Our Team
Meet MyStays
Owners - Brent and Elle Knight
Welcome to MyStays, where grass root values and a passion for excellence meet. Meet the faces behind our business, Brent and Elle Knight, along with their two children, Amylee and Nixon.
Elle Knight
With a decade of experience, Elle is the heart and soul of Lakeside Accommodation in Taupo. She founded and has been successfully operating Lakeside Accommodation for ten years, providing guests with memorable experiences in the breathtaking Taupo region. During the tumultuous times of the Covid pandemic, Elle launched Lakeside Rentals, offering short-term rental owners a reliable alternative to navigate uncertain income streams. Today, she leads a dedicated team of over 25 staff, ensuring our guests have exceptional stays and property owners have peace of mind.
Brent Knight
Brent is a partner in Beck Building, a highly respected building company with a rich 30-year history in Taupo. His 11-year partnership has contributed to Beck Building's reputation for crafting high-end architectural homes in the Taupo region. With an eye for detail and a commitment to quality, Brent ensures that every project meets the highest standards.
Our extensive experience in our respective businesses has given us invaluable insights into the needs and expectations of our customers. We are dedicated to ensuring that our guests and property owners receive top-notch service and satisfaction.
Outside of our professional lives, we cherish our family moments with Amylee and Nixon, as well as spending time with loved ones and friends. Brent is an avid competitor in half and full Ironman events, constantly pushing his limits to achieve the perfect race.
Whangamata holds a special place in our hearts, as Brent's family holidays were spent there, and Elle finished her high school years in this beautiful location. We escape to our bach in Whangamata whenever possible, a treasured happy place for us. As a family, we bond over our shared love for fishing, beach walks, skiing/snowboarding, and exploring new destinations.
At My Stays, we believe in creating unforgettable moments and offering exceptional service to our guests. With our diverse backgrounds and shared family values, we look forward to welcoming you to our properties and providing you with an extraordinary experience.
Head Office Team
My Stays takes pride in having an exceptionally experienced and dedicated head office team based in Taupo. Our team is committed to supporting our guests, ensuring they enjoy the best and most consistent experiences when staying in our nationwide holiday homes. Serving as the primary point of contact for our property owners, our devoted head office team makes it a priority to familiarise themselves with each owner and their property. This enables us to provide personalised and accurate information, whether you're seeking details about bookings or property inquiries. At My Stays, we believe in knowing our clients, so when you reach out, you can trust that we know who you are and have the right answers for you.
Stef - Relationship Manager
Stef is an experienced Relationship Manager with nearly 7 years of dedicated service within our sister company. With a solid foundation in customer service, she plays a pivotal role at MyStays, nurturing essential business relationships from property owners through GEMs. Stef's passion for travel shines through as she revels in island getaways and savours local destinations renowned for their exceptional culinary delights.
Charlotte - Relationship Manager
Charlotte, our dedicated Relationship Manager with 2 years of experience at our sister company, bringing extensive knowledge to MyStays. With a background in accounts and office management, Charlotte is a vital asset to our team. Focused on nurturing key business relationships, she connects owners, GEMs (Guest Experience Managers), and guests to create memorable experiences. When Charlotte gets away, she enjoys coastal holidays with friends, embracing the joy of creating cherished memories by the sea.
Claire - Operations Manager
Claire, our dynamic Operations Manager, seamlessly orchestrates MyStays' nationwide operations. Rising through the ranks of our sister company, she excels in setting up new properties, skillfully directing photographers, and showcasing houses at their best. Claire's passion for creativity and presentations is evident in every project. Residing in picturesque Taupo for 14 years, she remains captivated by the stunning scenery. A quick getaway to Hawke's Bay is a cherished escape where Claire explores quaint villages, boutique shops, and visits local wineries.
Georgia - Operations Support
Georgia, our seasoned Operations star, brings with her a wealth of experience from our sister company. With a background spanning administration, cleaning, and front-of-house services, her expertise truly shines in the operations realm. Georgia's meticulous attention to detail ensures a flawless experience for our guests, translating into exceptional property management for our owners. Georgia and her young family call Taupo home but have strong connections that draw them South for their family holidays, where you'll often find them on the mountain bike trails together.
Sue - Office Administrator
Sue, our office administrator at My Stays, joined the team in March 2023, bringing with her 18 years of diverse experience, including management roles at BNZ. A true linchpin in our office, Sue expertly holds everything together. Her love for travel, both within New Zealand and internationally, fuels her passion for discovering quirky and unconventional accommodations over traditional hotels and motels. Sue thrives on the flexibility and variety that her role at My Stays offers, making her an invaluable asset to our team.
Amy - Relationship Manager
Meet Amy, our dedicated Relationship Manager at My Stays. Starting with us during high school at Lakeside Accommodations, she's risen through the ranks with dedication. Amy's diverse background includes front-of-house service, sports coaching, and cleaning. Currently pursuing a postgraduate diploma in Sport Rehabilitation and Wellness, she's committed to growth. Passionate about CrossFit and weightlifting, Amy enjoys outdoor adventures and seeks to explore more of the South Island. With her skills and adventurous spirit, Amy ensures every guest's experience with My Stays is exceptional.
