Zac Watson

Zac Watson always had a pull towards tourism, and that pull led him to Lincoln University.

Now the Bachelor of Tourism Management graduate is head of his own team, pushing for sustainable growth and innovation across the industry.

Zac grew up in Kumeu, Northwest of Auckland. He now lives on Auckland’s North Shore and leads Maverick Tourism, a full-service agency delivering marketing and consultancy across Aotearoa, operating exclusively in the visitor economy.

As General Manager, he’s responsible for a team of 13 people, and the overall direction of the business, focused on impact and results, coupled with team culture and strategy.

“I love working in tourism because it blends creativity and commercials with real impact.

“You’re not just selling a product, you’re creating experiences that people remember for life. And you’re supporting the businesses and communities behind those experiences.”

Zac has been working in the industry through Covid-19 induced border closures and labour shortages. Now tourism is bouncing back and he’s leading his team through a new era of growth, with sustainability and innovation front and centre.

“I’m proud of the team culture we’ve built and the role we play in lifting capability across the sector. Seeing clients grow, adapt, and thrive is hugely rewarding.”

Zac cares deeply about the long-term wellbeing of the industry. He’s advocating for strategic, people-first growth that keeps tourism purposeful and future-ready.

“Tourism is an incredibly important industry for New Zealand. It’s always among our top GDP-contributing industries.

“It’s really important to have a qualification that’s setting people up to go into one of our largest workforces.”

Zac’s degree worked.

“Looking back, Lincoln was a place where I could explore different interests and figure out what I was passionate about – all while being part of a really tight-knit community.

“It set me up not just with knowledge, but with confidence, networks, and a way of thinking that I still lean on today. I’d recommend it in a heartbeat to anyone wanting to study tourism or land-based industries – especially those who learn best by getting involved and doing.”