New Fullers Group chief executive Mike Horne tells the Ticker about the company’s new strategy, the internal changes at the business, coping with Waiheke Island community concerns, and the opportunities ahead for the ferry, cruise and coach operator.
After four years leading the team at Pukaha Mount Bruce, GM Helen Tickner moves on at the end of the month. She tells the Ticker about the challenges she’s faced, the never-ending struggle to fund conservation, but why the future’s still bright at the Wairarapa attraction.
Hassle-free Tours owner Mark Gilbert on how he and his wife Nikki began their business, recovering from the Christchurch earthquakes, and the company’s $2m expansion plans to launch in Queenstown and Auckland.
Mark Rose, general manager of The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments, calls for better staff pay for industry workers, why more effort should be made to promote our ‘New Zealandness’, and why he’s pushing the expansion of the hotel out if its Queenstown base.
Following her inaugural Holiday Parks’ Emerging Star Award, Rotorua TOP 10 operator Jasmine Adams tells the Ticker about her work outside of the business, drawing inspiration from others in the industry, and being nominated this week for a NZ Tourism Award.
Maria Kire from Hokianga’s Whispering Trails tells us about turning a lifestyle into a business, combining cultural and eco-tourism, and how the young business recently won a $30,000 development grant.
Coronet Peak’s ski area manager, Nigel Kerr, on what’s changed in the snow industry, what hasn’t, and what’s happening at one of the country’s most popular ski fields.
Waimarino Group’s director, Blair Anderson, on changing international perception of the regions, breaking into the cruise ship market, and first learning about the tourism distribution chain down at the pub.
Earth & Sky GM Margaret Munro on the operator’s new partnership with China Southern Airlines, the challenges of hiring skilled staff, and the progress being made on its joint venture with Ngāi Tahu, the International Astronomy Centre at Lake Tekapo
In the week his Haka Tourism Group celebrates its 10th birthday, founder Ryan Sanders tells us about the group’s move upmarket, building a brand around New Zealand as a tourist destination and his expansion plans for the next decade.
Forgotten World Adventures founder and director Ian Balme on business collaboration, targeting the international market, the value of employing Taumarunui locals and how he went from selling golf cart rides to telling stories.
Explore Group’s chief executive Kit Nixon tells us why the boat cruise and tour company set sail up the value curve, expanding overseas and delivering unique maritime experiences.
Crowne Plaza Queenstown’s General Manager Anna Edie on adapting to her first general manager role in New Zealand, hiring great talent and operating with a point of difference.
Southern Lakes Helicopters’ operations manager Lloyd Matheson tells the Ticker about coping with new DOC and CAA charges, being president of Aviation NZ and what he’d like to see changed, and why the company is now flying in Antarctica.
Timber Trail Lodge director Bruce Maunsell on its first five weeks of operation, the repercussions of the Tourism Growth Partnership being scrapped and the pressing infrastructure needs in the King Country and beyond.
Chief executive Murray Bond on Dunedin Railways’ future, Dunedin’s tourism needs and how he’ll miss the business when he retires in October after 24 years on the job.
NZ Fine Touring Group co-founder David Kettle on the Wanaka-based company’s expansion plans, preparing to enter a new market segment, and why the inbounder is considering entering the hotel sector.
Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium’s general manager, Tim Keeling, tells the Ticker about the attraction’s strategy to partner with other operators, driving local engagement and its new Aquarium After Dark event this weekend.
Christchurch International Airport’s chief commercial officer – aeronautical, Justin Watson, shares his views on the airport’s performance and its $180m development programme.