Jemma - Marketing Coordinator
Jemma joins the team with a background in design and marketing in the tourism and hospitality industry. As the Design and Marketing Coordinator at MyStays, Jemma is excited to bring the MyStays journey to life, showcasing the beauty of people enjoying holidays and creating lasting memories throughout New Zealand. Jemma's ideal getaway is either surrounded by lush bush or beside the ocean.
Regional GEMs
Our fabulous Guest Experience Managers (GEMs) are on the ground, handling the day-to-day management and presentation of our Holiday Homes. They bring their passion for caring and presenting the homes they manage to the highest standards, catering to both guests and owners alike. With insider knowledge of their region and location, they are the perfect go-to for all things related to your stay.
Taupo GEM - Gemma
Meet Gemma, a seasoned professional with over two years of experience as a senior cleaner and trainer at our sister business, Lakeside Accommodation. Gemma's dedication to excellence and her passion for hospitality have made her an invaluable asset to our team. Her deep-rooted connection to the community and her familiarity with the local landscape make her an exceptional GEM for Taupo. Beyond her professional endeavours, Gemma is a woman of many interests. Her love for travel, property, and the great outdoors fuels her adventurous spirit. She finds joy in exploring the picturesque surroundings of Taupo with her family, creating cherished memories along the way.
Kinloch GEM - Anna
Meet Anna, our Guest Experience Manager in Kinloch, Taupo. With a versatile background in hospitality, administration, and recent experience as a cleaner at Lakeside Accommodation, Anna ensures guests receive top-notch care and holiday homes are presented to the highest standards. Having returned from 16 years abroad in Australia, she now calls Kinloch home, turning every day into a holiday. Anna's passion for family adventures to the beach or bush adds a touch of excitement to the serene Kinloch experience. Let Anna elevate your property to a new level of comfort and joy ensuring guests have a 5-star experience with every stay!
Waikato GEM - Amanda
Meet Amanda, our Guest Experience Manager in Waikato, servicing Hamilton, Cambridge and Karapiro. With a Hotel and Events Management degree from Switzerland, Amanda has over 15 years experience in the industry working in 5 star resorts and venues around the world. Born and raised in the Waikato, she has recently moved back to Hamilton to be closer to family. She loves traveling, wining and dining, and in more recent years, she's been hands on with raising her two young children. Her favourite holiday destinations in NZ are Queenstown, Havelock North and Optio Bay.
Pauanui GEM's - Andie
Meet Andie, a vibrant soul passionate about adventure and hospitality and is our Guest Experience Manager (GEM) at My Stays Pauanui. Drawing from her leadership role in luxury resorts in the Coromandel, she excels in presenting properties impeccably and exceeding guest expectations. With a love for nature, Andie explores New Zealand's mountains and aquatic realms, recently becoming a certified open-water diver. Her expertise in Massage Therapy and a Pilates instruction reflects her dedication to wellness. With boundless energy and a commitment to exceptional service, Andie ensures each guest's stay at My Stays is truly extraordinary.
Whangamata GEM's - Maria and Milena
Meet Maria and Milena, the dynamic duo overseeing operations and guest experiences in Whangamata! Maria, from Brazil, adds warmth and efficiency to our team in a managerial role, while Milena, originally from Rio de Janeiro, brings dedication as our hands-on Whangamata GEM. Together, they ensure exceptional service, meticulously caring for properties and guaranteeing unforgettable experiences. Maria immerses herself in the community, while Milena's hardworking ethos shines. With shared values of honesty and effective communication, they make a positive impact personally and professionally. Trust Maria and Milena to deliver exceptional service, ensuring cherished memories for every Whangamata guest.
Mercury Bay GEM's - Laura
Meet Laura, a seasoned hospitality professional with extensive experience in holiday park management, business ownership, and cleaning supervision, offering unparalleled insight into the accommodation industry. As the Mercury Bay GEM for MyStays, she provides 10 years of local knowledge, having resided across the Coromandel. Laura's dedication to 5-star service is complemented by her love for community and family. With diverse interests from gardening to ballroom dancing, she embodies a vibrant spirit both at work and in her personal life. Laura's expertise ensures guests receive exceptional care and unforgettable experiences during their stay.
Hawke's Bay GEM - Sarah
With over 15 years of experience in the events industry, Sarah possesses a keen eye for detail. Coupled with her background in marketing and communications, she excels in creating memorable experiences. You can count on her to oversee every aspect of your property with care and dedication. Outside of work, she finds joy in travelling, embracing diverse cultures, and indulging in culinary delights.
Auckland GEM - Mateleta
Meet Mateleta, a true local gem hailing from the picturesque suburb of Parnell. With a passion for exploring the diverse landscapes and landmarks of the region, Mateleta embodies the spirit of discovery. With over a decade of experience in major hotels and hospitality, Mateleta brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Auckland Guest Experience Manager. From property management to concierge services, she ensures excellence in every guest and owner interaction. Beyond work, Mateleta cherishes quality time with her family, indulging in nature activities, or unwinding at the tranquil Parnell baths. Experience genuine hospitality with Mateleta as your Auckland Guest Experience Manager.