Our board
The Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail Inc board brings together leaders with a broad range of experience, knowledge and expertise.
Alan Vane
Chair
A keen cyclist, Alan is a barrister and solicitor living and practising in Taupō and the central North Island. Over the past three decades he has gained extensive governance experience, including in positions in tourism, health and cycling.
Alan has been involved with Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand since its inception, principally through Bike Taupō. He’s firmly focused on solution-orientated outcomes with a minimum of bureaucracy.
Janet Purdey
General manager
Janet has a management and marketing background in both the public and private sector, and a passion for active travel. Previous roles include nine years as marketing manager for Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and marketing and communications manager at Wellington City Council.
Janet is passionate about developing Great Rides to be truly regenerative tourism experiences that deliver on Tourism New Zealand’s objectives of making New Zealand a better place to live and travel.
Diane Drummond
Diane has worked in the tourism industry for the past 30 years, from marketing, to cruise ship land-based itinerary development, and most recently, asset management.
A stint within central government, managing the multi-million dollar Tourism Growth Partnership, led to her role as trail manager for the Hauraki Rail Trail Great Ride.
She is passionate about empowering the community to embrace the Great Rides, making them a much-appreciated public asset for all to enjoy.
Stuart Taylor
Stu heads up the WellingtonNZ business and innovation unit that supports Screen Wellington, regional economic development, businesses to grow, innovate, and meet future workforce needs.
Since moving from the UK in 2006, he has led complex work programmes and supported ministers, collaborative catchment management, and contaminated site remediation. He's managed numerous central government funds.
Stu is passionate about the great outdoors, travel and nature. He sees trails as a way to experience new places, drive visitation, unwind from the daily routine and have fun with friends.
Philip Wyndham
Phil is a seasoned tourism professional with more than 20 years' experience in the industry, specialising in small-group guided operations.
As a board member, he plays a key role in promoting sustainable tourism and enhancing New Zealand’s iconic cycle trail network across domestic and international markets.
Phil’s extensive background includes leadership and operational expertise, contributing to his reputation as a dedicated advocate for immersive and active travel experiences in New Zealand.
Pete Masters
Pete is a retired pilot who is a passionate cyclist. He's been mountain biking since 1986 and has had a close association with Bike Taupō for more than two decades.
He's been actively engaged in the outdoors for many years, has completed numerous cycling trips within New Zealand and overseas, and has ridden most of the 23 Great Rides of New Zealand.
As a former chair of the Taupō Tongariro Conservation Board, Pete brings governance experience and his knowledge of track building and day-to-day operations means he has a good understanding of issues trail managers face.
Sarah Bennett
Sarah is a veteran New Zealand cyclist, regenerative tourism advocate and independent travel writer.
She and partner Lee Slater have been involved with the Great Rides since their creation and are passionate about their ever-growing potential to protect nature, foster healthy communities and create meaningful employment.
Working in New Zealand tourism for almost 25 years and living permanently on the road, Sarah has deep on-the-ground knowledge, whanaungatanga and communications expertise across the visitor, industry and governance sectors.
