House
Proud - J U LY 2 0 1 8 I S S U E -
IN THIS ISSUE:
with Carol Sutton H OT M ATA M ATA
• REGIONAL ROUNDUP
• S TA F F U P D AT E S
• FAMIL S
• C E L E B R AT I O N S
NEWS H O U S E O F T R AV E L P L A C E D A S 6T H B E S T E M P L OY E R AT R A N D S TA D AWA R D S
MOD’S FOREWORD As I always tend to say at this time of the year it’s amazing to think we are half way through 2018 already! I hope many of you have had a chance to have a break with your friends and families either before, during or after the school holidays as by now we tend to need it. 2018 continues to be a strong year for the group with many success stories up and down the country. Especially pleasing to see how well Hobsonville is connecting with its customers and the local community, Kerikeri has continued growth, and the flash new look at HOT Taupo too. I am looking forward to a visit with HOT Blenheim later this year as its one of the few stores I haven’t been to. Cruise sales have certainly been a fantastic highlight for the year so far and we still have Cruise month to come! Probably the most pleasing result for me has been the growth in
our Australian passenger numbers and overall sales. This remains the biggest destination for Kiwi’s and we need to keep focussed on it. Orbit World Travel is having another great year with record results again across many of the partnerships already. All this means our teams in Land, Air, IT, Finance, Retail, HR and Marketing have all been incredibly busy too. Thanks again for the huge effort that you all put in to make sure our customers do get the best holidays possible and travel that inspires as well. Hope you all enjoy this update. Travel Safe MOD
The Retail team has been hard at work building on our already fantastic employment brand. They have created a Facebook Careers page which can be followed by searching ‘House of Travel Careers’. The website has had a fabulous refresh thanks to the Online team and the House of Travel LinkedIn page is now actively managed with engaging content. A true reflection of this hard work was HOTs sixth placing at the Randstad NZ Employment Brand Awards 2018. Jayne Thornley shares her thoughts on our recent win at the Randstad Awards:
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We are beyond thrilled that House of Travel has placed sixth in the annual Randstad Awards which recognises the most attractive employers in New Zealand. House of Travel has been consistently named in the top 20 employers since the awards began which is quite the achievement! This year’s result is the highest we have ranked and is testament to the hard work the team has put in to develop the overarching employment brand strategy which aims to educate and support current and prospective employees. Our employees all over the country play an integral part of the business, and our customers holidays and overall high satisfaction ratings would not be possible without them. Since the very beginning House of Travel has been built on a set of values that we all believe in; including a sense of fun, being customer obsessed, and having pride in everything that we do. These values are evident through all of our stores across the country, as well as in the Auckland and Christchurch offices, which are then spread out to the wider community to uphold our strong reputation as one of the best travel agencies in New Zealand.
Here is a full list of NZ winners: 1. Air New Zealand 2. Department of Conservation 3. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment 4. Healthcare of New Zealand 5. TVNZ 6. House of Travel 7. Deloitte 8. AUT University 9. New Zealand Customs Service 10. Flight Centre New Zealand
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11. Coca-Cola Amatil 12. Massey University 13. University of Otago 14. New Zealand Police 15. Ara Institute 16. Department of Internal Affairs 17. Fonterra 18. Victoria University of Wellington 19. Ministry of Education 20. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels
H O S T E D J O U R N E YS – W H AT E X A C T LY I S I T ? It’s an opportunity to share a destination with like-minded people in a group environment around the world in a cruise setting. Each of our 2019 departures has a ‘host’, to guide and assist people throughout the destination. People ask, so what does a host actually do? They help with anything and everything from local knowledge of the area, assistance with customs and tipping, to helping guests get through some of the world’s busiest airports. We’re there to ensure the passengers don’t get overwhelmed by some of the challenges of global travel. Flights are included and accommodation is a range of 4-star properties in great locations. There are meals included, plus the opportunity to explore some of the local establishments. Cruises include meals, transfers, entertainment on-board, activities plus also allow flexibility on shore to explore the region on a personal level.
