TIA Governance

Geoff is currently CEO of the Skyline Enterprises Group which has a range of business interests across tourism, outdoor attractions, and adventure activities in New Zealand and a range of offshore locations including, Canada, Korea, and Singapore and a member of the NZ Institute of Company Directors and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Directors. He has held board and subcommittee chair roles with both the NZ and Australian Medicines industry sector. 

Until July 2021, Kristin was Chief Executive of a regional Destination Management & Marketing Organisation and has first-hand experience in leading, transforming and marketing a destination. She is an experienced tourism practitioner with strengths in destination strategy, regeneration, community engagement, indigenous partnerships, crisis management and insight-led destination marketing.

Kristin is a certified company director. She is a strategic and critical thinker, thought leader, robust decision maker, and influential communicator with strong sector relationships across Aotearoa and internationally. 

Scott is on the executive leadership team at Auckland Airport and has been with the company for nine years. Scott is responsible for Auckland Airport’s customer, aeronautical commercial and marketing teams, focusing on customer experience, marketing and sustainably growing airline capacity and network connectivity.

Scott leads Auckland Airport’s engagement with the tourism sector and tourism policy, which included co-chairing the Tourism Sector Group as part of the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum for several years.

Scott has more than 20 years’ experience in the travel industry, both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and has held a number of roles in airline sales, marketing and management with Emirates and Lufthansa. Prior to joining Auckland Airport, Scott held leadership positions in the travel insurance industry with Cover-More Travel Insurance and the Healix Assistance Group 

Callum was appointed Chief Operating Officer New Zealand of SkyCity in February 2021 and has operating responsibility for SkyCity’s New Zealand businesses, including the day-to-day operations of SkyCity Auckland.

Callum has significant gaming and hospitality experience having held a number of senior roles at SkyCity since joining in 2009, including as General Manager of SkyCity Darwin, General Manager SkyCity Auckland Hotels, Convention Centre and Sky Tower, and Executive General Manager of Hospitality for SkyCity Auckland.

Prior to joining SkyCity, Callum held numerous senior leadership roles across the hospitality, retail and financial investment sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Victoria University of Wellington, and has completed studies with Cornell University, The London Business School and the University of Nevada. 

Since November 2022, Jake has been Director of Museum and Commercial Services at Te Papa Tongarewa. Jake leads the directorate responsible for Venues, Visitor Services, Sales & Commercial Business, Te Papa Stores and Event Operations.  
Prior to this Jake was Head of Tourism at Wētā Workshop for eight years, a role which encompassed all aspects of strategy and management: from sales, marketing and product development, through to operational delivery, leading and managing teams.

Jake’s governance experience began in 2007 when he was appointed Director of the Falkland Islands’ Development Corporation, and General Manager of the Tourism Board. Jake has also held governance roles at i-SITE New Zealand, BEIA and recently Tourism Export Council. 

Deryck brings extensive skills, experience and a long-term commitment to the NZ tourism industry.  Currently he is Chair of Te Puia, director of Waitangi Ltd, Waimangu Volcanic Valley and NZ Holiday Parks Association.

As the owner and operator of five holiday parks, he understands the pressures that businesses currently face and future opportunities for them.

Deryck’s governance experience includes current and former roles in education, health, forestry, wood processing, sports, community and disabilities.  He has also mentored many people in governance and business.

He is a keen supporter of sustainability as one of the founders of the Rotorua Sustainable Charter over 25 years ago and understands the importance of community in tourism through his role as a volunteer organiser of the Rotorua Walking Festival for over 30 years. 

James Doolan is strategic director of Hotel Council Aotearoa, an industry body that advocates on behalf of New Zealand hotels and hoteliers.  James returned home to New Zealand with his family in December 2018, following 13 years in Hong Kong where his final role was Regional Vice President of Hotel Development for Marriott International.

James was lead executive responsible for securing new hotel franchise and management contracts in Thailand, New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific for all Marriott International group brands including Bulgari, Ritz-Carlton, W Hotels & Resorts, Marriott, Sheraton, Westin and Courtyard.   He also worked on hotel development projects in other Asian locations, including Vietnam, Hong Kong, Korean, Macau and Japan.

Prior to becoming a hospitality industry executive, James practiced as a corporate/commercial lawyer with Norton Rose (Hong Kong) and Bell Gully (Auckland), focusing on off-market mergers & acquisitions and complex contract negotiations.

James holds BCom/LLB degrees from the University of Auckland.  He is a member of the Institute of Directors and is actively involved in Auckland’s Ice Angels group, which invests in New Zealand start-ups.  James provides strategic advice on hotel development projects through his own consultancy, Fantail Advisory.

