Resort manager returns

TAKING CHARGE: Brent Gibson is back as manager at Waiheke Island Resort

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Island identity Brent Gibson is back at the helm of conference centre and accommodation provider Waiheke Island Resort, after it changed hands on Sunday.

Mr Gibson, who has in the past owned and developed the property on Bay Rd, Palm Beach, returns this time as manager for new owner Waiheke Island Group Ltd.

It's been nine years since he "led from the front" and he says it is with renewed enthusiasm that he takes over from Ken and Donna Pascoe of Waiheke Resort Ltd, who bought the resort in June 2006.

While away from the resort, Mr Gibson was part of the South Pacific Group which owns Isola Estate on Onetangi Straight.

The company hoped to develop the site into a boutique hotel and gained backing from one of the most luxurious hotel groups in the world – Langham Hotels – but a lack of investment because of the economic downturn left the plans on the drawing board.

Now back at the resort, Mr Gibson promises the premises will undergo a major refurbishment and relaunch to bring it back into the forefront of the corporate meetings and conference market.

The resort currently caters for conferences from five to 170 delegates in its 51 privately owned units, chalets, villas and six-bed lodge. It boasts an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and petanque-pit plus a restaurant and bar.

"It is a three-star property but there's no reason it can't offer five-star service," says Mr Gibson.

"We will have to compete aggressively for a share of the market."He says he intends to surround himself with a good, solid and happy team.

There has already been extensive advertising for new personnel to join the current staff and Mr Gibson says he hopes to create good employment opportunities.

For more information on the resort, phone 372-0011.

- Waiheke Marketplace