Our Team

Samantha

• Before moving to Akaroa I worked for the Clutha District Council as District Pools Manager. When I first moved to NZ from the UK I lived for two and a half years on the West Coast at Fox Glacier, managing Backpackers accommodation.
  
  

Alison

• Before working for Black Cat Group I worked in the airline industry in sales and at the airport.
  When I'm not working I'm - Playing tennis, socialising and being a taxi driver to 2 children.
  Most memorable time at work - meeting lots of different and interesting people and getting positive feedback on how we can help create magical memories for our customers

Paul

• Before working for Black Cat Group I was the Group Marketing Manager for Tourism Holdings Ltd and had several other roles in international tourism and advertising.
  When I'm not working I'm either playing golf or spending time with my young family. I also enjoy windsurfing and snowboarding and going to the gym.
  Most memorable time at work. Escorting the QEII out of Lyttelton Harbour and seeing a Southern Right Whale together with lots of dolphins on the way back. Being one of the official vessels for Team New Zealand at the America's Cup in Auckland 2002. Winning the Supreme Tourism Award in 2003.
  
  

Russell

• Our People ...feel privileged to work with the dolphins
  Before working for Black Cat Group I travelled overseas throughout Asia, UK and Europe for 2 years. Prior to that spent 4 years in Fiordland working on vessels and coach driving in Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Southern Fiords. 4 years in Royal NZ Navy.
  When I'm not working I'm travelling, home renovation and spending time with my great family.
  Most memorable time at work. Spending time with a very rare and endangered dolphin, every time is special. I am privileged to work in their environment.
  
  

Mark

• Before working for Black Cat Group I had the last 3 years with the Blue Pearl Company marine farm growing abalone pearls in Akaroa and the Tory Channel. I was also self employed growing tomatoes.
  When I'm not working I'm wood turning, fishing or diving.
  The best part of the job is the people contact.
  
  

John

• Before working for Black Cat Group I was in the fishing industry; I have been on boats all my life.
  When I'm not working, I'm playing tennis, golden oldies rugby, fishing and cruising around on my wee boat, socialising with the locals.
  My favourite time at work is....all the time, I love meeting people.
  
  

Mark

• Before working for Black Cat Group I worked as a business broker.
  When I’m not working I am watching my children play sport.
  My most memorable time with Black Cat was seeing the dolphins for the first time.
  
  

Hamish

• Before working for Black Cat Group I worked all over (I get around!). Dolphin Discoveries, Pahia NZ, Sea Life Surveys - Isle of Mull Scotland and lots more.
  When I'm not working I'm having a blast!
  My most memorable time at work: I love the whole thing but most memorable time was watching my first southerly storm come down over the hills. Thunder, lightning, dolphins - great!!
  
  

Sonya

• Before working for Black Cat Group I was a restaurant manager in Australia.
  When I'm not working I am enjoying time with friends and family.
  The most memorable time at work is enjoying the beautiful Akaroa days and happy friendly people.
  
  

Mark

• Oarsome I worked for all the big tourism companies on Banks Peninsula before being employed by Black Cat Group. They're the best, they rock. I even worked for the Americas Cup challenger BMW Oracle but still wanted to come back to work on the beautiful Banks Peninsula. It's a privilege to be involved!
  
  

Fergus

• Before working for Black Cat Group I worked in the Cayman Islands, then got married and decided to move to NZ.
  When I'm not working I'm Outdoors playing or indoors sleeping.
  Most memorable or favourite time at work- seeing a Southern Right Whale and the Engineering Manager telling the whole boat it was a Humpback Whale and came up the harbour to feed on Stingray…..very funny.
  
  

Hector

• I'm the new Hector's dolphin mascot. I'm here to tell people about the dolphins in the harbour and encourage people to see them for real.
  As well as that I'm looking to get my photo taken with lots of kids and to tell them a little about how they can help with dolphin conservation.
  
  

Baden

• Our People ...are local legends
  Before working for Black Cat Group I was a seaman, watersider, launch master, guide at Rotorua, Antarctic Guide and lecturer, Antarctic curator at Canterbury Museum and curator at the Canterbury Museum.
  When I'm not working I'm dealing with injured wildlife, writing about local and maritime history. Working with the Antarctic Heritage Trust as conservation advisor.
  Most memorable time at work. Meeting others who have met Felix Von Luckner and sharing experiences.
  
  

Ross

• Before working for Black Cat Group I worked as a cycle tour guide in NZ, US, Canada and Australia.
  When I’m not working I am spending time with my daughter, riding, rowing and reading.
  My most memorable time with Black Cat would be saving a white flippered penguin on a harbour cruise. He had a rope wrapped around his foot which was dragging a big stick around at the other end, he couldn't dive to feed or escape. We got him out, cut him loose and let him go.
  
  

Trevor

Ian

• Originally from farming background and spent several years in NZ Police. Then entered the restaurant trade for 9 years before starting work for Akaroa Jet. Now full time for Black Cat Akaroa.
  Keen sailor, love the outdoors. Enjoy travel and meeting people of various nationalities.
  
  

Hayley

• I’m from the US and moved to New Zealand in April 07. I have been working in the ski industry for the last few years and now I have chosen to spend my summer here in beautiful Akaroa.
  
  

John

• I originally farmed on the shores of Cook Strait and spent years sailing all around that area. I then came to Christchurch to work in a management position in a stock and station firm while still enjoying recreational boating pursuits. In 2006 I decided to follow my dreams and work as a professional skipper.
  When I'm not working you can find me racing yachts and mountain biking around the Port Hills.
  My most memorable time at work is seeing a boat load of very satisfied passengers whom I have given the privilege of a close up encounter with the Hector’s dolphins.
  
  

Lorna

• Before working for Black Cat Group I worked as a graphic designer working for graphic design and advertising agencies in Wellington and Christchurch.
  When I’m not working I am enjoying the outdoors and living life to the full.
  My most memorable time with Black Cat was when I was on the Black Diamond and we saw a pod of 9 Orca making their way back out of Lyttelton Harbour. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. I am very fortunate to work with such a great team of people!!
  
  

Stuart

• My background is agricultural research into pasture sheep & wool systems.
  When I'm not working I'm generally boating or fishing.
  My most memorable time at work is finding dolphins!
  The best individual time was with a pod of 15-20 in a frenzy of mating & playful activity. Also, seeing my first calf - about 3 days old!
  
  

Kerstin

Richard

Lizzie

Chris

Paul

Christie

Tash

Position: Crew
Year Joined: 2008