Meet The Team

Jayesh Bala

Born and raised in Rotorua with 20 years hospitality experience across New Zealand and Australia. A strong desire to return home and the opportunity to work in one of New Zealand’s exciting regions was just too good to pass up. Jayesh and his young family are excited to be in Taranaki and enjoy the diverse and fun lifestyle that is offers. Jayesh has the pleasure leading an energetic and passionate team of hospitality professionals that are committed to delivering exceptional guests experiences.

DDI: 06 769 9723
gm@novotelnewplymouth.com

Mariska Botha

Born and raised in South Africa, Mariska immigrated to New Zealand in 2015 and has lived in Taranaki ever since.  With over 20 years’ hospitality experience gained from various roles and a passion for the industry and its people, Mariska is here to support our HOD’s and take care of all things Human Resources related.

DDI: 06 769 9720
bsm@novotelnewplymouth.com

Vaughn D'souza

Lots of you may have seen his friendly face around the hotel before! Vaughn joined us here at the Novotel in 2016 as a bartender, working his way up to bar supervisor, then over to the front office team as a guest service agent, again working his way up to guest relations manager. Now in charge of the front office team, Vaughn is excited to be one of the first faces our guests see, meeting so many people and leading his awesome team are the most enjoyable parts of his role.

DDI: 06 769 9721
fom@novotelnewplymouth.com

Shirley Findlay

Keeping a hotel immaculately clean is no easy feat but for Shirley it’s like a walk in the park. With over 30 years’ experience in managing hotel housekeeping teams, Shirley and her team ensure the hotel is bright and shiny for all our guests. Shirley has been a part of the Novotel team from when the doors opened and has just celebrated seven years here!

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

Vickram Zacharia

Vickram, comes from the East Coast of Tamilnadu “Chennai”. Being raised with a family of chefs, his passion and interest towards food was always there!

Having worked mostly in India with ITC and TAJ GROUPS embracing his routes to Indian cuisine, but with a desire to expose himself to western cuisine, he made the move to NZ in 2017. Vickram started his journey at the Novotel as a kitchen hand back in 2017 while studying, he then moved to Wellington and Hamilton and yet has always found Taranaki home. Being a chef enabled him to combine work, travel and use his creativity all at the same time! He believes it is important to use and support local producers and embrace the native ingredients and seasonal produce, but also respect the diversity that food brings. He thrives to translate his Indian roots and compliment the native delicacies, combining traditional and modernity without compromising excellence and standard.

DDI: 06 769 9579
chef@novotelnewplymouth.com

Bridget Harris

Bridget brings extensive experience in events and hospitality. She is in charge of all thing’s events here at Novotel New Plymouth and has recently celebrated two years in this role. Bridget looks forward to helping you create an outstanding conference or event.

DDI: 06 769 9726
events@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 4 years with the Novotel!

DDI: 06 769 9579
marketing@novotelnewplymouth.com

James Cunningham

James is originally from South Africa but has called New Zealand home for the last 21 years. He has worked in some unique hotels throughout his career, with his main areas of expertise being sales, marketing, and revenue management. If you ask James, Taranaki is the best region in NZ; filled with world class food & beverage, an incredible arts scene, and a lifestyle second to none. In his spare time, you will find James with his young family exploring Brookland’s Zoo, firing up the BBQ or pizza oven with friends and family and occasionally out for a round of golf.

DDI: 06 769 9579
sales@novotelnewplymouth.com