‘Hosted’ is a hassle-free option, travelling with similar minded Kiwis and guided by your host, who have all the insider’s information. All departures are guaranteed to operate which provides clients surety on their travel dates. Plus, they can extend their stay in any of the destinations if they wish. With a full 10% commission on the package price they are also an easy sell. If you have any questions about the departures, HOT Cruises have a Groups consultant - Hayley Ngametua. Brochures can be sourced from Brochurenet. One of the most productive ways to promote Hosted Journeys is to hold an evening with your clients including with local clubs and societies. Contact Ann Mellor for any local events and initiatives. We’re here to help you secure clients on our Hosted Journeys. All departures are guaranteed to go!
For next year, we have Hosted Cruise Journeys in Europe (the Med, the Baltics and on the European Rivers), plus India and Canada/Alaska. There are five departures from May 2019 up to 24 days in length. To promote the programme we’ve released a 24-page brochure for the 2019 programme and we have three hosts – Ann Mellor, Lee from HOT Orewa and Nick Simich, a retired pilot.
PA R T N E R S H I P W E E K E N D I N H A WA I I In May, we had 60 HOT Owner Operators from all over the country in beautiful Hawai‘i, working together on strategy and growth opportunities for the HOT business. Whilst it sounds exotic, they were hard at work with two all-day meetings held at the Hilton Waikiki Beach where strategy was discussed for HOT cruises, HOT Hosted Journeys, along with updates on data protection, eCommerce and digital.
IN THIS ISSUE:
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03 NEWS
0 8 S TA F F U P D AT E S
04 REGIONAL ROUNDUP
09 WORK ANNIVERSARIES
0 5 G I V I N G B A C K TO T H E C O M M U N I T Y
1 0 FA M I L S
0 6 B I R T H D AYS
1 2 H OT S H OT S
07 BET TER PRACTICE
1 4 C E L E B R AT I O N S
Cover photo by Carol Sutton / Page 2 photo by Jens Kreuter on Unsplash.
Some of HOT’s preferred suppliers also addressed the conference with key updates and strategy. A highlight of the two days was taking time to launch a sample of our leadership programme - hosted by Nicky Sinclair from the Development Foundation - with a focus on change management, which generated great conversation and high energy.
up with friends old and new. They enjoyed a fabulous rooftop cocktail function at the brand new Alohilani Resort (where they also stayed), a Diamond Head luau and another rooftop function at The Modern complete with Friday night fireworks!
But do not fear for your leaders, they also took some time to celebrate partnerships and catch
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REGIONAL ROUNDUP M AST E RTO N B A L L O O N F E S T I VA L
H OT B O P ’S G R E AT E S C A P E
HOT Masterton were once again sponsors of the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival held throughout the picturesque Wairarapa.
The Mount, Taurange and Papamoa teams had a great night out with their new team members at the Escape Rooms. For a bunch of clever travel agents who consider themselves great at thinking outside the box, many met their match doing this! It was lots of fun with loads of laughs and a great night was had by all. If you want to try something new with your team, give it a go!
The 5-day region-wide event sees competitions and sky-high spectacles which draws over a thousand people to the area every year.
G I V I N G BAC K TO T H E C O M M U N I T Y
WA N G A N U I CRUISE EXPO The HOT Wanganui team held a very successful cruise expo on Wednesday 13 June with over 70 people attending. Utilising an empty space a few doors down from their store worked really well!
HASTINGS ANNUAL STREET HOSPICE COLLECTION HOTTIES Donna, Steve and Colleen helped paint the streets of Hawke’s Bay orange – collecting for Cranford Hospice. Their annual appeal raised an amazing $27,500 from donations!! That is $10,000 more than last year – what an amazing job Hawke’s Bay!
AROHANUI HOSPICE S U P P O R T E D BY B R O A D WAY The team at House of Travel Broadway bared their legs for a bit of fun to raise money for Arohanui Hospice.
C H R I STC H U RC H H OT M I X E R The HOT Christchurch stores held one of their regular get togethers on 27 June to share a few stories and catch up.
H O T R O T O R U A’ S MID-WINTER C H R I S T M A S G E TA W AY
J AY N E FOUND IN NEW P LY M O U T H Jayne Thornley visited the New Plymouth store, getting a consultant’s point of view. Guest appearance - for a limited time only.
A fun and slightly competitive quiz was held with the evening hosted by The Travel Corporation. TTC also presented a few prizes for performance in Christchurch YTD: HOT Barrington team scooped most Improved store for Uniworld; Contiki; Trafalgar and AAT Kings (photo) HOT Ferrymead – most improved Costsaver HOT Merivale – most improved Luxury Gold HOT Northlands – top overall We love TTC’s commitment to the environment – each prize winner got a lovely pot plant last night to remind us that for every customer that opts for e-docs, they are planting a tree in the Amazon or California. Such a great idea!
