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.
George Beckley
George is committed to travel and new experiences. Originally from the UK, George travelled extensively in Europe before boarding a yacht and sailing to New Zealand.
A secondary school teacher new residing in Wellington, George is a keen sportsman who enjoys getting outside, facing new challenges and meeting people. What better way to do that than on an NZET tour?!
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.
Jade Love
Jade is a passionate and enthusiastic person who lives for traveling, performing arts and doing something different. She has recently completed a three year Degree in Tourism Management, and understands the importance of creating an amazing and memorable time for others to experience. Jade has participated in several tours through europe during her year abroad working in a performing arts boarding school in England. She enjoys meeting new people, and knows that the encouragement of people, culture and organization whilst on tour makes for an awesome encounter.
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.
Julie Andersen
Julie is from the beautiful city of Tauranga where she currently lives. She spent 6 years living in London travelling and teaching and now teaches at a country school looking after 10 and 11 year olds. Julie loves the adventure of being on tour and meeting students from all over the globe. It reminds her of her own travels and inspires her to visit new places. Julie looks forward to being on tour and facing some of her fears while encouraging others to face theirs.
Lee Steer
Lee was born and raised in sunny Nelson, New Zealand. He graduated with a bachelor of teaching and taught in both New Zealand and Australia. He was then awarded the position of principal of Mutijulu School (a remote aboriginal school in the Northern Territory). and was nominated for teacher of the year in 2006. Lee then found a balance between an exciting career, further enhancing his skills and seeing more of the world when he joined P&O Cruises in 2007. Now he wants to show you around his beautiful country.
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.
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.
