TIA Team

Rebecca Ingram

Chief Executive

Rebecca Ingram was appointed to the role of Chief Executive at TIA in March 2022.

Rebecca joined TIA from seven years at Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), where she held various roles including General Manager of New Zealand and Government Relations. She was previously responsible for TNZ’s PR and Major Events, leading a global team across 10 markets in showcasing the best of what New Zealand has to offer to visitors.

Rebecca has 20 years of leadership, marketing and communications expertise, with proven experience delivering successful business strategies, engagement and advocacy programmes and leading complex transformation in her time at both Spark (then Telecom) and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand.

Rebecca is excited to be joining TIA at a critical time in the tourism industry’s history and is looking forward to playing an active role in the re-emergence of tourism for the benefit of Aotearoa.

Greg Thomas

GM Membership & Advocacy

What do you do at TIA?
My role leads membership services, advocacy, policy and sustainability for TIA and is integral to ensuring we are delivering impact for our members and the industry.

What's your career background?
I have a background in marketing and market research along with developing the value propositions and service experience for different market segments. I then expanded my career to include corporate communications and stakeholder engagement. I’ve worked for significant New Zealand brands including Wellington Airport, Telecom, NZ Post and Outward Bound.

What do you do for fun?
My family would say that I spend a considerable amount of time on the water. I was one of the first people to do wingfoiling in the country and I also surf foil and windsurf. I also like skiing and mountain biking – pretty much anything outdoors that NZ has to offer.

What’s one thing every visitor to New Zealand should do?
This is a tough one but I’ll go with the place I love to holiday the most which is Wainui Beach in Tairawhiti Gisborne and then most recently we were on the West Coast of the South Island near Punakaiki which has both an amazing coastline and the Paparoa National Park.

Bruce Bassett

Chief Advisor, Strategy and Policy

Mobile: 021 609 674

Email: bruce.bassett@tia.org.nz

What do you do at TIA?
I am Chief Advisor, Strategy and Policy at TIA. I really enjoy contributing to TIA’s work to cut a strong future for the tourism industry. Highlights for me include the progressive updating of the industry strategy framework and the Tourism Sustainability Commitment which is going from strength to strength as the need for tourism to be operating sustainably gets ever-stronger.

What's your career background?
Much of my career has been in the government policy space, with a long spell on tourism policy. Putting this experience to good use from an industry perspective is another part of my role that I certainly enjoy.

What do you do for fun?
Wining and dining, a good competitive hand of cards or backgammon, and getting out on the south coast for a good long wheel in the wild Wellington wind.

Trina Edwards

TRENZ Manager

DDI: 04 595 4914

Email: trina.edwards@tia.org.nz

What do you do at TIA?
I’m here to lead the delivery of TRENZ 2023 in Ōtautahi Christchurch. It will be the first full TRENZ since 2019, and the first delivery in Christchurch since 2006.

What's your career background?
I’ve just come back to TIA after a spell doing brand and events at Ministry for the Environment. Before that I was managing various events in the UK and Wellington for 10+ years, including 3 years at TIA looking after the TRENZ Buyers and functions.

What do you do for fun?
I love arts and crafts – making things with my niece and nephew is always so much fun. I also love live music, wine tours and tastings, and planning parties.

Do you have any pets or fur babies?
I have a 1 year old staffy x called Nora. She’s so fun to go adventuring with, but often seems to have painted on ears. She looks like the dog emoji and has a theme song that I’m sure you can guess. N-n-n Nora… Nora, Nora, Nora the Explorer 🐶

Teearn Falconer

Member Event Manager

What do you do at TIA?
I organise TIA's members events including the New Zealand Tourism Awards, Tourism Summit Aotearoa and Discussing Tourism events including the webinar programme.

What's your career background?
As a uni student I spent my holidays working at Tourism Rotorua and I was hooked! I've been fortunate to work in marketing and events for some amazing companies including Singapore Airlines, Club Med, Wilderness Motorhomes and NZ Wine.

What do you do for fun?
I love surfing, mountain biking, snowboarding, travelling and spending time with my family. We have a motorhome, so any chance we get, we load up our bikes, surfboards and my sons' skateboards and we are off exploring!

Where is your favourite place to go in your camper?
Rotorua is one of our favourite weekend getaways. World-class mountain biking followed by a shinny dip and drink at the Secret Spot. Bliss!

Shelley Lancaster

Financial Controller

DDI: 04 499 0104

Email: shelley.lancaster@tia.org.nz

What do you do at TIA?
I look after TIA’s finances, along with those of several smaller organisations whose accounts TIA looks after.

What's your career background?
I started off as a lab technician, then a stockbroking analyst, prior to completing a Bachelor of Business Studies in Finance (extramurally) at Massey University which led me into accountancy.

What do you do for fun?
I love to travel – we have just bought a campervan so looking forward to seeing more of New Zealand in that. I also love to tramp and have completed 9 of the 10 Great Walks so far with the final one booked for February 2022.