In June, the Rotorua team and partners celebrated a mid-winter Xmas with a night over at the Mount. Saturday afternoon started with teamwork, logic and patience being sorely tested at the Escape Rooms Tauranga. An evening dinner was enjoyed at Dui Thai Restaurant at the Mount (great recommendation - thank you Shane). A brave few rose early Sunday morning to climb the Mount in the dark (by torchlight) for an unspectacular sunrise view - was a good excuse to enjoy a big cooked breakfast afterwards.
H OT B R O A D W AY SEES THEIR FIRST YEAR IN!
Shorts Day for Alan Yesberg and Kate Harris, they said they had been encouraging clients to join them during the week in adding to their money bank for the hospice.
S T E P H E N PA R S O N S H O S P I C E A WA R E N E S S W E E K Steve and his team put in a fantastic effort for Hospice Awareness week, working on various projects to help raise money including two special movie screenings, a clothing drop and encouraging donations when clients made a booking along with a raffle. Steve adds, “Travel is about opportunity and freedom. If you need the services of a Hospice you may not have either of these. Our commitment in our neighbourhood is to support Arohanui Hospice as best as we are be. These projects and events reflect the ethos of the team at HOT Stephen Parsons in Palmerston North.“
Kate Harris said her own experience with Hospice was when her mother Fay Harris died nearly six years ago. “She spent a lot of time there, but was able to be at home in the end, which was what she wanted. They were amazing, and made that last week as easy as it could be.” The government money Arohanui receives falls about $2.8 million a year short of paying for the quality of services it provides free of charge to its patients. Chief executive Clare Randall said having fun while raising money was a good fit with hospice ideals, to make the most of life every day. “By taking part in Shorts for Hospice day and donating, you will be enabling the hospice team of nurses, doctors, social workers, counsellors and volunteers to continue to provide the highest quality palliative care services for future generations free of charge.”
N E W P LY M O U T H ’ S HOSPICE BREAKFAST FOR A WA R E N E S S W E E K Steve and Belinda with Angela and Arran from Arohanui Hospice with some of the clothes they collected in May.
HOT Broadway celebrates their first anniversary in their new office across the road.
HOT New Plymouth held a breakfast for clients and businesses along their street to raise money for Hospice Awareness Week. L-R Alisha Tomkin (Travelex), Larina Hansen, Linley Stone, Brent Haines, Vicki Hopping, Joanna Dargie, Suzanne Andrews, Sue Rickard, Belinda Sixtus, Marivic Dawkes(Travelex). Front: Steve Parsons. -4-
They served an assortment of delicious breakfast treats prior to opening for the day. This was a huge success and in the end they managed to raise $573. -5-
B I RT H D AYS S T E P H E N PA R S O N ’ S C E L E B R AT E S 3 0 Y E A R S - 6T H J U N E 2 0 1 8 -
On the 6th of June this year marked the 30th anniversary of Stephen Parsons House of Travel. Those of you who have worked with Steve will understand his entrepreneurial spirit and drive to continually improve his business. He is constantly on the look-out for new and interesting ways to grow his business and when he finds them invests so much energy into making them happen. The fact that two of his original team are still with him 30 years later speaks volumes.
HEALTH & SAFETY HOT TIP HOT is committed to your Health, Safety and Wellbeing at work and to assist with this, we will be including a H&S HOT tip in each edition of House Proud. First off the rank is the importance of taking regular breaks throughout the working day. Taking regular breaks can help you avoid feeling worn out at the end of the day. Breaks allow you to eat, stay hydrated and catch up with your workmates - which all helps fight fatigue. Stopping for regular breaks throughout the day also makes you more productive and makes it easier to concentrate on the task at hand. Some ideas include, during your lunchbreak pop out for a walk and some fresh air, make a cup of tea or you could try out desk yoga (details in the article below), anything that gets you up out of your seat and away from your screen is beneficial to your Health & Safety.
We thought some of you may appreciate Steve’s brief history and a few pics from the early years… At 8.30am on Monday 06th June 1988, Stephen Parsons House of Travel in Palmerston North opened for business, with no business. From the start Steve Parsons was joined by Sue Rickard, Vicki Hopping and Judith Ryan (who sadly passed away). Since then, there have been 68 staff members in the business with Sue and Vicki still in the business today.
