What opportunities do you see in 2026?
Expansion and growth are front of mind. We’re in a strong position to scale, with real potential to expand our domestic offerings and build experiences that develop our team’s capabilities. Travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful, small-group adventures – and that’s exactly what we deliver.
How are you using AI to change your business?
AI is central to our growth strategy. We’re using it to optimise tour scheduling and make our data analytics more actionable. It’s about working smarter – freeing our team to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional travel experiences. You’ll see a significant uplift in our AI capabilities throughout 2026.
What will be the key election issue in 2026 and why?
Like most Kiwis and businesses, we want stability. We’ve made hard-won progress on recovery – now we need to maintain that momentum without unnecessary disruption.
How do you think the New Zealand economy will perform in 2026?
I’m optimistic about continued recovery, with tourism playing a critical role. The sector’s resilience has been proven and there’s a strong appetite for what New Zealand offers, both domestically and internationally.
What’s the worst mistake you’ve made in business and what did you learn from it?
I wouldn’t frame them as mistakes, but I’ve certainly had my share of learning moments. The key is maintaining a growth mindset – being willing to acknowledge when something hasn’t worked and adjusting course quickly. That humility and adaptability have been invaluable.
What would you rate as your greatest success?
Prioritising family above everything else. At the end of the day, when the wins and losses of business fade, it’s your family who remain your biggest advocates and supporters. Getting that balance right is what true success looks like.
Where and how are you holidaying this summer?
I’m relatively new to the role, so I’ll be in Auckland supporting the team through what will be an incredibly busy summer season. There’s nowhere I’d rather be – seeing our tours come to life is its own reward.
What would you recommend as a good book/podcast to read/listen to during summer?
What a Lad podcast. It’s entertaining but substantive – great insights from New Zealand sports stars on their journeys to success. Easy listening with plenty of takeaways.
Tom Raynel is a multimedia business journalist for the Herald covering small business, retail and tourism.
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