About Us

Our Values

Discovery

Handmade

Funtastic!

Rob & Karen Webb - Owners

Rob Webb has over 25 years experience in the hospitality industry having held Hotel management positions in New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Seychelles and Hong Kong. He was General Manager of a 440-roomed hotel in Penang and more recently a 220-roomed hotel in Rotorua. Rob has also owned and successfully operated Waiheke’s largest accommodation and conference venue prior to purchasing and developing the property which is now Wild on Waiheke.

Karen Webb has over 25 years training and development experience covering New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Malaysia, Hawaii and Seychelles. In Asia she owned and operated a training consultancy business that included long term contracts with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, DDI and IWNC group. In 2001 Karen returned to NZ and established Insync Training which specializes in team based programmes for corporate groups and now based at Wild on Waiheke. Karen holds an advanced diploma in Adult Education through the Central Queensland University and is a qualified facilitator for DDI’s Management programme.

Gina Lewington - Tasting Room

Gina is the friendly face that welcomes visitors to Wild on Waiheke’s tasting room. With more than 20 years experience in the hospitality & retail industries in Australia, UK and New Zealand she is the perfect host and well qualified to cater for our clients differing needs.

Her experience was gained in top international hotel such as Sheraton mirage on the Gold Coast, Regent Hotel & Quay West Apartments in Sydney. Her NZ experience extends to the Regent in Auckland (now the Stamford Plaza), Hotels in Queenstown and the Mudbrick Restaurant and Stonyridge vineyard on Waiheke Island.

Heather Moorman – Duty Manager

Heather is one of the friendly faces that greets you when you arrive at Wild on Waiheke. She has more than 15 years hospitality experience both here and in the UK. She gained her Leisure and Tourism qualifications in the UK and studied Leisure at Leeds University. She worked in a variety of roles in the UK including the Royal Bank of Scotland, before moving to New Zealand and Waiheke Island 3 years ago.

Since being here, she has gained her NZ residency and held a number of management positions in Hospitality on the island including the Beach Front Cafe and 2 years ago joined Wild on Waiheke as a duty manager.

Alan Knight - Brewer

Alan joined the brewing industry in 1987 having had originally trained as an actor. His brewery career started in Toronto with the Upper Canada Brewing Co then moved to the Amsterdam Brewery in the city's business district. He is a certified Judge in brewing competitions and in 1989 formed his own company consulting and contract brewing.

In 1995 he moved to Hamilton as start up brewer for the Kahikatea Brewery, then got back into consulting work. Since then he has worked in another eight New Zealand brewing operations, ten assorted projects in Australia, as well as Norfolk Island and Rarotonga.

Jacob Nanai - Chef

Jacob Nanai has more than 18 years experience in the hospitality industry starting his career as a junior chef-sous chef in Sydney, before returning to Auckland 10 years ago where he worked in some of Auckland’s North Shore top cafes before moving to Waiheke Island 7 years ago.

On Waiheke Island he has held positions as Head Chef at Nourish Cafe (2004 – 2006) and more recently at the award winning Te Whau Restaurant as Chef. He has 6 children that keep him on his toes when he is not at work!

Jacob set up the cafe at Wild on Waiheke in October 2010 and has gained a reputation for fabulous fresh local produce and the best pizzas on the island!

Gina Higham - Archery Facilitator

Gina first started archery at the age of 12 in England and quickly went on to represent her county, region and then nation at both junior and senior levels. She has many archery awards to her name including the title of British Junior Champion when she was just 16. Gina shot for England in international events and maintained a strong presence on the UK archery circuit for a further 10 years before moving to New Zealand.

"Having been coached by, and shooting alongside some of the best archers in the world, I have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with other people keen to learn the art of archery” says Gina. With archery in her blood and a natural, humorous way with people, Gina is a great coach and makes archery a lot of fun. She’s a real asset to Wild on Waiheke.

Kelly Keenan - Facilitator

Kelly brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Wild on Waiheke team having a degree in Physical Education in outdoor Education from Otago University. She has travelled extensively which included living in Africa for 4 years during which time she and her partner lead overland safaris throughout Africa –some of which were 4 months long.

These skills, coupled with her outgoing and fun nature make her a popular facilitator for the variety of team activities we offer. Kelly has lived on Waiheke Island with her partner and three children for 8 years.

Trish Crosland - Office Administrator

Trish has 10 years experience in the beverage and water supply industries, moving from Microbiology Technician with NZ Breweries (now Lion Breweries) to Quality Assurance Manager for Coca Cola Amatil in Upper Hutt.

Trish also has 12 years experience of being self-employed, both as a Quality Assurance Consultant and helping with the office work in the family plumbing business.