TIA Team

Rebecca Ingram

Chief Executive

Rebecca Ingram joined TIA as Chief Executive in March 2022, bringing with her over 20 years of experience across tourism, marketing, event management, advocacy and stakeholder relations.

Rebecca describes herself as ‘tourism’s biggest champion’ and is passionate about supporting the industry to build its resilience and impact through economic, social, environmental and cultural contributions to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Through her strong network with key decision makers and relationships into government, she successfully advocates on behalf of the industry. As the driving force being the development of Tourism 2050 – a Blueprint for Impact, she has helped to establish a clear strategy for the industry, articulating a shared mission and vision, and clearly conveying the industry’s ambitions for the future and plan to get there.

Before TIA she was General Manager of New Zealand and Government Relations at Tourism New Zealand (TNZ). Other roles included leading a global Tourism NZ promotional team across 10 markets, and leading complex transformation at Telecom (now Spark) and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand.

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.

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.

Adam Barker

Executive Assistant and Governance Secretariat

What do you do at TIA?
I support the Chief Executive and leadership team, provide secretariat service for the Board, and deliver a range of governance activities.

What's your career background?
I worked in various governance roles in the UK, particularly within the co-operative movement. Before that I had worked in hospitality, customer service and a long list of other random roles!

What do you do for fun?
I love getting outdoors running, swimming, hiking, playing disc golf. I also like to be creative and curious, drawing, songwriting and listening to podcasts.

What's one thing every visitor to New Zealand should do?
For me you can’t beat a good road trip. There’s so much to find round every corner so take some time, hit the road, and get exploring!

Ashika Young

HR Manager (Parental Leave Cover)

Email: ashika.young@tia.org.nz

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

What's your career background?
I studied HR at Victoria University and have a generalist HR advisory background working across all things people and culture! I started out working in the Public Sector in Wellington before heading on my O.E where I worked for a utility company in the UK. Since my return home to Aotearoa, I’ve worked with smaller organisations in the transport and sports industries. I am passionate about workplace culture, continuous improvement and diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

What do you do for fun?
I love to get out for a walk most days and listen to a good podcast or audiobook, I also enjoy yoga and have recently learned to sew. My other loves include travelling and good food so you will often catch me planning/dreaming about my next trip or trying out a new restaurant or recipe!

Do you have any pets or fur babies?
I have two rescue cats – Luna and Poppy! They are super snuggly and affectionate and I love watching what they get up to. They aren’t related but had the same foster family a year apart and act like real sisters!

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.

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.

Frances Penfold

Stakeholder Engagement Manager

What do you do at TIA?
As the Stakeholder Engagement Manager, I work closely with our adventure tourism and conservation members, supporting them with industry insights, guidance, and solutions to challenges they may face. My role involves building strong relationships, facilitating conversations, and ensuring members have access to the information and support they need.

What's your career background?
I started my career as a travel agent, gaining valuable insight into the tourism industry and a strong appreciation for customer service. From there, I moved into the design and advertising industry, working as an Account Director to manage projects, collaborate with clients, and deliver creative solutions.
Now, I’m pleased to be back in the tourism sector, working closely with our members to support their businesses and navigate industry challenges. It’s great to reconnect with this space and contribute in a meaningful way.

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially walking my dog through the bush. Weekends are often spent in Greytown, visiting Martinborough’s wineries and making the most of the area.
Family time is also important to me, whether it’s relaxing at home or exploring new places together.

What's one thing every visitor to NZ should do?
Hike at least one Great Walk and/or spend an afternoon at a Martinborough, Hawke's Bay or Central Otago winery.

Gisela Purcell

Sustainability Manager

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.

Helen Foo

Membership Coordinator

What do you do at TIA?
As Membership Coordinator, I am the first point of contact for membership-related enquiries and requests. I also ensure our membership processes are streamlined, maintain data integrity within our IT systems and provide general support for the wider Membership and Advocacy Team and our wonderful Tourism Sustainability Commitment programme.

What's your career background?
My previous roles have included working for an inbound travel operator, a travel software company and I stepped away from tourism for a public sector role before returning to my tourism roots at TIA.

What do you do for fun?
Fun these days mostly revolves around small person appropriate activities; we mostly go for bike rides on our local cycle trails and bush and beach walks. Limited but dedicated 'me time' includes planting and maintaining our native garden, going to Qigong class and running my local 5km Park Run at 8am on Saturday morning!

What's one thing every visitor to New Zealand should do?
There is so much to see and do in Taranaki and the mountain is spectacular. Pukekura Park, particularly when the Festival of Lights is on, walking or biking the Coastal Walkway, doing a day walk at Mt Taranaki and a sunset climb up Paritutu Rock are must dos. Also, in my opinion, Fitzroy is home to the best mince and cheese pie in the country!

Laura Cornall

Member Advocate

Email: laura.cornall@tia.org.nz

What do you do at TIA?
As the Member Advocate I work at the front line of TIA, dealing with members (mainly tourism businesses and service providers), identifying and facilitating solutions for members issues, and supplying information and advice.

What's your career background?
My background in Tourism began when I studied for my bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management at Lincoln University. Since then, I have worked in Education and Sports Travel and for Air New Zealand where I held various positions in sales. More recently I was the Business Development Executive for Go with Tourism. In this role I developed key partnerships with RTO’s and Tourism and Hospitality businesses throughout NZ to help maximise Go With Tourism’s impact.

What do you do for fun?
In my spare time I like to (try) play golf, catch up with friends over some delicious food and walk along Takapuna beach on a sunny day. I also love to travel and explore new destinations and cultures around the world.

What’s your favourite place in New Zealand?
My favourite part of New Zealand is the West Coast of the South Island. Totally biased as I was born and raised in Greymouth! The rugged coastline is spectacular on a sunny or even a stormy day and you obviously can’t beat a West Coast sunset.

Megan Sherborne

Engagement & Partnerships Coordinator

What do you do at TIA?
I provide administration and coordination support for the engagement and partnerships 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.

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.

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.

Tania Rook

TRENZ Manager

DDI: 04 595 4914

Email: tania.rook@tia.org.nz

What do you do at TIA?
I manage TRENZ, New Zealand’s largest international tourism business event and most important event of the year on the tourism events calendar.

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!

Vlad Hartopeanu

Digital Communications Specialist

Email: vlad.hartopeanu@tia.org.nz

What do you do at TIA?
I am responsible for all digital communications and managing TIA's social channels. My role is also responsible for web optimisation and data analytics across six websites that TIA manages.

What's your career background?
I have worked in a variety of communications roles such as Marketing Manager and Marketing Coordinator across several industries including property, entertainment, and film.

What do you do for fun?
I love to get out for a hike and be among birdsong! I also enjoy creative writing as a fun way to get all of my ideas out into a tangible form.

Would you rather sing or dance in front of a crowd?
Both - I don't know why I haven't been signed to a label yet.

TIA Team

Rebecca Ingram

Greg Thomas

Chris McGeown

Adam Barker

Ashika Young

Brooke Tomoana

Bruce Bassett

Frances Penfold

Gisela Purcell

Helen Foo

Laura Cornall

Megan Sherborne

Melissa Pollard

Shelley Lancaster

Tania Rook

Vlad Hartopeanu

Thanks to our Strategic Partners

Westpac

Thanks to our Strategic Partners

Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust

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