Unleashing Team Power: Lessons from the Adventure Park

Running a business is a lot like running an adventure park—full of highs, lows, unexpected twists, and the occasional storm (both literal and metaphorical). But through all of it, one thing keeps us grounded: a solid, united team.

And for me, building that team didn’t start with hiring. It started at home—with a toddler, a dream, and a lot of late nights.

teamwork starts at home

Ten years ago, my husband (Nirav) and I moved to New Zealand with wide eyes and even wider dreams. Today, we’re raising a four-year-old and juggling the joyful chaos of parenting, running a household, and leading a business—all while playing non-stop tag team. One of us is handling daycare drop-off, the other is sorting bookings or cleaning up breakfast with a toddler yelling, “No pants today!” It’s a circus—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My journey with Auckland Adventure Park started as a dishwasher while I was studying at AUT. But I had this big, slightly crazy dream of one day running the place. I worked day in and day out, grabbing every opportunity I could. And through it all, my husband, Nirav was my rock—cheering me on, picking up the slack at home, and reminding me why I started. Nothing would have been possible without him. 

Now, all these years later, I’m proud to say that dream became real.

But our family story doesn’t stop at home—it extends to the Park.

my team is my family

With all our loved ones overseas, our real, daily support system has become the team at Auckland Adventure Park. I call them my family here, and I mean it. We’ve been through so much together. I lean on them, laugh with them, cry with them (sometimes in the office, sometimes over a broken coffee machine!). They show up—not just for the job, but for each other.

This kind of bond doesn’t come from titles or pay grades—it’s built from shared experience, trust, and genuine care.

small teams, big hearts

We’re not a huge operation, but that’s part of our superpower. When everyone’s on the same page and invested in the bigger picture, magic happens. Whether it’s resetting a luge track after a storm, keeping spirits high during school holidays, or rolling with last-minute curveballs (of which there are many!), we do it together.

everyone’s a multitasker-in-chief

In a small business, everyone wears multiple hats—and sometimes helmets and harnesses too! One moment someone’s welcoming guests, the next they’re helping with maintenance or jumping in at the café. It’s unpredictable, but it builds flexibility, confidence, and a real sense of ownership.

Take Tarina, for example—our superstar who’s been with us for 9 years now. She’s the kind of team member every business dreams of. Whether she’s handling customers with her signature big smile, managing all the booking emails, doing stock take, helping with maintenance, or jumping onto a ride when we’re short-staffed—she does it all with zero complaints and that same unwavering smile. Tarina is the heart of team spirit, and I’m so grateful for her every single day.

When you give your team room to grow and trust them to try, you uncover incredible things—skills, creativity, and leadership that you didn’t even know were there.

celebrate the wins – big and small

One of the most meaningful moments for me this year wasn’t a headline milestone. It was watching a quiet, behind-the-scenes team member step up and train someone new with calm confidence and genuine care. That’s the kind of growth that makes my heart full.

Don’t wait for the “big wins” to show appreciation. Celebrate the everyday victories—they’re the glue that holds great teams together.

my go-to team tips

For fellow small business owners trying to do it all, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Lead with clarity and heart – Let your team see the bigger picture. Purpose brings people together.

• Keep the conversations real – Make space for honest feedback and new ideas.

• Grow your people – Small learning moments can turn into major breakthroughs.

• Have fun, always – Laughter builds resilience. Team culture isn’t a perk—it’s a priority.

final thoughts

At Auckland Adventure Park, we’re in the business of thrills. But behind every guest’s laughter is a team that made it happen with heart, hustle, and teamwork. That’s what small business success really comes down to—people who care, lifting each other up, and showing up with purpose.

So if you’re in the trenches of small business life, feeling overwhelmed, just know this: you’re not alone. Build your team like a family, and you’ll be amazed at what you can create—together.