Board Member for Hospitality Standards Institute

NEWS RELEASE

22 January, 2004

New Board Member for HSI

Michael Friend, chairman of the Board of the Hospitality Standards Institute (HSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of the first Maori representative to the HSI Board, Sharon Wallace.

Michael Friend says Sharon Wallace brings a strong Maori focus and a wealth of hospitality experience to her role as a Board member of the HSI.

“Sharon Wallace is currently a tutor at Arahia Qualitech where about 80% of her students are Maori, and she has had a long career in hospitality and tourism in some of New Zealand’s leading hotel chains”, he says.

“She is on the Maori Tourism Development Board, Marae Catering Board and was nominated for the HSI Board position by Owen Ormsby, Executive Director of the Maori Tourism Development Board and a representative of Te Puni Kokiri.”

“Sharon Wallace is of Te Arawa and Tainui Iwi and Ngati Awa, Ngati Pikiao, Ngati Whakaue, Tuhourangi, Tuwharetoa, Ngaitahu and Ngati Rokawa Hapu. She will help the HSI be proactive in its commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.”

“We expect Sharon’s position on the HSI Board will facilitate some exciting new endeavours for the HSI. We will be looking at the design of Marae catering units for the hospitality industry and working to combine the best of Maori and non-Maori cuisine. The emphasis will be on healthy eating and increased tourism opportunities for our students in combining the best of our food and cultures”.

ENDS

© Scoop Media