Click here for a Google Chrome app you can load onto your computer and pop-ups throughout the day will remind you to take micro-breaks – give it a try!
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Within 2 years we turned over 3 million dollars in sales, with only a MAARS airline booking system, an electric typewriter and a dictation unit. Today the business plan is for $12m, based on sophisticated and smart technology, and with marketing distribution methods unheard of 10 years ago.
2. Hold onto your wrist and stretch over to the side lifting up from your waist (repeat on the other side).
In the first year we spent $69k in owning the airwaves (there were only two radio frequencies) including 2ZA. Today we spend $130k in a cluttered and social media driven market. To date we have made sales over $200 million through over one hundred thousand travellers. Today’s challenge is the last and next customer.
1. Interlock your fingers and stretch your arms overhead to lengthen your spine. Be sure to relax shoulders downward.
If we listed all the world events good and bad you would wonder how we survived. And yet we do, at the will of customers something that is as long as retailing. We have adapted, made mistakes, rejoiced in the good times, regrouped in challenging times, respected good people and lines of supply in our industry, including our opposition and most of all have been honest and fair in all our business dealings…all in all quite some achievement. STEVE PARSONS
6. Place your ankle onto opposite knee, lean forward from your waist placing gentle pressure on your top thigh with your elbow to feel a stretch into your hip and glutes (repeat on other side).
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D E S K YO G A F O R H OT T I E S ! So much of our working day is spent sitting at our desks. This can have a negative impact on our body if we don’t stretch and move during the day. Here are a few desk yoga moves that you can try out either on your own or as a team activity.
Ian Wolfe and his team recently celebrated 25 years of their doors being open. They built a huge cake which was in the window for the month-long celebration. It certainly caught people’s attention as they passed.
B E T T E R P R ACT I C E
To help celebrate, every person who made a booking or a donation to Hospice, went into the draw to win one of four $250 travel vouchers, and $340 was raised.
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4. Cross one arm under the other with elbows bent, placing hands together. Gently lift your elbows feeling a stretch across your upper back (repeat with other arm underneath).
5. Place hand gently on side of your head to tilt downwards and stretch your neck (repeat other side).
H A P P Y B I R T H D AY H OT N E W P LY M O U T H !
Above: We’re not sure if Tracey chose to ‘photo bomb’ the silver plate but she did a good job!
3. Place your hand on outside of the opposite knee, holding onto the back of your chair and twist through your spine to look over your shoulder (repeat on the other side).
Success and personal development is the same, having a goal and planning a pathway to this goal is key. It requires us to reflect and understand our reality, to choose where and how we wish to grow and improve. We will need tools to help us maintain and stay on the right path and support us on this journey.
Above: Paul from Hospice, Tracey and Ian cutting the birthday cake before making the draw.
Better Practice is a business version of just this, it is about reflecting, improving and ensuring our relevance to our customers, whilst constantly adapting to the changeable travel industry and customer needs. It is about challenging the status quo, asking how we can do better and consistently delivering the HOT vision for our customers.
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Recently I have been reflected on how terminology can create confusion, specifically Linking and Syncing in Dolphin.
HAPPINESS IS
N OT S O M E T H I N G YO U POSTPONE FOR THE FUTURE; IT IS
Click the link below to find out what I learnt: Dolphin Client Profile verses Passenger Link Are there other topics you’d like us to reflect and focus on? Please contact Esther at esther@hot.co.nz
S O M E T H I N G YO U D E S I G N FOR THE PRESENT - JIM ROHN -
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S TA F F U P D AT E S / N E W O O ’ S
Kate Harris House of Travel Broadway
What do you enjoy the most about being an Owner Operator? I’m still in the early days of being an OO, but what I am loving is the overwhelming support from my colleagues and Hot Holdings – it has made the leap to OO much easier! I’m also really enjoying the feeling of being part of the local community and looking forward to implementing some new ideas in the future.
What is your background? I did a One Year Travel Course at CIT down in Wellington back in 1990, and have worked in travel ever since. I started with AA Travel back in 1994 and have worked alongside Alan and Angela ever since. I took some time off to have children but worked part-time throughout. I feel very lucky to have worked with the same team for many years now.
