“It’s all about the people”: Emily Byrne shares her vision for Holiday Parks New Zealand

Emily Byrne is the new Chief Executive of Holiday Parks New Zealand (HPNZ).

With her strong tourism background and genuine passion for the industry, she’s on a mission to celebrate the unique charm of Kiwi holiday parks and keep the sector thriving. She spoke with AccomNews about her journey, early insights and what’s ahead for members.

Read the latest AccomNews print edition HERE

Congratulations on your appointment, Emily. What led you to this role?

Thank you! I spent six years at Tourism Industry Aotearoa as Director of Marketing, Partnerships & Events, so I already knew the industry well and had a real passion for it. I’d also worked closely with outgoing HPNZ Chief Executive,  Fergus Brown and admired what he was doing.

After COVID hit, I worked at the Ministry for the Environment, then was seconded to the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet for Unite Against COVID. Later, I moved to Stats NZ as Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications until my second child arrived. Most recently, I was CE of a small charity. When this role came up, I was so excited to return to tourism.

What drew you to the holiday park sector?

I grew up in the UK, going to caravan parks with my family, and when I moved here, I loved visiting holiday parks around New Zealand. They’re a classic Kiwi experience with something for everyone. I’m excited to share that story because many people still don’t realise how many parks have roofed accommodation that can rival motels or Airbnb-type accommodation.

How do you like to unwind?

I love crafts and being creative, especially working with clay. I’ve done night classes for years. I also love cooking and baking with my two kids, usually whipping up something for school lunchboxes.

I’ve been lucky to travel around NZ and have visited nearly 50 parks so far. Wellington is my favourite city, but really, I just feel grateful to live in such a beautiful country with so much to discover.

What are your early impressions of the industry?

It’s all about the people. Everyone has been so welcoming. There are challenges, but there are also a lot of opportunities. Right now, we’re running the Holiday Parks NZ Awards and it’s been amazing reading about all the improvements and inspiring work happening in parks around the country.

What are your top priorities as CEO?

Getting out and meeting more members is a big priority. Visiting 50 parks so far has given me so much insight, but I want to see more. We’re also reviewing our strategy and collecting feedback to help shape our next steps. Our team is small and quite new, so we’re working on setting up better systems and processes to make the most of our resources.

What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges ahead?

Freedom camping, compliance costs, infrastructure and staffing are top challenges. But there’s a real opportunity to show that holiday parks aren’t just about tents and caravans. Many parks now offer accommodation that can match or beat motels and other options.

How important is working with your Australian counterparts?

Very important. Some of our parks are owned by Australian companies like Tasman and Hampshire, so we already get good insights that way. I’ve really enjoyed connecting with people at the CIAA and CPAQ conferences too. We’re on similar journeys and sharing what works helps us all.

What stood out to you from the Australian industry convention?

Seeing the sheer number of caravans compared to motorhomes—it’s completely the opposite here. I was also impressed by how deep their data goes and how they use it to support the sector.

What should HPNZ members know about your leadership style?

I’m open and approachable. Members are welcome to call, email or pop in for a coffee if they’re in Wellington. I really value hearing what matters to them. My team and I are here to help make running a holiday park that bit easier.

How can the sector keep attracting the next generation of guests and operators?

Storytelling is key. Many people have childhood memories of holiday parks. We need to keep sharing those stories and reminding people how special that experience is for families.

For operators, tourism offers so much more than a nine-to-five job. It’s hard work but rewarding because it’s all about people.

I love the beautiful Māori whakataukī (proverb): “he aha te mea nui o te ao? Māku e kī atu, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata.” What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, people, people.

AccomNews is getting ready to spotlight more stories at NoVacancy 2025.

Join us for our “Meet the Editor” live sessions at the NoVacancy 2025 Expo in Sydney, where Mandy Clarke will be sitting down for relaxed, one-on-one chats with operators, suppliers, and innovators — anyone with a great story to tell.

📧 To book a spot, email Mandy at [email protected]

📱 Or closer to the event, you can secure a time via the NoVacancy app.

And if you miss out? Just swing by the AccomNews stand to say hello and grab the latest edition.

This article first appeared in the 2025 Caravan & Holiday Park Industry Spotlight. Click below to explore.