Natasha Bennett

University of Waikato MBA student Natasha Bennett (Ngati Mutunga, Pākeha), 35, is rapidly establishing herself as an emerging leader in Aotearoa New Zealand’s port and logistics industry.

Based in Mount Maunganui, Natasha previously served as National Training and Professional Development Manager for Qube Ports NZ, overseeing high-risk health and safety training and compliance.

Recognised for her drive and strategic vision, she has recently been seconded into a trans-Tasman leadership development role across Qube Ports Australia and New Zealand.

Natasha hadn't studied at tertiary level before, but she is now studying the Waikato MBA part-time at the university’s Tauranga campus while working full-time.

What helped to make her dream possible is that Natasha is one of four new MBA students in 2025 who were awarded a Waikato Management School Emerging Leaders Entrance Scholarship, up to the value of $10,000 each.

“I was feeling a bit trapped in my role and wanted to broaden my career options,” she explains. "Studying an MBA seemed like a good way to gain a deeper understanding of other areas of business I hadn’t been exposed to already, and help me build the skills to step into a general manager position one day.”

“I chose the Waikato MBA because of its hybrid online and face-to-face teaching model, and because the programme is taught at the University's campus right here in Tauranga.”

Natasha says the experience has been very rewarding. “I’ve already applied what I’m learning in class directly to my work — especially around leadership capability and organisational behaviour. It’s also helped me to back myself more and recognise that my lived experience as a leader is valuable.”

Before joining the port industry in late 2020, Natasha spent a decade working in the beauty and medical sector in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand. After training as a beauty therapist at 18, she rose quickly to become a regional area manager for a cosmetic spa in Brisbane, then national training and technical manager for The Skin Institute in Auckland.

Her diverse background has shaped a leadership style that blends operational insight with strong interpersonal skills. She also chaired the Port Industry Association’s training and education subcommittee for two years, driving initiatives such as NZQA micro-credentials.

Now, with the Waikato MBA adding fresh perspective and momentum, Natasha is moving confidently towards the next step in her leadership journey.