A highly experienced tourism sales professional has joined New Zealand’s most progressive sustainable eco lodge as business development manager.
Paula Buchanan’s career focus in her 28 years in the workforce has been on the Conference and Incentive and tourism industry. In that time, she’s held a wide range of positions in sales, operations, finance and management roles.
And now she’s made the move to multi-award-winning The Headwaters Eco Lodge in Glenorchy to bring those skills, connections and results to bear within the corporate events and functions sector.
“The lodge is already starting to gain a reputation as a premium provider of corporate meetings, the perfect ‘get away from it all’ location for leadership retreats or the ultimate incentive destination for the hardest workers and highest achievers,” says Paula.
“I’m extremely passionate about New Zealand and what our country offers visitors and business events, so I’m delighted to bring my vast network of people and business connections to build this business at the lodge.”
Most recently, Paula was business development manager at Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell, and prior to that worked for The Events Group in Auckland, ID New Zealand, Tourism Holdings Ltd and a number of accommodation and transport groups.
“I never thought I would be lucky enough to work for two family-owned companies such as The Headwaters and Highlands which share very similar values; deeply engaged with their communities and delivering exceptional experiences,” she says.
“I love to share the story of a unique product delivered with heart and genuine passion, and I know that when business or leadership groups stay here they’re able to escape all distractions, inspired to refocus, nourish minds and bodies and let creativity flow.”
The Headwaters Eco Lodge general manager John Dick says they are thrilled to have someone of Paula’s calibre joining the team.
“She knows the industry so deeply and is such a specialist in this area that business leaders will know they can relax and let her and the team deliver a bespoke event at the very best level it can be.
“The Headwaters is at a key crossroads in its growth and development in the corporate and business markets and we couldn’t have hoped for a more experienced person to take on this role.”
Accommodation at The Headwaters’ award-winning eco lodge features elegantly appointed premium luxury eco chalets, and the main lodge building which is home to meeting rooms featuring state-of-the-art technology, a beautiful lounge and The Headwaters Dining Room, an exceptional garden-to-table food cuisine destination paying homage to locally-grown seasonal produce that’s artfully matched with stunning Central Otago wines.
An outdoor Scheelite Shelter with roaring open fire and a rustic setting often proves a highlight with visiting groups too.
Founded by American philanthropists Debbi and Paul Brainerd, The Headwaters Eco Lodge established a locally administered charitable trust which returns profits to the wider Glenorchy community.
