New head of hospitality at WelTec

MEDIA RELEASE
November 2009

New head of hospitality at WelTec

Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) has a reputation for excellence in hospitality. The only Centre of Vocational Excellence in the country in the area of hospitality, the school prides itself on high quality teaching, success of both students and staff and strong international partnerships both nationally and internationally.

New Centre Manager, Cherie Freeman has high expectations for future growth. Moving from Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) to WelTec to take up the role, Ms Freeman says she is delighted with the appointment. “I’m very excited about all the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead. The team at WelTec are a fantastic group of people that are passionate about hospitality and education.”

With vast experience in the hotel industry, Ms Freeman is active in a range of hospitality competitions. As one of the only people with a Level 5 Front of House Judging Qualification she finds herself judging at national competitions, which allows her to see upcoming talent from around the country. Involved in the national salon for the past 13 years, she is the Restaurant Front of House coordinator for the prestigious Torque d’Or competition.

After 13 years at MIT, the move from Auckland to Wellington presents an interesting challenge. “I’ve always loved how central and professional Wellington’s hospitality scene is. I’m going to enjoy being a part of Wellington’s exciting hospitality industry.”

One such challenge is the impending Rugby World Cup where providing an adequate supply of hospitality professionals is of paramount importance. “Wellington has some fantastic systems in place for events such as the Rugby Sevens, the nearest thing we’ve had to the World Cup. No other centre has had to deal with a ‘turnaround event’ and has the kind of experienced needed to pull off an event of this level.”

“WelTec is going to work with other organisations such as the Hospitality Standards Institute and Westpac Stadium to ensure we have programmes in place and are able to work in innovative ways to meet the needs of the Rugby World Cup and the visitors it will attract. Visitors are going to be at the high end of the spectrum and will have high expectations. ”

Ms Freeman says key relationships with industry are not only important for the lead in to the World Cup but will be a signature of her and indeed the WelTec approach. “Industry networks are vitally important. Industry is always changing so it is important to know what is happening and to keep up to date with the latest trends.”

Having been involved in the business for such a long tome, Ms Freeman reflects that events such as the Rugby World Cup which rely on hospitality, highlights how much the industry has changed.

“In the early days people had very limited knowledge of the industry. Now the number of qualifications on offer and the high level of study available shows just how professional the industry has become. There has been rapid growth in a very positive way. Hospitality training in New Zealand has been developed from the best programmes in the world, we now we have a product that is well known and established.”

ends

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