Matt started with thl in April 2010 as Commercial Operations Manager and progressed through to the role of National Operation Manager for NZ Rentals in January 2012. In August 2013 Matt moved across to Melbourne as GM Australia and led the Australian Operations team. Matt was Vice President of El Monte RV from July 2017 prior to returning to NZ and taking up the position of GM NZ Operations from April 2018 through to September 2020 when Matt moved to COO NZ position overseeing all NZ operations including the tourism businesses.

Matt’s background includes a number of operation management roles within the SkyCity Group in New Zealand and financial analyst roles within the Gaming industry in London. Matt holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Auckland University.

Andrew is the Chief Executive of RotoruaNZ, the Regional Tourism Organisation and Economic Development Agency for the Rotorua district, and also serves as the Chair of Regional Tourism New Zealand (RTNZ).

Andrew has spent much of his career working across diverse sectors, advising local and central government, and supporting small to large scale businesses. His role at RotoruaNZ puts him at the forefront of destination management and economic development in Rotorua, focusing on unlocking the city’s potential through partnership and innovative thinking.

Andrew enjoys navigating complex issues in order to create impact and effect positive change. His career has been driven by his enthusiasm to strengthen connection between people and place by forging meaningful partnerships with iwi, government, public and private stakeholders and the wider community.

Hannah Ballantyne joined RealNZ in 2016 and was appointed into the CFO role in 2017. RealNZ operates tourism experiences in Fiordland, Rakiura and Queenstown as well as Ski operations at Cardrona and Treble Cone.

Hannah has led various operational and commercial functions at RealNZ including finance, legal, logistics, asset management, maritime operations, technology and procurement.

Prior to RealNZ, Hannah spent 10 years abroad in Australia and London in senior finance roles with global consumer brands Apple and Burberry as well as two years with Heathrow Airport.

Hannah holds a BCom (hons) and a BA from the University of Otago, is a qualified chartered accountant with CAANZ and is a member of the Institute of Directors. 

Anna is an executive director of a successful family-run inbound tour operator that has continued to change and adapt over the 50 years they have been in business.

Anna has been in the business for 19 years and served on the TIA Board for 3 years and the TECNZ board for 12 years.

Nicole has over 10 years’ experience in the tourism sector. She has volunteered her time on the BYATA Board, as a co-opted TEC Board Member, as part of the Tourism Futures Taskforce Advisory Group, and held the position of chair of YoungTEC for two years. She was a 2021 Emerging Leader finalist at the New Zealand Tourism Awards.

Nicole believes clever digital solutions can help shape a more sustainable future for our industry and its people. 

Ngati Raukawa, Te Ati Awa and Ngati Toarangatira

John Barrett is the managing director and founder of Kapiti Island Nature Tours and Nature Lodge, a family operated, multi award-winning tourism business located on one of New Zealand’s premier nature reserves, Kapiti Island. The business is strongly focused on developing whanau (family) hapu and Iwi (tribal group) members into tourism work that is meaningful financially, culturally, environmentally and socially.

He has 40+ years of management and governance experience in a range of private and public organisations and enterprises.

Not surprisingly, John’s interests (when time away from whānau and the whānau business permits) are: nature based tourism, Māori and international indigenous tourism development, local/regional economic development, indigenous higher education and conservation practice and education. 

René de Monchy joined Tourism New Zealand in August 2015 bringing 20 years' global experience in consumer-led businesses including local and international marketing roles for Fonterra and Heineken and Asia Pacific Breweries in Singapore.

René was appointed Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand in April 2021. Before this, René was Tourism New Zealand's Director Commercial. In this role René led a team across 15 offices in 14 countries responsible for identifying key markets and audiences to target for travel to New Zealand. René also led the development of Tourism New Zealand's Aviation Strategy to guide partnerships with international airlines including establishing Memorandum of Understandings with major airlines including Air New Zealand. 

Tansy has over 25 years’ experience in the tourism industry including hotel management, travel agencies, major event companies, cruise lines, and as Global Trade Marketing Manager at Tourism New Zealand. She is currently the Chief Executive of Wellington Cable Car, a business that welcomes over one million passengers a year. This hands-on tourism experience, both domestic and international, has given her a deep understanding of industry mechanics and market dynamics, and how the tourism sector operates at a strategic level.  In addition to her management experience Tansy also has extensive governance experience. She is currently Chair of the NZ Cruise Association, and a member of the Institute of Directors.

Tansy grew up with a love of the outdoors, sports, and travel. These passions have seen her work in and visit over 70 countries, giving her both an appreciation of different cultures, and a curiosity for what makes the world tick. Her happy place is inspiring and empowering others to facilitate both the achievement of organisational objectives, and the personal growth and well-being of employees and operators.

Gavin Oliver is a co-founder and Managing Director of EcoZip Adventures, a multi-award-winning adventure and eco-tourism business operating on Waiheke Island and in Kaikōura.

