Our Team

Jan

• Bef
  
  

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, road biking, keeping fit at the gym and socialising!!
  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.
  
  

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.
  
  

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.
  
  

Stew Whitehead

Pip

• I’m born and bred Cantabrian and have lived most of my life in Akaroa.  When I'm not working I love spending time with my son, sailing the Akaroa Harbour, relaxing and having fun.
  
  

Julian Smith

• Croeso (hello in Welsh) as you can gather I was born in Wales and have lived in New Zealand for a number of years now.  I absolutely love living in Akaroa and enjoying learning all I can about the harbour and its inhabitants.
  
  

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!
  
  

Ben

Chris

Rhys

• Born in Wales. 

Ben

• I am currently a student and work part-time for Black Cat.
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