Michael Tamaki
CEO Tamaki Tours
Summary
of Interview
Michael Tamaki is the CEO of Tamaki Tours Ltd and has chaired various committees
and boards in his career. Michael discussed with us various issues, including
his personal background, starting out in the industry and the influences of
APEC on his business ventures.
One particular point that stood out in the interview was Michael’s comment
regarding the fact that his tourism activities received different benefits from
APEC’s work than that of firms trading physical products. Michael stands
out as a business leader, believing that work should be about fun and that passion
and enthusiasm are the drivers of success.
Michael explained that the
Lions tour of New Zealand shows how a nation of four million people rose in
celebration and to provide support the All Blacks. His hope for the future is
that New Zealand comes together in this same way to give a similar response
to successful businesses established and emerging in this country.
Students Thoughts on the Interview
We found Michael to be a very colourful and vibrant person to interview. He
takes a different approach to business and his keenness and passion for his
pursuits was obvious when we spoke to him. Michael clearly has a creative and
forward thinking mind; this has been reflected in his achievements to date.
Quotes
“All the people with great thinking ideas have no money, and all the
people with money have no great thinking ideas”
“The thing about New Zealanders is that we are great thinking people because
we don’t have money, we have to think hard”
Contributed by: Sarah-Jane Wardle, Ignacio De Zamacona de León, Jenny Zhang, Todd Anderson, Sarah Goldsbury and Blair Paterson