Our Tour Managers
Unlike many other tour operators, we don’t just put you on a coach with a driver. Our professional staff are passionate about our country and trained in all aspects of tour management to ensure your group have enjoyable, informative trip. Our people are capable, energetic and work hard to deliver an educational and cultural programme in a fun and informal way.
Aidan Callaghan
Aidan is a gifted and natural leader with a wide range of abilities, including managing to combine IT skills with people skills. He’s played rugby in the United States, trained as a chef in the army, has a degree in IT, and has trained as a teacher. Aidan’s tours are never dull and his catering is delicious.
Hayley Hikairo
Hayley grew up in the Bay of Plenty region and spent 6 years overseas, living in London and Canada. Having returned to her hometown, she is now teaching Year 4 students and enjoying the kiwi lifestyle. Hayley is a keen snowboarder and enjoys the fun and adventure of NZET tours.
Janey Stevenson
Janey is a vibrant and happy tour leader with experience in all group types and sound knowledge of NZ. A trained teacher, Janey is now involved with teaching enviromental awareness in the Bay of Plenty region.
Johnny Hedley
Johnny hails from England and absolutely loves New Zealand culture and the breathtaking natural scenery. A world traveler and keen surfer, Johnny never gets bored of seeing new places and meeting new people.
Working for NZET gives Johnny the opportunity to work with people of many nationalities and cultures who come together to gain knowledge of, and have fun in, this beautiful country. He enjoys being involved with people who extend themselves and supporting them in meeting their challenges. Johnny is passionate about what he does, particularly when it involves having so much fun.
Michelle Tawharu
Former weight-lifter Michelle is a powerhouse of strength and loves working out at the gym. Firm but fair, she is a trained teacher and speaks fluent German. With NZET since 1999, Michelle’s experience and energy ensures her tours have a “ferntastic” time.
Sarah Holland
Sarah is an enthusiastic tour manager who enjoys getting to know her students and encouraging them to push their boundaries whilst on tour.
An adventure seeker, Sarah spent time teaching horse riding in the States, is a trained scuba diver and loves snowboarding. She now lives in her home town of Auckland, where she teaches year 8 students.
Stefan Barsanti
A trained pysical education teacher, Stefan grew up in Paraparaumu Beach on Wellington's Kapiti Coast, and is now based on Waiheke Island. Stefan is an active sports person who enjoys a variety of activities including surfing, rugby league and cricket. He has become popular with both travellers and drivers and has built up a good rapport with the activity operators on our tours.
Tony Lemalie
Tony is a unique leader who is proud of his New Zaland and Maori heritage. He offers an unforgettable cultural experience with his passion for Maori dance and music. A former NZ Golden Gloves boxing champion and age-grade Bay of Plenty Rugby Representative, Tony understands the hard work that goes into a successful and memorable NZET tour.
Vanessa Harmens
A traveller at heart, Vanessa has been abroad for 9 years and understands the importance of happy travellers. Full of life and energy, Vanessa enjoys an outdoor lifestyle and creates a fun and adventurous atmosphere on tour. On top of being a Tour Manager, Vanessa is also our NZET Marketing & Operations Manager.
