Our People

In an industry full of such passionate, creative people, we wouldn’t get very far if we didn’t have some of our own.

Here is a taste of the people who make the Restaurant Association what it is today.

Marisa Bidois

Marisa Bidois

Chief Executive Officer

Nicola Waldren

Nicola Waldren

General Manager

Melanie Evans

Melanie Evans

Marketing & Communications Manager

Gabrielle Turner

Gabrielle Turner

Membership Team Leader & Sponsorship National

Karen Smith

Karen Smith

Membership Co-ordinator

(Mid-Upper North Island)
Alastair Morris

Alastair Morris

Assessment & Membership Co-ordinator

(Wellington & lower North Island)
Mike Todd

Mike Todd

Assessment & Membership Co-ordinator

(South Island)
Tracey Lines

Tracey Lines

Assessment Team Leader

Sara Beillard-Gosai

Sara Beillard-Gosai

Training & Development Manager

Gilda Proietti

Gilda Proietti

Hospo Start Facilitator / Co-ordinator

Ashennafee Rickus

Ashennafee Rickus

Professional Development Co-ordinator

Kimberley Alford

Kimberley Alford

Helpline Advisor - Team Leader

Sacha Beacham

Sacha Beacham

Senior Helpline Advisor

Arya Herath

Arya Herath

Senior Legal Advisor

Lesina Uini

Lesina Uini

Helpline Advisor

Vanessa Wallace

Vanessa Wallace

National Events & Sponsorship Manager

Sheena Singhal

Sheena Singhal

Finance Manager

Samantha Feary

Samantha Feary

Receptionist