Favourite holiday destination? There are so many places that I have loved but as I have just come back from Mauritius and absolutely loved it, this is the top of my list! It is the most beautiful place, the people are so friendly and the food is fabulous! We went in their winter which was a perfect climate for us – between 27-30C. It offers heaps of activities, but also great as a flop and drop holiday. Perfect.
Jo Coolen
Helping the team put the fun back into travel. We work some big hours and if it’s not fun, something needs to change. A great environment is vital for us to work in, but also is felt by anyone that makes contact with us. Of course there are challenges, but dealing with them as a team sure eases the stress!
What is your background? Funny yarn, I booked a trip with my local HOT store and they mentioned they were looking for staff. I had been in the catering industry most of my career and was ready for a change. Went through a fairly rigorous interview and training process and got the job. Cooking to booking – big change. A few years later the chance came up to manage the store, with the option to buy in later. I was in boots ‘n all. No regrets, best job in the world!
Having started my travel career 21 years ago with one of HOT’s competitors, then later on becoming a supplier to HOT, I’m glad that I can finally call myself a ‘Hottie’.
What do you enjoy the most about being an Owner Operator?
If you don’t recognise me, you may recognise my voice, as I used to host the weekly Tuesday morning Product webinars - something to do with having a face for radio.
I’ve been lucky enough to help create something that wasn’t there before and still get a buzz every time I see our branch, especially lit up at night. Having a clean slate in a new area has given me the courage to try new ideas, innovate, dream, experiment, and learn a lot along the way. The thing I enjoy the most is the feeling that we are just getting started and our potential is unlimited.
In my current role, I am on the Social Club Committee, the MC for our annual Quiz Night, organise World Cup sweepstakes and, in my spare time, I manage the relationships with some of our key land suppliers.
What’s your background with HOT? I started in travel 20 years ago running adventure travel tours in the Middle East and Asia, then cut my teeth as a consultant at STA UK, The Red Shed for 6 years of fake lighting, late nights, Barney and friends ride-on torture just outside our front door before seeing the sunlight 7 years ago. I spent that time in Albany HOT achieving Bronze and Silver awards before opening Hobsonville in January this year with a mighty fine team of likeminded consultants.
Favourite holiday destination? I’m not one for sitting on a beach or staying still for long, I need to be doing something and enjoy finding new places to explore and modes of transport. If I had to have a favourite I would say Turkey and although I have lived there and visited many times in the past I only just scratched the surface of this fascinating land. Local Efe’s beer is also readily available, cheap and a Pilsner so completes my destination pre-flight check list.
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Kim Beswick House of Travel Ferrymead (with Mel Hubber) What do you enjoy the most about being an Owner Operator? The opportunity to lead a talented team who are all passionate about enriching customers and their own lives through travel is a privilege, and I love watching my team grow, develop and succeed.
What is your background? I started out with HOT Ferrymead in 2005 and was Rookie of the Year in 2006. Since then I moved my way through bronze, silver and gold and in 2016 I became an OO. Definitely part of the Ferrymead furniture.
Favourite holiday destination?
What a naff question! Who writes this stuff? How to answer without sounding like a tosser? I love everywhere I’ve been. I enjoy getting off the beaten track and really rated Sri Lanka, Brazil and Borneo.
I must admit I’ve moved on from the backpacking times to enjoying a bit of luxury these days too.
But my favourite is always coming back to my stomping grounds, d’Urville Island in the Marlborough Sounds. Bliss.
Product Manager Group Suppliers Holdings Auckland
House of Travel Hobsonville
I find it so hard to pick a favourite because I love everywhere for different reasons. But some memorable travels include Borneo for the orangutans, Brazil for the people and dancing, Norway for the scenery and Disneyland for pure fun!
Favourite holiday destination?
W H AT A H OT T I E
John Crouch
Buzz (Mike) Thompson
House of Travel Kapiti Coast
What do you enjoy the most about being an Owner Operator?
WORK ANNIVERSARIES
BRENT THOMAS 20 YEARS HOLDINGS AKL
20 years at a senior level in any organisation is a real achievement, especially a changing world like travel. Brent Thomas celebrated 20 years on 22 March. He has held a number of roles across HOT Holdings, in retail, commercial and the finance areas. Never a dull moment!
