Team tui
We’re a tight-knit crew of curious thinkers, problem solvers, and good humans who care deeply about what we build and who we build it with. From our home at the iconic Tui HQ, we bring genuine small-town know-how and local pride to everything we do—offering the best of the best hospitality to locals, those passing through, and visitors who come for the full Tui experience. We work hard, back each other, and always make time for a good laugh.
TAYLA HEMOPO
Tayla is the beating heart of Tui HQ. As the longest-standing member of the team, she’s been with Tui for over a decade and knows the business inside out. Calm, capable, and across every detail, she keeps operations running smoothly and the team supported at every turn. With steps clocked high and sleeves rolled up, she can be relied on to get things done properly—no fuss, no drama. A constant helping hand across every area of the business, Tayla makes sure the details are nailed and every guest gets the full Tui experience.
Experience Manager
OLIVIA KURURANGI
Liv moves seamlessly between the shop and service, making sure every guest feels welcome and every detail is looked after. As She leads the Tui Shop with a sharp eye for quality, local favourites, and experiences that make a visit memorable. Calm and capable, Liv plays a key role in delivering the full Tui experience—whether in store or across the wider operation.
Experience Champion
Lisa joined the TUI team in 2025, bringing great barista skills and impressive experience looking after customers. She has a natural way of making guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive, and her warm, approachable style helps keep things running smoothly for both the team and our visitors.
LISA PALMER
Experience Champion
Lead ChefTEBOGO NGUNGA
Our Head Chef brings new flavour, flair, and years of experience to the Tui whānau. Always experimenting and elevating the menu, he combines creativity with skill to deliver memorable dishes that keep guests coming back. Passionate, precise, and full of energy, he plays a key role in making every Tui experience unforgettable.
LOVELY GIRVAN
Chef de PartieLovely is our quiet achiever in the kitchen. With her head down and focus on the work, she gets things done with care, consistency, and skill. Calm and dependable, she plays an important role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly—letting the results speak for themselves.
Sous ChefCRAIG POLLOCK
Craig’s chef career has largely been spent over the hill in Palmerston North, and we’re lucky he’s brought all that kitchen know-how to Mangatainoka. A key part of the TUI team in every sense, he’s the culinary mastermind behind our big events and functions — and the resident provider of laughs along the way.