Media Release

6 August 2009

Rodney District Council backs new hospitality awards

Rodney District Council has collaborated with a host of sponsors to create New Zealand’s newest hospitality awards, which will focus exclusively on businesses in the Rodney District.

“The Manaakitanga Awards aim to give deserved recognition to those in the Rodney hospitality and tourism sector who deliver great experiences and keep things sustainable,” explains Mayor Penny Webster.

“Rodney is such a beautiful district to live and visit and it has developed a reputation for fantastic food and wine, which we want to share with others around the country and the world.”

Mrs Webster says the hospitality and tourism industry plays an important role in Rodney.

“It’s a big employer, an important financial driver, and in many of our areas it is the very essence of the local community.”

She says hospitality and tourism is often the front face of the celebrated Rodney lifestyle – as seen by the many domestic or international visitors to the district.  

“It is an industry that has the opportunity of building a fabric of experiences. These experiences help to create how residents feel about living in Rodney and are also the things a visitor will take away with them.” Mrs Webster adds.  “If these visitors are from overseas, what they take away will contribute to their overall impression of New Zealand as well.”

The winners will be determined from a combination of public votes and judging co-ordinated with Tourism Auckland.

Winners will be announced at an awards event to be held in Orewa on 1 November.

For more on the Manaakitanga Awards go to:  www.hospitalityawards.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media