What is your favourite place to go tramping?
My favourite was the Kepler Track, possibly due to the stunning weather we were lucky to have.

Chris McGeown

Business Services Manager

DDI: 04 499 0104

Email: chris.mcgeown@tia.org.nz

What do you do at TIA?
I look after TIA’s finances, IT platforms and provide a range of business support services to the rest of the TIA team.

What's your career background?
My background before joining TIA included running a tourism business in the Cook Islands and a law firm in Nelson.

What do you do for fun?
My passion is golf followed closely by travel and wining and dining. Often all three at once!

What is your NZ hidden gem?
The Motueka Golf Course – it’s been named NZ golf course of the year.

Melissa Pollard

Engagement & Events Specialist

Email: melissa.pollard@tia.org.nz

What do you do at TIA?
I help plan and coordinate all things events for TIA! This can range from member webinars, the Tourism Summit and Awards and then TRENZ which is New Zealand’s biggest annual business-to-business travel and trade event.

What's your career background?
Prior to joining TIA, I was a Member Services Coordinator at the New Zealand Law Society l Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa where my main responsibility was in facilitating and organising member events and seminars. Before this, I spent some time abroad in London doing my OE and travelling around Europe.

What do you do for fun?
In my spare time you will find me either on the Netball court (GA 😊) or eating my way around Wellington! Brunch is my favourite meal of the day so love to check out new cafes in the city.

If you could be on any reality TV show, what would it be?
The Block – me and my partner are keen (amateur) renovators and helped do up the parents' house in the past! He doesn’t think I have it in me and will give up in week one but I’m always up to a challenge to prove him wrong.

Gisela Purcell

Sustainability & Member Advocate

Email: gisela.purcell@tia.org.nz

What do you do at TIA?
I’m a sustainability advocate – working to make tourism in NZ more sustainable. As well as considering environmental factors and reducing the carbon footprint of the sector, I also factor in the needs of our local communities, the visitors themselves and economic sustainability too.

What's your career background?
Most recently I was the destination manager for Te Tauihu (Nelson Tasman). I’ve also worked in regional wine marketing and for over a decade I ran my own business which was focussed on teaching a range of languages to children throughout New Zealand and Australia.

What do you do for fun?
I love to explore our national parks on foot, kayaks or bikes. Nelson Lakes National Park is my favourite for its wonderful (but often under-appreciated) mountains, freezing lakes and awesome mountain bike trails.

Do you have any pets or fur babies?
I have an elderly cat and a sweet young pup who I try to talk to in te reo. She gets “E kai” right every time, “E noho” and “E hikoi” are pretty good but “Hāere mai” needs a bit more training.

Di Reid

Member Advocate

DDI: 04 499 0104

Email: diane.reid@tia.org.nz

What do you do at TIA?
Being part of the Advocacy and Membership team, I listen to, speak with and visit our members on a regular basis to make sure that TIA are representing their current views and needs. I'm also co-president of the TIA Breakfast Club!

What's your career background?
Before TIA, I spent 14 years with the i-SITE Visitor Centre Network, looking after the Auckland and Queenstown centres.

What do you do for fun?
I love food and wine, music and concerts, and travelling around the countryside! I also seem to be chief organiser of social events wherever I go!

What's one thing no one knows about you?
One thing nobody at TIA knew about me was that I once fought in a charity boxing match! I came second...

Harriet Riley

HR Manager

DDI: 04 499 0104

Email: harriet.riley@tia.org.nz

What do you do at TIA?
I provide the team with HR and recruitment support.

What's your career background?
I studied human resources at Victoria University and since then I've worked in a range of HR, communications and change management roles. I also run my own business with my mum which is lots of fun and learning for us both.

What do you do for fun?
I love the process of making things with my hands and outside of work I spend a lot of time either at my sewing machine drafting a new dress design or in the kitchen making something (hopefully) delicious for my flatmates.

Would you rather sing or dance in front of a crowd?
I wouldn't subject you to my singing but I've been known to bust out some moves when the occasion arises.

Lynn Robinson

Engagement & Partnerships Manager

What do you do at TIA?
I lead TIA’s Engagement and Partnerships team. This talented group looks after communications, marketing, commercial partnerships and all TIA’s amazing events including the New Zealand Tourism Awards, Tourism Summit Aotearoa and TRENZ

What's your career background?
I started in the industry working for an inbound operator, and subsequently worked in sales and marketing in most sectors of the industry including attractions,. accommodation, transport and an RTO. I also have a strong background in events, including working on an Olympic Games, New Zealand National Fieldays and many large business events.

What do you do for fun?
Anything that involves getting into nature and/or getting wet! I also enjoy spending time with my two daughters and my fur kid, Harry the terrier mix.

If you could be on any reality TV show, what would it be?
I would love to be on Travel Guides – visiting new places, having adventures and telling everyone about my experiences!

