Briar Nash

What does a day in the life of a Partnership Manager look like? Each day can look very different! But the core of my role is to fill planes and encourage people to fly. This means I work closely and in collaboration with key partners, such as Tourism New Zealand and ChristchurchNZ, to support our airline partners. I would also usually spend a lot of time at travel shows in Australia or America to champion Canterbury and the wider regions and promote the beautiful South Island.

What do you love most about your job? Working with awesome people who are passionate about advocating for New Zealand to the world.

What’s been your favourite project so far at Christchurch Airport? It must be the launch of American Airlines, which is unfortunately on hold due to COVID-19. But I can’t wait till they can start flying direct to Christchurch from LAX!

What has led you to this career? My love of travel and people. Before Christchurch Airport, I worked at Emirates for a number of years, as well as Hilton, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs and Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses. This has given me a great depth of knowledge in selling and promoting inbound and outbound travel, which is perfect for my current role.

Favourite airport initiative? The New Horizons programme. This was established by Christchurch Airport to help New Zealand tourism operators get a valuable hand up to attract and do business with Chinese visitors. Operators on the programme receive mentoring and assistance with product development, translation, marketing material, and travel with us on trade missions overseas.

Most exciting moment on the job? Being able to experience the Hollyford Track in all its glory. I was lucky enough to go on a three-day luxury guided hiking tour! I would recommend everyone add it to their bucket list.

Most memorable Christchurch Airport experience? All of the emotions of the trans-Tasman Australian bubble opening up and seeing family and friends reuniting after so long apart.

Favourite aircraft? It has to be the Emirates A380, because of the bar. They specialise in Espresso Martinis and they’re my all-time favourite, especially at 30,000 feet.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working? Harvesting my home-grown fruit and vegetables with my dog Lulu next to me.

Biggest life accomplishment, thus far? In 2009 I spent six days climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with a group of hotelier friends. We raised funds for the School of St Jude in Tanzania to help fight poverty through education.

Where is your home town, and what’s its best-kept secret? One Tree Point, near Waipu Cove. Its best keep secret is The Cove café at Waipu Cove. The owners are amazing. I love their ethos - they grow and harvest all the food they cook.

Where is your favourite summer escape? Fiji – I love snorkelling and being able to fully get away and relax.

But since that isn’t currently an option, it would have to be Kaiteriteri, our own slice of Paradise which can feel like Fiji. The ultimate day would be jetskiing in the morning, followed by donuts from Smoking Barrel, brunch, and then walking them both off through Abel Tasman National Park. Stopping at the honesty boxes and getting boysenberries and cherries is also a must!

Tell us something most people wouldn’t know about you? I speak fluent German and have reasonable French and basic Swahili. I’m a little bit rusty from not travelling in so long, but give me two wines and it all comes back.

I picked up these languages from my time living overseas; high school in Germany (2yrs), university in Switzerland (4yrs) and Vancouver (1yr), then a bit of time in Moscow (1yr), Czech Republic (2yrs) and Africa (1yr).

Best country you have visited? I have two favourite countries in the world. The first is Bhutan, where I hiked 240km across the backbone of the Himalayas. They allocate a small number of tourist visas and I was one of the lucky 10,000 people eligible to travel in 2012, so it’s very special to have experienced it. The second is Mexico! Tulum is gorgeous with azure blue seas, Mayan ruins and cenotes topped off with yummy limes and Mojitos.