Meet The Team

James Cunningham

Originally from Taranaki, James has returned home after recently leading the team at BreakFree on Cashel in Christchurch. With a strong background in hotel leadership and guest experience, James brings a people-focused approach, a genuine passion for hospitality, and a deep connection to the region.

James is passionate about showcasing everything Taranaki has to offer and sees tourism and hospitality as an important part of the region’s growth. He is excited to lead the team at Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki, continue delivering exceptional guest experiences, and play a part in helping more visitors discover the unique energy, landscape and culture of Taranaki.

DDI: 06 769 9723
gm@novotelnewplymouth.com

Mariska Botha

Originally from South Africa, Mariska immigrated to New Zealand in 2015 and has proudly called Taranaki home ever since. She considers Taranaki one of the best places to live in New Zealand, appreciating the strong sense of community, natural beauty, and lifestyle it offers. She joined the Novotel New Plymouth team in 2018 and has become an integral part of the hotel’s leadership team, supporting the General Manager and Heads of Department to foster a positive workplace culture and deliver exceptional guest experiences.

With more than 23 years of hospitality experience across South Africa and New Zealand, Mariska has worked with internationally recognised hotel brands in a variety of operational, leadership, and people-focused roles.

As Business Support & HR Manager, Mariska oversees the hotel’s people and culture initiatives, including recruitment, learning and development, employee wellbeing, and providing strategic support to the General Manager and leadership team.

Mariska is passionate about coaching, learning and development, and helping people become the best version of themselves. She believes that investing in people is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen teams, build positive workplace cultures, and create exceptional guest experiences.

DDI: 06 769 9720
bsm@novotelnewplymouth.com

Ralph Viegas

Originally from India, Ralph moved to New Zealand in 2018 and joined Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki in 2020. After starting in Food & Beverage, he transitioned to Front Office as a Night Auditor before being promoted to Duty Manager in 2023 and Front Office Manager in 2025.

With more than 15 years of customer service experience, Ralph is passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences while leading a positive, supportive team environment. He enjoys helping his team grow and ensuring every guest receives genuine, memorable hospitality.

Outside of work, you’ll often find Ralph at the gym, playing cricket, or exploring the outdoors.

DDI: 06 769 9721
fom@novotelnewplymouth.com

Jesslyn Tan

Jess is originally from Malaysia and moved to New Zealand 5 years ago. She started her housekeeping journey during her university days, working part time at a local motel.

She joined the Novotel family over three years ago and immediately showed professionalism, drive and ambition. Quickly working her way to a supervisor role, and now taking the lead as head housekeeper. Making the hotel sparkling clean is one of her specialties.

DDI: 06 769 9728
hk@novotelnewplymouth.com

Shailaja Bhandari

Shailaja is originally from India, with over 9 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, working with international brands such as the Marriott, Hyatt and Millennium hotels.

Shailaja joined the Novotel back in 2019, whilst completing her master’s at the Pacific International Hotel Management School, here in Taranaki. Working her way from a casual food and beverage attendant, to quickly becoming service manager and now leading our fantastic team as the food and beverage manager.

Shailaja loves new Plymouth. She lives here with her two children and husband and has happily settled into the New Plymouth lifestyle.

DDI: 06 769 9722
restaurant@novotelnewplymouth.com

Richard Ponder

The main man behind our incredible kitchen team! You may recognise this face, but don’t be mistaken, it’s not his twin Freddie Ponder. Originally from the UK, this is where Richard first found his passion for food and started his career as a chef, he then travelled to France, New Zealand and Australia to experience a different culinary journey, but soon found his way back to New Plymouth, where he and his kiwi wife live with their adorable five children!

Some would ask, how does a man with a wife, five children and a whole kitchen to look after get any spare time, to which Richard would answer ‘it’s easy’ whilst heading to the beach for a surf! That’s why the team here at Novotel love him! Don’t forget its Richard not Freddie

DDI: 06 769 9727
execchef@novotelnewplymouth.com

Sarah Toon

Originally from the UK, Sarah joined the Novotel team after moving to Taranaki with her husband back in 2019. Sarah has an extensive background in hospitality, with over 17 years’ experience in the industry. From managing restaurants & bars, planning & managing events, right through to recruitment. She then found her passion of marketing hospitality businesses.

After a recent move back to Christchurch, Sarah currently works remotely for the Novotel, although regularly coming back to visit all the wonderful things Taranaki has to offer and touch base with the awesome team! Celebrating over 6 years with the Novotel!

DDI: 06 769 9579
marketing@novotelnewplymouth.com

Alana Buckthought

Born and raised right here in New Plymouth, Taranaki, Alana joined the Novotel team in September this year, bringing a strong background in administration and valuable experience as a business owner. She believes event management is more than just a job, it’s something she truly loves. For Alana, there’s nothing more rewarding than bringing people together, creating experiences that leave a lasting impression, and seeing the joy that comes from a well-planned event.

Outside of work, Alana enjoys spending time with her three-year-old, and when she’s not in mum mode, you’ll find her throwing weights around at CrossFit or tearing up the track in her stockcar at speedway.

DDI: 06 769 9726
events@novotelnewplymouth.com

Josh Cleaver

Born in Taranaki, Josh brings a wealth of diverse experience to his role as Sales Manager. His career spans a wide range of positions, many of which naturally connect back to hospitality, customer service, and community engagement. That foundation has shaped his passion for genuine connection, personalised service, and creating meaningful experiences for every guest or client he works with.

With a strong focus on understanding what customers truly need, he is committed to building lasting partnerships and elevating the experience of those choosing Novotel New Plymouth. Deeply tied to the Taranaki community, Josh is proud to represent a region he knows and loves, and to champion local relationships that help the hotel continue to thrive.

DDI: 06 769 9579 (EXT. 703)
sales@novotelnewplymouth.com