J O M C G R AT H 10 YEARS HOLDINGS AKL
Jo McGrath celebrated her 10 year anniversary with us in March. After starting in our South Pacific department concentrating on Weddings, Jo moved into our Product Support team. She’s now happily based in our UK and Europe product team with a huge amount of knowledge and passion for this destination.
What is the funniest or strangest thing that has happened to you at work? Having my toenails painted by HOT consultants during my recent Trans Mongolian train famil. I was asleep, due to illness, whilst the consultants were drinking Russian vodka. A private prosecution is pending.
What is your all-time favourite destination? India. I have to say that, as I met my wife there, on a famil. Plus, I’m English and our national dish is curry.
If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring? Photos of my travels, an endless supply of warm beer and nail polish remover.
What is your favourite car karaoke song? Any song that can be shouted, rather than sung, eg The Proclaimers’ 500 miles.
ROYAL WEDDIN G FEVER
If you were 80 years old, what one piece of advice would you tell your grandchildren?
Holdings Auckland had wedding fever for Harry and Meghan’s recent nuptials in May, including a very British-themed Friday drinks.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I used to be called a Hottie.
INTRODUCING THE LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT TEAM There must be something in the water because the Learning and Development team like gremlins are multiplying (love an 80’s movie reference). Leading the team and often heard before being seen is our quirky Brit Esther Buckley - the Retail Learning and Development Manager. To impress her three-year- old, Esther has convinced Indie, that at work mummy is the Princess of Process (stolen from Wilma) and is super excited to be supporting better practice for retail. In the Auckland office we have the new and fabulous Nicola Turner our resident Goldfish, usually found in her native habitat (the training room). Please say hi, rather than awkwardly staring as you walk by. Nicola loves a good chat and all things retail therapy…oops I mean
retail training! She can’t wait to meet all your new retail consultants and introduce them to the HOT Family and how to become a HOTTIE! Holding the fort down south is Kath Burt, our resident plane spotter. When not in the training room you’ll find her outside being active and zen. Like Nicola she can’t wait to meet your new retail consultants and as the current team ‘after photo’ brings her ironman win approach to her training.
Who do you want to find out more about? Send us your nomination of who should feature in the next ‘What a HOTTIE’! L-R Nicola, Kath and Esther
Email houseproud@hot.co.nz with the heading ‘What a HOTTIE’. -9-
FAMIL S
Fiji
March 2018
Brazil
FAMIL S April 2018
Nicole Chitty, Cassandra Lyes-Peterson (both from HOT Product), Melanie Schonewille (HOT Whangarei), Amber Woods (HOT Milford), Emma Bryant (HOT Papamoa) and Carmen O’Brien (Orbit CHC) were lucky enough to embark on a HOT Famil to Fiji. They visited properties in Denarau, Mamanuca’s and the Coral Coast. Although the weather was not the best it did not dampen our spirits and overall, we had a fantastic time!
Bali
June 2018
A group of 11 Hotties were accompanied by an Emirates rep and headed to Bali at the end of June. With Emirates operating their inaugural flight only a few days before, it was perfect timing to leave the NZ winter weather. The group were lucky enough to experience business class on the way to Bali which went down well with all! This was a great way to start the famil which was visiting some high-end, luxury hotels over the week, as well as a mix of family and villa accommodation. The group experienced a quintessential Bali villa experience of a meal cooked by chefs in a 3 bedroom villa. The 3 course lunch is a great idea to have some group time in your own private area & to be personally cooked for! We also put our own cooking skills to the test with a cooking class at the Breezes Bali Resort, assisting a couple of chefs to make 5 different dishes and eating our yummy creations for lunch. We were advised on alternative ingredients so we can attempt to make them back at home too! The children amongst us came out when we visited Finns Recreation Park near Canggu, with shrieks as we tried the waterslides, with some of us gathering far too much speed! We then headed to the more adult-like Finns Beach Club, with music playing and no waterslides in sight, but a cool vibe none the less. A day trip to Ubud was undertaken midweek, with everyone managing
to stay relatively dry despite the torrential rain in the monkey forest, followed by a visit to the rice paddies and the Pura Tirta Empul Segara Merta Sari Temple, making the day truly our Balinese experience day. Some of the group returned to Ubud a couple of days later to try out the Jungle Buggies with Mason Adventures. With muddy conditions, there were a few unintentional 180’s & some fishtails on the straights, but everyone had a ball and we returned to Nusa Dua early afternoon for a rest in the sun. Everyone was impressed with the high quality of meals over the week, and it confirmed for all that Bali is really great value for your Rupiah. The group got a good feel for various areas with time spent in Nusa Dua, Legian, Seminyak, Kuta and Sanur, and also inspected a range of hotels – 3 star to 5 star, modern, contemporary properties to those with a Balinese touch and came to the conclusion that Bali really can suit everyone. Famil participants: Shona Bray (HOT Product), Anna Sarjeant (HOT Marketing), Erica Banks (Newmarket), Sara Baldwin (Orewa), Hannah Lurajud ( HOT Product) Amy Veit (Whangarei), Rebecca Lucas ( HOT Product), Dave Leary (Havelock North), Steve Lawson (HOT Jenny Nilsson - Hastings) Nick Mai (Parnell), Dominic Sutton (Hamilton City), Tracy Hale (Emirates).
