Our Team
Our friendly team goes far beyond giving you a pleasant luxury experience. Dedicated and knowledgeable with exceptionally high standards, our people make our property truly shine. Be sure to say hello when you see our staff around the lodge.
Jamie Main
Owner
Jamie Main was born and raised in Rotorua. Together with her late husband Ron Main, they developed and owned numerous businesses in and around Rotorua including farming blocks, property developments and aged care facilities. They also built the first Rydges Hotel in Rotorua on Fenton Street.
On The Point – Lake Rotorua was the original home to Jamie and Ron. They bought the property in 1977 where they raised their 4 children on the property and when they all flew the coup, they lovingly renovated the property into a luxury boutique lodge, opening to welcoming visitors in 2004.
Jamie is very community focussed and enjoys providing to many charities. She is very hands on at the lodge and contributes to the decision making. She has 12 grandchildren, some of whom still assist us at the lodge on a casual basis when they are on university or school break.
Ann Gregor
General Manager
Having been in tourism and hospitality for over 30 years Ann Gregor began her career with the opening of the Novotel Hotel in Rotorua. From there she enjoyed many exciting roles in the industry including 8 years with Volcanic Air – a helicopter and floatplane operator and two roles with Regional Tourism entities, one in Hawke’s Bay and one in Rotorua. The opportunity to run a high-end lodge was very appealing to her and she jumped at the opportunity. Ann has been at the lodge for 7 years and has been challenged with Covid and rebranding but she has relished every moment. Ensuring that the guests feel they are treated with the very best experience whilst visiting our region and property is paramount to her.
Swetha Viswanadhapalli
Operations Manager
Swetha has recently joined On The Point - Lake Rotorua as Operations Manager. Swetha moved to New Zealand from India in 2014 to study Hospitality in New Plymouth, and quickly fell in love with this beautiful country. She is now proud to call New Zealand home. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to work across several hotels and luxury lodges before joining On The Point as the new Operations Manager. She has a real passion for hospitality, meeting new people, and hearing their stories.
Ian Wagle
Restaurant Manager
Ian originally hails from Nepal but now proudly calls New Zealand home. Having worked at several leading Rotorua lodges, including Koura Lodge and Solitaire Lodge, he returned to the property after its transition from Peppers on the Point to On The Point – Lake Rotorua. Recently promoted to Restaurant Manager, Ian brings years of experience hosting guests, coordinating events and weddings, and delivering exceptional service. He has completed his Wine Appreciation courses and is currently studying part-time towards a Business Degree at Toi Ohomai.
Neeti Masih
Head Housekeeper
Neeti manages the busy housekeeping department. Previously she has worked as Housekeeping Assistant in India for a 5 star luxury resort. She also lectured on Housekeeping at the Institute of Hotel Management in India for 2 years before moving to New Zealand with her husband and two children where she joined the Distinction Hotel as Front Line Assistant for 12 months before coming to work for us at On the Point – Lake Rotorua. Her role involves ensuring to ensure supplies are a plenty for busy turnovers and that our rooms are sparkling clean and ready for our guests to relax and enjoy.
Julie Amundsen and Helen Oakley
Property Assistants
Helen and Jules are responsible for the beautiful, manicured grounds at the lodge. They pretty much work outside 100% of the day watering, planting, trimming, cutting and grooming the 5 acres of grounds ensuring it is in tip top shape. Another particularly important responsibility is tending to our petting animals who they share a special bond with. The donkeys, miniature horses, chickens, and sheep have for the most part been raised on the property and are admired and loved by the guests who enjoy feeding the donkeys a carrot or two!
Nicky Hegarty
Breakfast Supervisor
Nicky originally comes from Tairawhiti, Gisborne, moving to Rotorua 16 years ago. She more recently spent 12 years in North
Wales, returning to Rotorua in 2022. She
has a background in hairdressing, sales and hospitality. Nicky enjoys looking after her four
grandchildren, spending time in the gardening and entertaining. You’ll meet Nicky most mornings, where she
loves to interact with our visitors, assisting in planning their day ahead and
generally chit chatting about Rotorua and NZ, not to mention providing you with
a hearty breakfast to keep you going throughout your day.
BJ Sebastian
Head Chef
BJ Sebastian brings a passion for nature, local produce and discovering new flavours to his role as Head Chef at On The Point – Lake Rotorua. A former Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ambassador, BJ has built a strong reputation for championing exceptional New Zealand ingredients and bringing creativity and respect to his cooking. His work has also been recognised by the Cuisine Good Food Awards, and he has contributed to the industry as a judge for the New Zealand Outstanding Food Producer Awards. BJ has a particular passion for foraging, fermentation and zero-waste cooking, always looking for new ways to make the most of every ingredient. He enjoys creating dining experiences that showcase the best of New Zealand and hopes guests leave with a lasting connection to the flavours and character of Aotearoa.
Manish Atree
Front Office Supervisor
Originally from India and now based in New Zealand, I am a proud husband and father who believes that family is at the heart of everything.
I work in the hospitality industry, where no two days are ever the same. I enjoy meeting new people, solving challenges, and creating memorable experiences for guests. Over the years, I have developed strong leadership and customer service skills, but what I value most is building genuine connections with people.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family, exploring new places, planning road trips, watching cricket, or enjoying good food with friends. I enjoy learning new things, taking on new challenges, and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.
I believe in working hard, staying positive, and enjoying life’s journey while creating meaningful memories with the people who matter most.