During the Voices of the Future event students interviewed Trevor Thomas, Managing Director of Southern Crossings:

Background

Trevor Thomas finished his university education with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in geography. From here, he went into secondary school teaching in both New Zealand and England, travelling the globe in between teaching terms.

His next venture was into politics and the ministry of trade, where he worked his way up to becoming the personal secretary for the minister of trade between 1982 and 1986. He was then invited to work as the executive director of Rothmans Tobacco Company which was another successful progression for his business career.

Finally, he moved into the tourism industry, taking over as Managing Director of Southern Crossings Ltd in 1996. He is still in this position and his passion for his company and clients came out during our interview with him, as he said, “I am selling something I fervently believe in”.

Mr Thomas currently lives in Auckland, but often retreats to his Waiheke hideaway home. “I like to swim and enjoy the other stuff there.”

Company

Southern Crossings Ltd is a privately owned company, specialising in creating tailor-made itineraries and travel experiences for overseas clients. The business was established in 1986 and is now one of the biggest luxury travel companies for New Zealand. In 2001 Southern Crossing expanded into Australia and the company now has 20 staff- 10 of whom are based in Australia. Last period, the company had a turnover of 15 million dollars.

The aim of the company is to  “guarantee a seamless travel experience”. He ensures that each and every customer will “find a space in New Zealand”.

Views

Mr Thomas has high hopes for the New Zealand tourism industry. He states: “We need to respond to changing market needs based on New Zealand as it keeps growing.” He also believes that the industry needs to change to become more reactive to market trends. Tourism breaks down barriers between countries by promoting leisure activities between cultures and different people from around the world. Furthermore, tourism has been aided by new technologies introduced in the last century such as the World Wide Web.

Personal

Trevor believes in working with the best, and that the people who you place around you and the culture you foster will determine how successful you are.

Trevor is a big family man and maintains a work-life balance by switching off from work when he’s away from the office. In terms of the next generation, he strongly believes that young people should be widely educated to prepare themselves for the business world. He advises us that a broad base is needed too. Upon asking him what advice to give to young people wanting to get into business, he replied, “Just Do It”.

Favourite five

Favourite movie = Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Favourite book = The Green Stone Isle

Favourite food = mmm….uhh…. Italian

Favourite hobby = Skiing and Bridge