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.
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
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.
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.
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.
