After backpacking through more than 70 countries, Brett took his extensive travel experience and combined it with his Project Management background to open his first hostel in 2011. He went on to expand to five sites, building the business from the ground up to become New Zealand’s largest independently owned hostel chain.

With more than 15 years’ experience as a hostel owner and operator, Brett has a deep understanding of the youth accommodation sector and what matters to today’s backpackers. He is now dedicated to advocating for New Zealand’s youth accommodation industry and ensuring its voice is heard across the wider tourism sector.

Lucy Haslam brings over 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. She began her managerial career with Air New Zealand, then spent over 7 years with Tourism Holdings Ltd (THL) as General Manager for Mighway/Share a Camper and Kiwi Experience, where she revived the business post-COVID. Lucy has extensive experience in sales, operations, and relationship management, with skills in change management and a deep understanding of customer needs. Her broad background in travel and tourism, combined with her passion for youth travel, makes her a valuable advocate for BYATA’s members.

Brian is a long serving BYATA member. Chairperson from 2014 to 2017, and currently President. He has worked in RTOs, managed a digital marketing agency and was GM Marketing and Sales for YHA New Zealand. Brian is also an advocate for youth tourism and strong believer in the people behind the success of our tourism industry. 

Laura Crowther has been a key figure in Taupō's tourism sector since 2012, having served as GM and Operations Manager at Base Backpackers and currently as HR Manager for Tourism Adventure Group. As secretary of Tourism Lake Taupō, she supports local tourism and actively participates in BYATA meetings. In her roles as BYATA Vice Chair and Treasurer, Laura offers valuable insights and tackles industry challenges. Her dedication and passion for tourism make her a valuable asset to the BYATA board.

Sarah Christie brings over 20 years of experience in the tourism industry to her role as Lead for Conference on the BYATA Board. Sarah has held various roles within the sector, from frontline customer service, sales and marketing through to senior management. With her understanding of the youth travel market, she is committed to supporting the BYATA Board and its members as they navigate an ever-changing industry.

Drew Hamilton has over 25yrs of experience in both the New Zealand and Australian Tourism Industry, previous sales roles include Down Under Tours, AAT Kings and now Head of Sales Skydive Australia and New Zealand for Experience Co. Drew offers valuable insights into channel distribution, connectivity and market trends. Drew has spent many years travelling to New Zealand's principal source markets for youth travel, conducting sales activity and forming relationships with key industry partners.

Matt is an accomplished Operations Manager with over 20 years of experience across diverse industries. Currently leading operations at Stray, he ensures seamless business performance and exceptional customer service. Previously, Matt held key roles at Northern Region Football, Alsco and New Zealand Golf, where he excelled in strategic planning, partnership management, and process improvement. His expertise spans continuous improvement, business development, customer relationship management, and stakeholder engagement. Passionate about the travel industry, Matt is dedicated to enhancing travel experiences through innovation and operational excellence.

Nadine Hartl is the Business Development Manager at Haka House, bringing more than a decade of experience across youth travel, accommodation, events, and tourism development in New Zealand and overseas. In her current role, she focuses on building strategic partnerships, developing new market opportunities, and driving sustainable year-round demand through the education, sports, and group travel sectors.

Passionate about the future of New Zealand's youth tourism industry, Nadine is a strong advocate for collaboration, innovation, and creating meaningful travel experiences. As a BYATA Board Member, she is committed to supporting members, strengthening industry connections, and helping build a resilient and thriving youth travel sector for the future.

Chris Sperring has taken a step back from being on the BYATA board but stays involved as our Relationship Manager for Advocacy.  His extensive travelling and working background has spanned the world working predominantly for Hostelling International in the budget hostel accommodation space. Chris proudly fights for fare on behalf of the membership and advocates on a range of issues from the Working Holiday Visa to Freedom Camping. Chris wears a number of hats and currently works as Destination Development Project Manager, for WellingtonNZ and coaches at Wellington Phoenix Academy.