Growing as a leader, representing New Zealand, by Natasha Little-Weastell
IIf there is one thing I’ve learnt throughout my career, it’s that our industry is all about people. The relationships we build, the experiences we create and the connections we make are what keep me genuinely passionate about incentive travel. Every day is different, and I still get excited knowing I get to represent one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of leading the sales function for the Rosewood New Zealand Collection, and one of my proudest achievements has been growing our incentive and groups business across all three lodges. When I stepped into the role, I saw huge potential to position our properties as world-class incentive destinations, and I’ve worked hard to build relationships with incentive houses, DMCs and corporate partners across key international markets. Seeing that strategy translate into record group business and stronger awareness of New Zealand as a luxury incentive destination has been incredibly rewarding.
One of the parts of my job I enjoy the most is getting out into market. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel internationally to meet with incentive agencies, planners and partners, sharing what makes New Zealand so special. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing people’s perceptions shift as they discover that New Zealand offers so much more than incredible scenery. We deliver unforgettable experiences, genuine hospitality and moments that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
Those trips have also reminded me how much I enjoy learning from others. Every conversation gives me a new perspective, whether it’s hearing about emerging trends, understanding different markets or simply listening to how others approach challenges. It’s one of the reasons I’m so excited about maybe having the opportunity to attend the SITE Young Leaders Conference in Las Vegas in October 2026.
The chance to be surrounded by people who are just as passionate about incentive travel as I am. People who genuinely care about creating experiences that inspire, reward and leave lasting memories. I know I’ll come away with fresh ideas, new friendships and a broader understanding of where our industry is heading.
As someone who is still early in my leadership journey, I also know there is so much more to learn. While I’ve been fortunate to achieve some wonderful results professionally, I don’t ever want to become complacent. I want to keep challenging myself, hearing different viewpoints and learning from leaders and peers from around the world. I believe that’s what makes great leaders: they never stop being curious.
I’m also passionate about giving back to the people around me. I lead a team across sales, reservations and groups, and one of the most rewarding parts of my role is watching people grow in confidence and develop their own careers. I know that every new idea, every new connection and every lesson I take away from this conference won’t just benefit me, it will benefit my team, our business and ultimately our industry.
What I’m most looking forward to is building genuine relationships with other young professionals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities within incentive travel. The incentive community is incredibly welcoming, and I’ve already experienced how valuable those connections can be throughout my career. I’d love the opportunity to expand that network globally, learn from people with different experiences and continue building relationships that will hopefully last well beyond the conference itself.
Long term, I want to continue helping grow New Zealand’s profile within the global incentive market. We have an incredible story to tell, and I feel incredibly proud every time I can represent our small piece of down under. Attending the SITE Young Leaders Conference would give me the knowledge, confidence and network to become an even stronger ambassador for both New Zealand and the Rosewood New Zealand Collection.
Receiving this scholarship would mean so much to me. It would be an opportunity to invest in my growth, challenge myself and become part of a community that shares the same passion for our industry. I know I would leave inspired, motivated and full of ideas that I could bring back to my team and our partners.
Most importantly, I would leave knowing I had found a network of like-minded people who believe, just as I do, that incentive travel has the power to create unforgettable experiences, strengthen relationships and connect people from all over the world.
-Natasha Little-Weastell
