Hayden Porter
What do you do? I am a Tourism and Hospitality consultant and professional director for a number of Tourism based businesses in New Zealand and the Pacific.
What value do you bring to the Destination? More than 30 years’ experience in a wide variety of Tourism and hospitality-based businesses. The majority of which has been in CEO, General Management, and Director roles in hotels, destination management, hospitality venues and major events. I am a founding Director of Taupo Moana Group Holdings (a Tuwharetoa owned business) almost 10 years ago that now have a number of Tourism investments in the Taupo region, collectively one of the largest employers in Tourism in the Taupo region and continue to look for significant new opportunities in the region.
What do you love about Taupō? I love that Taupo has so much to do for the active person, there is really something here for everyone. The lake, the rivers, bike tracks, amazing walks and natural beauty of the region are a major drawcard. There is also high-quality hospitality options and a strong sense of Māori culture, as well as more slow paced things to do as well. I love the water so boating and fishing are passions of mine that thrive here.
Sandra Greenslade
What do you do? I’m a Taupō District Councillor for the Tūrangi-Tongariro ward, and I’m proud to serve on the Love Taupō Board. I’m strongly connected to our communities and passionate about ensuring that tourism works for our people as much as for our visitors.
What value do you bring to the destination? After spending 20 years living and working across the world I’ve brought that global perspective home I understand what travellers look for, what makes a place stand out, and how memorable visitor experiences are created
My focus is on showcasing the magic of Taupō, Tūrangi, and the Southern Lakes — from our landscapes to our people — and helping create memorable experiences for visitors while supporting the communities who welcome them. I help bridge those two worlds — bringing international insight, strategic thinking, and a community-first approach to strengthen how we tell the Taupō region’s story and how we welcome the world to it
What do you love about Taupō? I love that Taupō has a soul. It’s a place where the landscape takes your breath away one moment, and the people make you feel right at home the next.
From the quiet beauty of Tūrangi and the Tongariro River to the energy around the lake and the Southern Settlements, there’s a sense of connection here — to nature, to community, and to each other.
I love that you can step outside and feel part of something bigger: the mountains, the water, the forests, and the stories that shape this region. It’s a place that stays with you, long after you have left.
Tom Loughlin
What do you do? Tom is the founder and operator of Kai Waho, a Māori-led wilderness experience based in the Taupō district. He hosts bespoke, immersive journeys into the backcountry where guests learn traditional food-gathering practices, cook over fire, and connect deeply with the land through stories, tikanga and whakapapa. Tom also brings experience in managing Māori land blocks in the Kaimanawa–Ripia region, balancing conservation, access, and cultural values.
What value do you bring to the destination? Tom provides a strong cultural lens to destination leadership. His background in creating premium, nature-based visitor experiences gives him practical insight into what high-value travellers seek and how to deliver it authentically. He contributes expertise in kaitiakitanga, sustainable land use, and the integration of Māori perspectives into tourism development. His governance role helps ensure Taupō’s visitor strategy remains grounded in people, place, and long-term regional wellbeing.
What do you love about Taupō? Tom loves the depth of connection the region offers — from its remote backcountry and rivers to its volcanic landscapes rich in ancestral history. He values the community’s strong sense of manaakitanga and the opportunity to share meaningful, culturally rooted experiences with visitors who want to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the whenua.
Nathan Farmer
What do you do? Nathan is an insights and strategy specialist and a Partner at One Picture Group. With more than 20 years’ research experience, he brings a deep understanding of the tourism sector—both domestically and across international inbound travel. He has worked closely with RTOs, airports and central government, providing visitor-led perspectives that inform market development, destination strategy and brand storytelling.
What value do you bring to the destination? Nathan’s focus is on translating visitor insights into strategies that drive sustainable growth. His experience across industry and government helps ensure Taupō is positioned strongly in both national and international contexts.
What do you love about Taupō? Living locally, Nathan is inspired by the region’s natural beauty, cultural richness and strong sense of community. “Whether I’m digging into visitor trends or simply biking, running or swimming in this epic environment, Taupō never fails to make me feel alive—and I feel privileged to contribute to its sustainable future.”
Victoria Carter ONZM
What do you do? A creative, experienced, and values-driven director with a strong track record across public and private companies, crown entities, trusts, and major charitable organisations. Victoria brings deep expertise in strategy, customer growth, sustainability, and governance. She was made a Fellow of the Institute of Directors in 2014 and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Victoria founded Cityhop - NZ’s first car share company; led the revival of the Auckland Arts Festival, and has deep tourism experience having owned a CBD hotel and been on the board of JUCY.
What do you love about Taupō? so many happy holiday memories all around the Lake, and more to make!
Michele Teague
What do you do? An experienced director across public, private, and not-for-profit boards, with expertise in Audit, Risk, and Remuneration committees. A member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, with a strong corporate background in NZ and Australia. Brings deep knowledge of customer strategy, brand development, and digital to help businesses become more customer centric.
What do you love about Taupō? It’s like the beating heart of the North Island. The scale of the lake, the beauty of the whenua.
