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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Adrian Levy
Lodge Manager
When did you start with the company:
October 2019
Notable previous employment:
Lodge Manager at Longitude 131°
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
Connecting our guests with the local culture, natural beauty of Northland and helping our Guests develop a “Sense of Place” so when they return each time it is like coming home to cherished friends and great memories.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why?
That moment when a friend’s eyes brighten as they relive a treasured experience when you say, “Hey I am going too…what do you recommended?” The beauty of travel is the common experiences you share together with friends on return over a coffee when the excitement of the next trip planning begins.
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.
Tatsio Franco
Assistant Lodge Manager
When did you start with the company?
December 2016
Notable previous employment:
Outside 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.
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.
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
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
Andy Hata
Food & Beverage Manager
When did you start with the company: September 2020
Notable previous employment: Sage Hospitality Group (USA); Vue de Monde (Melbourne); Spire Hotel (Queenstown)
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why? I love to showcase the amazing food sources that New Zealand has to offer, and introducing guests to the smaller craft producers of wine, beer, and sprits in our country.
What is your favourite travel experience? And why? Definitely a road trip through New Zealand, especially the South Island. The South Island has so much diversity in the scenery and climate, and offers fantastic food wherever you go.
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
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!
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.
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.
Michael Venner
Guest Relations Manager
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.
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.
Todd Candy
Farm Manager
When did you start with the company:
September 2019
Notable previous employment:
I spent two years at Waipoa Training Farm before moving down to the Wairarapa where I spent 9 years at Turanganui Romney in South Wairarapa, one of the largest Romney studs in New Zealand.
What do you most enjoy sharing with guests? And why?
I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion that I have for the agriculture industry to guests that may not get the opportunity to see what New Zealand agriculture has to offer.
What is your favourite travel experience?
Being able to explore the New Zealand country side and seeing what it has to offer, from the beaches in the North to the stunning scenery of the South Island mountains.
