John Rassie says taking the advice of Travel and Tourism teacher Ian Morrison, to study in Queenstown was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “Tourism is a great career choice down here. Lots of different doors open up, especially if you are a Kiwi committed to working hard.”

After leaving St Andrew’s, John gained a Diploma in Hospitality Management at Queenstown Resort College and worked as a concierge at the Hilton Hotel. “I initially planned to be a full-time concierge and work my way around Queenstown, but then the opportunity came up to work with premium boutique winery Wet Jacket as a cellar door host. I started part-time over the summer, and now work there four days a week. It’s an amazing place to grow my career in the wine industry.”

John also works for NZSki, driving people up and down the mountain two days a week. “I’m grateful for the grounding and industry knowledge I picked up in Year 12–13 Travel and Tourism at St Andrew’s. It’s helped to put me on an exciting career path, and I’m having a lot of fun as well.”