Ella Eli shares her recent famil experience with a group of Hotties. Back in April some consultants formed the HOT Brazilians Group, spread their wings and flew to Brazil in search of sunshine and the opportunity to dig our toes into the sand at Copacabana beach. We did the two step Samba at Rio Scenarium with a caipirinha in hand. Then galivanting around the city, took the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain where amazing views looked back over Rio’s coastline. We headed up Mount Corcovado on a funicular, to see perhaps the most famous statue in the world - Christ the Redeemer standing 98 feet tall. Once again there sure was an amazing view from the top! We were very lucky to have a site inspection at the new Six Senses Fiji which opened in April. The Resort is located in the Mamanuca’s on Malolo Island. Made up of Pool Villas and 2,3,4 and 5 Bedroom Residences this Resort is going to be something all luxury clients will love! We were also lucky enough to visit Malamala Beach Club which is located out in the Mamanuca’s and is approximately a 20-minute boat ride from Denarau. It was the last full day of our famil and we all felt so blessed to have a day to relax! We would recommend this day tour to anyone who wants to experience the true meaning of flop and drop. Malamala Beach Club have kayaks, stand up paddle boards and snorkel gear available for those that wish to get active.
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Our adventure was just beginning, we scooted over to Santa Theresa to appreciate Lapa Steps where one can find ceramic tiles and mirror pieces from around the world. We wandered the picturesque streets to enjoy the live music, great coffee and amazing food on offer. It sure is a neighbourhood worth paying a visit to. We flew into Manaus where our wildlife experience was to begin. Our journey took us to a lodge for a couple of nights followed by a cruise for 3 nights. While in the Amazon one can certainly say it truly is a once in a lifetime experience. From spotting wildlife like sloths high in the tree tops, toucans nearby to cayman lying low under the water’s edge and trying to catch the main ingredient for our dinner, piranha soup. The Rio and Amazon HOT famil was and will be an adventure to remember! L-R: Ella Eli - Adventure Team; Tracey Anderson - Kerikeri; Kirsty Stewart - Hornby; Anthony Myers - Newmarket, Sindy Jones - New Plymouth & Maxine Chisnall - Ashburton.
Mongolia
July 2018
Eight adventure-seeking Hotties recently returned from a famil on the Trans Mongolian train with Sundowners Overland. Spectacular scenery, off the beaten track destinations and unique experiences combined to make this a real bucket-list trip. Starting in Beijing, the group climbed the Great Wall of China, enjoyed a foot massage, watched an incredible acrobatic show, participated in a tea drinking ceremony and ate their own body weight in dumplings. An overnight train to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, meant that there was time to sit back, relax and watch some impressive scenery unfold; Northern Chinese mountains, the Gobi Desert and the Mongolian grasslands. On board, shots of Chinese rice wine were solely consumed for medicinal purposes, numerous tubes of Pringles less so. Mongolia provided opportunities to sleep in a ger in a national park, try our
hand at archery, visit a nomadic family, drink milk vodka (something for Fonterra to think about) and listen to traditional throat-singing. Another overnight train to Irkutsk, Russia, provided a further chance to take in the ever-changing scenery; this time including the forests of Russia’s Eastern Siberia province. Staying on the shores of Lake Baikal, which holds 20% of the world’s freshwater, the group partook in a traditional Russian sauna with birch leaves (don’t youtube it before you go), received a blessing from a shaman and watched Russia win 5-0 in the opening game of the Football World Cup. Overall, the group agreed that this train famil was on “track” to be remembered for years to come (dad joke). Keen to hear more about the Trans Mongolian? Watch out for the webinar in late Aug.