Tania Rook

Member Events Manager

DDI: 04 595 4914

Email: tania.rook@tia.org.nz

What do you do at TIA?
I look after the TIA events programme, including New Zealand Tourism Awards, Tourism Summit Aotearoa and Discussing Tourism events including the webinar programme.

What's your career background?
Prior to TIA I was a senior marketer at the Institute of Directors, and before that I was the communications and events coordinator at the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants.

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with family, reading and gardening and I'm involved with the local football club.

What's one thing you're doing in pursuit of sustainability?
I've switched to a sustainable gin!

Megan Sherborne

Engagement & Partnerships Coordinator

What do you do at TIA?
I provide administration and coordination support for the events and marketing team to plan and deliver TIA events.

What’s your career background?
I recently graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with degrees in Marketing and Tourism Management. My love for events emerged from working functions at a boutique hotel and later getting involved with events at Te Papa.

What do you do for fun?
I absolutely love going on bush walks around New Zealand. Otherwise I’m a sucker for wine & cheese, op-shopping, board games and admittedly, reality tv.

Would you rather sing or dance in front of a crowd?
If I’m in a group of people I’d happily do either (not a chance if it’s a solo performance)! Choir, musicals, kapa haka… you name it, I’m there.

Brooke Tomoana

Business Analyst

DDI: 04 499 0104

Email: brooke.tomoana@tia.org.nz

What do you do at TIA?
I operationally manage all of TIA’s technology systems and network as well as any new software development and implementation projects, ensuring everyone has the right tools to do their jobs efficiently and effectively!

What's your career background?
I started my ‘work life’ in tourism, working on ski fields, backpackers and helping terrify people at the Canyon Swing in Queenstown. Since then I’ve worked in many different industries from education, to interior design, to fitness. Over time gradually migrating to what I graduated with from University being Information Systems and Management and doing a full circle coming back to apply that knowledge at TIA to the tourism industry!

What do you do for fun?
With two young children (three including my 18-month-old dog) most of my fun centres around keeping them occupied, but luckily they like adventuring and travel as much as me so we are always on the lookout for a good mission somewhere.

What’s one thing every visitor to New Zealand should do?
View a stunning east coast sunrise to welcome in the new year with the sand between your toes at Wainui Beach in Gisborne.

Caroline Van Saasen

Executive Assistant and Governance Secretariat

What do you do at TIA?
I am the EA to the Chief Executive and also Governance Secretariat for TIA.

What's your career background?
I have 35 years' experience in a wide range of business sectors with experience as PA/EA, event organising, payroll administrator, office administrator - in both South Africa and New Zealand. Call me a 'Jane of all trades' – I have worked in the steel manufacturing industry, banking, civil engineering, automotive engineering and medical practices. My last position before moving to New Zealand was as a founder/director of a non-profit organisation in South Africa, juggling that with being a PA to the CEO of a Chamber of Commerce. Gaining the Kiwi experience I worked in a deli, local government, maintenance and construction and Central Government, all in different roles.

What do you do for fun?
My husband and I go for long walks in every park we can find in Wellington as well as spending hours on the beaches around our city – always having my camera with me. I am on the organising committee for quarterly dances and get together for South Africans in the Wellington area to meet up and make new friends. When the weather acts up, I spend time at home being creative.

If you could be on any reality TV show, what would it be?
I would love to be on Survivor!

Megan Williams

Sustainability & Member Advocate

DDI: 04 499 0104

Email: megan.williams@tia.org.nz

What do you do at TIA?
As a Sustainability Advocate, I’m here to champion and assist the industry work towards a more regenerative tourism system. We must transition to a lower carbon future and ensure that tourism benefits New Zealand communities.

What's your career background?
I’ve been involved in tourism and community development forever. I’ve enjoyed the balance of working on grass roots environmental and social projects as well as running tourism businesses.

What do you do for fun?
I love getting into the outdoors – skiing, biking and tramping. I’m also keen on hanging with friends and enjoy a good boogie on the dance floor

What’s one thing you’re doing in pursuit of sustainability?
I’m trying hard to reduce plastic packaging, but it’s so tricky at the supermarket! My current mission is creating new habits around refilling those good old glass jars.

Cheryl Whitfield

Digital Communications Specialist

DDI: 04 499 0104

Mobile: 021 195 7293

Email: cheryl.whitfield@tia.org.nz

What do you do at TIA?
Through our digital channels, I communicate TIA’s key messages to the industry, the government and our members. I'm also the guardian of the TIA brand.

What's your career background?
Before TIA, I was an Editor and Digital Communications Manager in the education sector. Prior to that I was a children’s book editor in the UK, proving my English Literature degree wasn't useless after all.

What do you do for fun?
I love horror movies, board games and making my own clothes. At the weekend I can be found scouring Wellington's op shops for a sustainable steal or hunting for the city's best vegetarian takeaway.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The ability to speak all languages, including animal. I'd make millions as a translator and could retire to the woods with my one-eyed cat Hex.

TIA Team

Thanks to our strategic partners