A career with airlines travel and hospitality spanning almost 40 years. In 1979 I travelled to South America on an intrepid journey visiting Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and Venezuela continuing via the Caribbean to the UK. Following my OE within Europe I worked with Thai Airways in London and then continued to learn about the hospitality industry at Knockinaam and Tulchan Lodges in Scotland. I returned to New Zealand and bought Hilltop House in Taupo in 1982 which was a bed and breakfast and restaurant and which I owned until 1988 when I started to work with Simon Dickie Adventures selling bespoke fishing and outdoor experiences in and around the Taupo area. I moved to Auckland in 1987 and worked with Stars Travel International (a leading New Zealand corporate and leisure travel company) the original owner and founder of Southern Crossings.