Grow Tourism is equipping a workforce with the skills, insights and knowledge to build New Zealand’s high value tourism future.
Our Team
The Grow Tourism team combines a powerful mix of pragmatic tourism business know-how with a background in learning, education, SaaS and tourism technology.
Meet the 2025 Grow Tourism Advisory Board
Our advisory board is made up of a talented cross-section of tourism and hospitality experts, mixing private and public sector know-how. Deeply passionate about nurturing a workforce who will power the future of the visitor economy, our board members are vital in enabling us to maximise the relevancy and impact of Grow Tourism.
Shayne Forrest
General Manager Tourism Hobbiton™ Movie Set
Shayne is General Manager Tourism at Hobbiton Movie Set and has a myriad of experience in developing and leading people and delivering award-winning customer experiences at scale.
Zac Watson
General Manager Maverick Digital
Zac is an accomplished tourism leader with experience spanning both private and public sector roles. Named as the Tourism Export Council’s Emerging Leader in 2022, Zac’s involvement in Grow Tourism stems from a desire to match premium tourism experiences with premium service standards.
Dr Guy Bate
Professional Teaching Fellow University of Auckland Business School
Guy is a Professional Teaching Fellow in Strategy and Innovation at the University of Auckland Business School, specialising in AI and advanced technology in education.
Lee Brown
Project Manager, Hospitality New Zealand
Lee Brown is a seasoned executive leader with over 25 years of diverse industry experience including large multinationals across Australia and New Zealand, family-owned enterprises, FMCG, manufacturing, and the vibrant world of hospitality.
Tori Burns
Owner/Director, Russell Orongo Bay Holiday Park
Tori Burns is Owner/Director at Russell Orongo Bay Holiday Park and has been recognised for her innovative approach and strong focus on sustainability, which lead to the operator being recognised as a finalist across a number of NZ Tourism awards in 2022.
Rick Crannitch
Cluster General Manager, Naumi Hotels Wellington
Rick is an experienced Hotelier who ended up being one of Melbourne’s youngest Hotel General Managers at the age of 29. Now the Cluster GM for Naumi Hotels Wellington, Rick leads a young, passionate team who are challenging the status quo with their take on modern luxury.
Eve Lawrence
Country General Manager, Intrepid DMC New Zealand
Eve Lawrence is Country General Manager at Intrepid DMC New Zealand and is both passionate about responsible travel and a fierce industry advocate.
The story of Grow Tourism
Our skills, passion and partnership were founded at the intersection of digital transformation and tourism. We’re deeply pragmatic about what it takes to build and sustain high value tourism businesses while moving actively into a bright future.
With deep roots in tourism – from clipping people into harnesses, guiding and hospitality through to working in and with Government agencies and Regional Tourism Organisations – we’ve been there.
In founding Grow Tourism, we have developed the High Value Tourism Growth Cycle based on our deep experience, broad consultation and insights from the heart of industry. We’ve identified the essential pillars that high value tourism businesses must embrace to deliver excellent Customer Experiences while building depth and momentum across People & Networks, Cultural Awareness, Sustainability and Future Legacy.
We’re focused, strategic, and motivated to drive the transformation needed to deliver powerful outcomes for industry.