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H OT S H OTS
H OT S H OTS
MACHU PICCHU
OKAVANGO DELTA
INCA TRAIL
INCA TRAIL
VAVA’U, TONGA
NIKEO, JAPAN
Beth Yates - HOT MERIVALE Recent trips to Japan, Tonga, on safari in Botswana, and in Peru with her family.
ATS BOLIVIA SALT FLEX)
Melanie Schonewille HOT WHANGAREI Amongst the pottery in Tunisia.
(AN D ROAM ING T-R
BOLIVIA SALT FLATS
CASTAWAY ISLAND, FIJI
CASTAWAY ISLAND, FIJI
GALELLA DJERBA , TUNISIA
Louise Riddy HOT LTD CONTACT CENTRE Louise’s holiday snaps of Castaway Island. GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Carol Sutton - HOT MATAMATA Carol recently donned her explorer hat venturing to the Bolivia Salt Flats, the Galapagos Islands and the Inca Trail. CUBA
KAI KAI SINGAP ORE RIVER SAFARI
JOKULSARLON GLACIER LAGOON, ICELAND
Megan Reid HOT MERIVALE Megan’s memories from Singapore to Iceland.
GALAPAGOS ISLAN DS
CUBA
Charlotte Webb HOT BROWNS BAY Charlotte recently took a trip to Cuba and immersed herself in the rich culture.
ON THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE HIGH LINE
LAOS
GOLD COAST 2018
2018 NZ GOLF OPEN
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Richard Mulholland HOLDINGS CHC Richard’s recent travels took him to the Gold Coast and the New Zealand Golf Open.
Sindy Jones HOT NEW PLYMOUTH Sindy’s snaps of a recent trip to Brazil & the Amazon.
A LOCAL IN THE AMAZON
E
Anna Sarjeant - HOT MARKETING Our intrepid travel writer Anna, recently caught up with a friend in the Big Apple - NYC. Here are a few snapshots of her adventures.
Nicola Milne - HIGH ST LANES Nicola on a famil with Active Asia & Singapore Airlines, amongst the rice paddy fields across from her villa.
EMER CHRIST THE REDE
NEW YO RK SCUL PT U R
MURAL ART
Do you think you have an awesome photo or even a great selfie from your travels? Email us your prized shot and we’ll feature it in the next House Proud - email houseproud@hot.co.nz - 13 -
WEDDINGS
C H R I S E DWA R D S - H OT E L L E R S L I E -
SARAH CROUCHER - H OT R OTO R U A -
SA M A N T H A K I LG O U R - H OT TA U P O -
ANDREW DOWNEY -HOLDINGS AKL-
Chris & Toni Edwards were married in a garden ceremony on 25th March.
In May, Sarah Croucher (nee Muir) headed off to Samoa for her wedding.
Samantha Johnstone married Brad Kilgour recently at Poronui Station.
On the 7th of April at the beautiful Mudbrick winery on Waiheke Island, our Business Partnerships Commercial Manager Andrew Downey married his partner in crime Sarah. It was a magic day!
Sarah enjoyed a beachside wedding at Seabreeze Resort.
MORGAN WRIGHT - H OT B O TA N YCongrats to Morgan Wright from Botany Junction who recently got engaged to Bobby Thomas. Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash.
BABIES
CAROLINE LEAPER - H OT E V E N T S -
E M I LY L U I - I T H E L P D E S K-
M AT T H E W G R I C E - H OT W H A N G A R E I -
JESS GARDEN - H OT A L E X A N D R A -
Caroline recently welcomed Lily Jean Howard into her family with husband Tim. She arrived on 13 June, weighing 6lb 9oz and is a happy, healthy, chilled out wee girl.
Bailey Zhu, was born on 14 May weighing in at 3.22kgs/ 7.09lb. Second daughter for IT Helpdesk consultant Emily Lui and her husband Kenyon, and baby sister for Sofia.
Matthew and his wife Alex have announced the arrival of their son Wyatt Ian Ross Grice, born 18 June at 6.06pm weighing 9lb 3oz.
Jess gave birth to Leah Maree born on the 27th June at 3pm weighing 3.1kgs/6.8lbs.
Photo by Alyssa Stevenson on Unsplash.
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