Since launching EcoZip in 2012, EcoZip has grown into one of New Zealand’s leading adventure and nature-based attractions, welcoming visitors from around the world, while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and community engagement.

Gavin has worked in New Zealand’s tourism industry for nearly two decades. Prior to establishing EcoZip, he held senior roles in travel and leisure businesses in both New Zealand and internationally. Drawing on this breadth of experience, Gavin understands, first-hand, the opportunities and challenges facing tourism operators of all sizes.

As an owner-operator himself, Gavin is passionate about giving a stronger voice to small and medium-sized businesses within the sector. With a commitment to sustainable tourism, innovation, and collaboration, Gavin brings practical insight, proven leadership, and a genuine desire to help all tourism businesses, large and small, thrive. 

Until July 2021, Kristin was Chief Executive of a regional Destination Management & Marketing Organisation and has first-hand experience in leading, transforming and marketing a destination. She is an experienced tourism practitioner with strengths in destination strategy, regeneration, community engagement, indigenous partnerships, crisis management and insight-led destination marketing.

Kristin is a certified company director. She is a strategic and critical thinker, thought leader, robust decision maker, and influential communicator with strong sector relationships across Aotearoa and internationally. 

Geoff is currently CEO of the Skyline Enterprises Group which has a range of business interests across tourism, outdoor attractions, and adventure activities in New Zealand and a range of offshore locations including, Canada, Korea, and Singapore and a member of the NZ Institute of Company Directors and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Directors. He has held board and subcommittee chair roles with both the NZ and Australian Medicines industry sector.

Since November 2022, Jake has been Director of Museum and Commercial Services at Te Papa Tongarewa. Jake leads the directorate responsible for Venues, Visitor Services, Sales & Commercial Business, Te Papa Stores and Event Operations.

Prior to this Jake was Head of Tourism at Wētā Workshop for eight years, a role which encompassed all aspects of strategy and management: from sales, marketing and product development, through to operational delivery, leading and managing teams.

Jake’s governance experience began in 2007 when he was appointed Director of the Falkland Islands’ Development Corporation, and General Manager of the Tourism Board. Jake has also held governance roles at i-SITE New Zealand, BEIA and recently Tourism Export Council.

Deryck brings extensive skills, experience and a long-term commitment to the NZ tourism industry.  Currently he is Chair of Te Puia, director of Waitangi Ltd, Waimangu Volcanic Valley and NZ Holiday Parks Association.

As the owner and operator of five holiday parks, he understands the pressures that businesses currently face and future opportunities for them.

Deryck’s governance experience includes current and former roles in education, health, forestry, wood processing, sports, community and disabilities.  He has also mentored many people in governance and business.

He is a keen supporter of sustainability as one of the founders of the Rotorua Sustainable Charter over 25 years ago and understands the importance of community in tourism through his role as a volunteer organiser of the Rotorua Walking Festival for over 30 years. 

James Doolan is strategic director of Hotel Council Aotearoa, an industry body that advocates on behalf of New Zealand hotels and hoteliers.  James returned home to New Zealand with his family in December 2018, following 13 years in Hong Kong where his final role was Regional Vice President of Hotel Development for Marriott International.

James was lead executive responsible for securing new hotel franchise and management contracts in Thailand, New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific for all Marriott International group brands including Bulgari, Ritz-Carlton, W Hotels & Resorts, Marriott, Sheraton, Westin and Courtyard.   He also worked on hotel development projects in other Asian locations, including Vietnam, Hong Kong, Korean, Macau and Japan.

Prior to becoming a hospitality industry executive, James practiced as a corporate/commercial lawyer with Norton Rose (Hong Kong) and Bell Gully (Auckland), focusing on off-market mergers & acquisitions and complex contract negotiations.

James holds BCom/LLB degrees from the University of Auckland.  He is a member of the Institute of Directors and is actively involved in Auckland’s Ice Angels group, which invests in New Zealand start-ups.  James provides strategic advice on hotel development projects through his own consultancy, Fantail Advisory. 

Hannah Ballantyne joined RealNZ in 2016 and was appointed into the CFO role in 2017. RealNZ operates tourism experiences in Fiordland, Rakiura and Queenstown as well as Ski operations at Cardrona and Treble Cone.

Hannah has led various operational and commercial functions at RealNZ including finance, legal, logistics, asset management, maritime operations, technology and procurement.

Prior to RealNZ, Hannah spent 10 years abroad in Australia and London in senior finance roles with global consumer brands Apple and Burberry as well as two years with Heathrow Airport.

Hannah holds a BCom (hons) and a BA from the University of Otago, is a qualified chartered accountant with CAANZ and is a member of the Institute of Directors.