilton Queenstown, Wild Earth Wines, Amisfield , Rata- Josh Emett
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Sharing stories and facts about Wine, Queenstown and Canada. All things that that are very close to my heart.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
Italy! The food, the wine, the people, the old cities rich with history and amazing beaches too! I just keep going back!
John Lewis
Guest Relations Manager
When did you start with the company:
I started with Robertson Lodges in 2003 when there was only Kauri Cliffs and we were still building the suites 17-22.
Notable previous employment:
Prior to Kauri Cliffs I was in Sydney, working at the Saville Group Hotels. These were the first apartment style hotels in Australia. Before this, I was at the New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC. And before this again, I was at university in USA where I was a music major.
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
I enjoy showing guests this magnificent lodge and property that Josie and Julian have created and also making each guest feel like they are a VIP coming into the Robertson's home from the moment they arrive. For myself, it is wonderful when a guest is departing and they have made a booking to return the same dates the following year and requesting the same suite that they have just stayed in.
A bonus of having a degree in music is that I can play the grand piano in the evenings, and on those odd occasions when we have had notable singers and musicians staying, we have given short concerts for our other guests.
What is your favourite travel experience?
My favourite travel experience is going to Wimbledon each year followed by either the Verona Opera Festival or the Salzburg Festival.
Cameron Barnes
Head Golf Professional
When did you start with the company:
I first started at Kauri Cliffs in March of 2010
Notable previous employment:
Previous to Kauri Cliffs I was the Assistant Golf Professional at Waitangi Golf Club and this is where I did my PGA training. In 2010, I joined the team at Kauri Cliffs as a caddie to gain some experience. The Assistant Professional position became available after just a few months and I jumped at the opportunity. After then spending a couple of years in Scotland, I returned to Kauri Cliffs. I became the Head Golf Professional at the beginning of 2016.
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
I might be a little biased on this one, but I would have to day the Golf Course. There are very few places in the world that can match the combination of beautiful scenery and great golf that Kauri Cliffs offers. Our five tee block options offer a difficultly level to suit every golfer.
What is your favourite travel experience?
I travel to Scotland fairly regularly considering the distance. My wife is Scottish, so I feel like the country is a second home to me. Luckily Scotland is full of great golf courses. It has the highest number of golf courses per capita and New Zealand has the second highest.
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.
Carlos Butcher
Golf Operations Manager
When did you start with the company:
January 2008
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Getting to share travel experiences throughout New Zealand is one of the most satisfying parts of interacting with our guests. Being able to recommend ‘hidden gems’ all around New Zealand, that are not commonly known, but certainly lead to an amazing time.
What is your favourite travel experience?
My all-time favourite travel experience took place in Austin Texas, where I married my now wife Riley. Our friends and family travelled from all around the world to celebrate our special day. We show all of our international friends and family around Texas and the USA. Our rehearsal dinner was held at a dance hall in downtown Dripping Springs, with an amazing country band and everyone was invited. All of our friends and family got to experience a true Texan welcome. Followed by the most amazing wedding.
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.
