Our Team
Our team is made up of a group of passionate and knowledgeable experts, who are well
known in the industry, have worked in many travel business models and want the best ROI
and partnership for everyone who is part of the evolve Travel collective.
Craig Corbett - Chairman
I entered the travel business in 1996 and soon became involved in the Governance side of the industry with Director roles in United Travel Holdings and Biztrav Ltd. It soon became apparent that travel retailers didn’t have control over their own business by being tied into old fashioned legacy Franchise models. I am a founding Director of World Travellers Ltd, creating a retail driven, retailer owned distribution system. I currently Chair the World Travellers Board and have been instrumental in creating the Joint Venture Company evolve Travel. Other business activities include Commercial Property development, Mountain Bike retail and a clothing business – all offering complimentary business skills but a different perspective to the travel industry. Based in Rotorua allows the opportunity to easily get out of the office and spend some time mountain biking, boating, and skiing as time allows.
Contact Craig Corbett now
Email: craig.corbett@evolvetravel.co.nz
Phone: 021 820 906
Wendy van Lieshout - Director
Wendy van Lieshout is a governance and leadership professional with more than 25 years’ experience helping service-based organisations navigate growth and change - across sectors including tourism, travel, franchising, cooperatives, and international business.
A strategic and empathetic leader, Wendy thrives on guiding organisations through transformation - whether driven by technology, mergers and acquisitions, cultural evolution, or international expansion. She brings a balanced, future-focused perspective that blends commercial acumen with a deep commitment to people, purpose, and sustainable success.
After six years as CEO of Active Adventures, New Zealand’s largest and most globally diverse adventure travel company (encompassing two fully integrated U.S. subsidiaries), Wendy stepped down in 2025 to focus on her passion for governance. She is particularly driven to help build sustainable, resilient businesses that contribute to a prosperous and thriving Aotearoa New Zealand.
Wendy is a graduate of the University of Canterbury, and of Otago University’s Executive Education programme. She previously served as Vice Chair of the Tourism Export Council New Zealand (TECNZ), as a Board Member of the Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ), and as an Advisory Group Member for the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Today, Wendy serves as a Director of Evolve Travel, a Director of World Travellers, a Board Member of the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce, and she's a Chartered Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.
Contact Wendy van Lieshout now
Email: wendy.vanlieshout@evolvetravel.co.nz
Phone: 021 2435 412
Shona Grundy - Independent Director
Shona Grundy is an Independent Director of Evolve Travel, bringing more than 25 years’ experience across technology, product, operations and digital transformation. She has built and scaled award-winning startups and held senior leadership roles in global technology companies, working at the intersection of commercial strategy, innovation and customer experience.
Shona began her AI journey in 2017 with one of the world’s first Artificial Human companies, working with Fortune 500 clients across banking, automotive and enterprise technology in partnership with organisations such as IBM and Google. Since then, she has supported global businesses as they adopt digital tools and AI in practical, human-centred ways — focused on improving efficiency, freeing teams from repetitive work, and strengthening customer connection.
She has held senior roles including Head of Product and Chief Operating Officer in international technology businesses, including within Vista Group (NZX/ASX), where she worked on data-driven growth, operational scale and digital strategy. Shona also currently runs a fast-growing direct-to-consumer wellness brand operating across 11 international markets, using automation and AI-driven optimisation to scale with a lean team.
Alongside her commercial work, Shona is a judge for the NZ Hi-Tech Awards and a mentor to deep-tech founders through venture capital and accelerator programmes. She is passionate about supporting independent businesses to thrive and brings pragmatic, independent thinking to board discussions — particularly around digital strategy, human-centred AI adoption and sustainable growth.
Contact Shona Grundy now
Email: shona.grundy@evolvetravel.co.nz
Phone: 027 248 5320
Terence Blokker - Director
I have worked in the travel industry for 23 years across two countries and in numerous disciplines, starting off in retail as a travel consultant, moving up to Area manager and then making my move into finance. I have a good understanding of what it takes to not only sell travel , but also the financial background to understand what makes a business successful along with what controls need to be in place to protect our hard-earned dollars. I am passionate about our industry and look forward to the future successes that evolve Travel limited will bring
Contact Terence Blokker now
Email: terence.blokker@evolvetravel.co.nz
Phone: 021 569 108
Jason Buckley - Director
A Director on the TAANZ board, Jason Buckley brings 35 years of deep-rooted expertise to the New Zealand travel industry. With a career spanning wholesale operations, retail agency ownership and currently as General Manager of a large-scale network of independent agency members, this breadth of experience provides Jason with a uniquely nuanced perspective on the challenges facing diverse industry stakeholders. He combines a collaborative leadership style with a commitment to a thriving travel environment, offering guidance that ensures the long-term success of the New Zealand travel sector.
Contact Jason Buckley now
Email: jason.buckley@evolvetravel.co.nz
Phone: 029 200 7260
Dave Nicholson - Consultant
Dave Nicholson has worked in the travel industry for 35 years in three main areas: tour operator, wholesale and retail travel. With a strong commercial acumen and a well-established network across the New Zealand travel industry. As GM of World Travellers, he gets great satisfaction from assisting its members to achieve maximum potential.
Contact Dave Nicholson now
Email: dave.nicholson@evolvetravel.co.nz
Phone: 021 998858
Evolve Travel Ltd is the Joint Venture Company 50/50 owned by World Travellers Ltd and Flight Centre NZ.
