Hospitality Excellence Awards

Hospitality Excellence Awards

Auckland hospitality businesses show broad representation of the industry in national awards

A selection of Auckland’s best bars and restaurants dominate the finalists just announced among this year’s prestigious Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

Nine Auckland hospitality businesses are among the finalists selected from hundreds of hospitality operations from throughout New Zealand - and stretching across the entire gamut of the diverse and vibrant hospitality industry.

The Auckland venues selected as Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence finalists are:

• Sale Street has qualified for the finals of the Best Restaurant and Best Music Entertainment Venue categories. The venue’s restaurant, Dallows at Sale St, has also been chosen as a finalist in the Best Lamb dish category. • The Riverhead Tavern has been selected as a finalist in the Best New/Redeveloped Bar/Restaurant and Best Country Hotel categories. • Soul Bar and Bistro has qualified as a finalist in three categories - Best Restaurant, Excellence in Customer Service, and Excellence in Training and Staff Development.

• The Jet Park Airport Hotel has been selected as a finalist in both the Outstanding Customer Service and Excellence in Marketing categories. • The Zookeeper’s Son has been judged a finalist in three categories - Excellence in Gaming, Best New/Redeveloped Bar/Restaurant, and Best Bar. • Brew on Quay bar, and Suite bar – both in the central city - have been voted finalists in the Best Bar category. • The Fox has been chosen as a finalist in the Best Sports Bar category. and • Sky City Auckland has been voted as a finalist in the Outstanding Host responsibility category.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive officer Bruce Robertson said it was encouraging to see such a high number of entries coming forward in what had been a busy year for the industry – either finely balancing business continuity through the economic recession and recovery phase, or planning for Rugby World Cup.

“The strength of entries in 2011 is credit to the fortitude of the industry as a whole. There is no denying that the hospitality sector, like many other sectors of the New Zealand economy, has faced a particularly tough period over recent years,” said Mr Robertson.

“However, those bars, restaurants, pubs and hotels which have founded their business models on investment, staff training, marketing, and innovation, have come through this period in a much stronger position than their competition.

“What we have seen with these entries is that customers across New Zealand have voted with their wallets. There has been a definite ‘flight to quality’ – and that degree of quality is represented in the calibre of this year’s finalists.”

Mr Robertson also noted that for the first time in many years, no single venue, business or region dominated any particular category. The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged on a comprehensive range of business-focussed criteria – such as marketing strategies, training programmes, profitability, operational procedures, and customer service.

“Financial performance was a big factor in many finalists’ entries this year. Every business which was selected as a finalist outperformed the market in this respect. Ultimately, that performance is a reflection of how customers are selecting where they spend their disposable income,” Mr Robertson said.

As part of the thorough assessment programme undertaken on all entries in the awards, venues are personally visited by the panel of judges to ensure the validity of the entry, and to verify all information and data put forward.

“This is a huge process but underscores the credibility and transparency of the judging process,” Mr Robertson said.

Winners in each of the categories will be announced at a gala awards dinner taking place in conjunction with Hospitality New Zealand’s annual conference being held in Christchurch on November 3.

Blenheim hotel announced as finalist in national hospitality awards

A Blenheim hotel been judged among the best in New Zealand – being selected as a finalist in this year’s prestigious Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

Chateau Marlborough has been judged a finalist in the Best Accommodation Hotel category – up against finalists from Fiordland, Nelson and Canterbury.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive officer Bruce Robertson said it was encouraging to see such a high number of entries coming forward in what had been a busy year for the industry – either finely balancing business continuity through the economic recession and recovery phase, or planning for Rugby World Cup.

“The strength of entries in 2011 is credit to the fortitude of the industry as a whole. There is no denying that the hospitality sector, like many other sectors of the New Zealand economy, has faced a particularly tough period over recent years,” said Mr Robertson.

“However, those bars, restaurants, pubs and hotels which have founded their business models on investment, staff training, marketing, and innovation, have come through this period in a much stronger position than their competition.

“What we have seen with these entries is that customers across New Zealand have voted with their wallets. There has been a definite ‘flight to quality’ – and that degree of quality is represented in the calibre of this year’s finalists.”

Mr Robertson also noted that for the first time in many years, no single venue, business or region dominated the awards categories. The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged on a comprehensive range of business-focussed criteria – such as marketing strategies, training programmes, profitability, operational procedures, and customer service.

“Financial performance was a big factor in many finalists’ entries this year. Every business which was selected as a finalist outperformed the market in this respect. Ultimately, that performance is a reflection of how customers are selecting where they spend their disposable income,” Mr Robertson said.

As part of the thorough assessment programme undertaken on all entries in the awards, venues are personally visited by the panel of judges to ensure the validity of the entry, and to verify all information and data put forward.

“This is a huge process but underscores the credibility and transparency of the judging process,” Mr Robertson said.

Winners will be announced at a gala awards dinner taking place in conjunction with Hospitality New Zealand’s annual conference being held in Christchurch on November 3.

Four Wellington businesses announced as finalists in national hospitality awards

Four Wellington hospitality businesses have been judged among the best in New Zealand – being selected as finalists in this year’s prestigious Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

• Rydges Hotel has been selected as a finalist in the Excellence in Marketing category. • Four Kings has been judged a finalist in the Best Sports Bar category. • Amora Hotel has been judged a finalist in the Best New/Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel category. and • Novotel Capital Wellington has been selected as a finalist in the Best Beef dish category.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive officer Bruce Robertson said it was encouraging to see such a high number of entries coming forward in what had been a busy year for the industry – either finely balancing business continuity through the economic recession and recovery phase, or planning for Rugby World Cup.

“The strength of entries in 2011 is credit to the fortitude of the industry as a whole. There is no denying that the hospitality sector, like many other sectors of the New Zealand economy, has faced a particularly tough period over recent years,” said Mr Robertson.

“However, those bars, restaurants, pubs and hotels which have founded their business models on investment, staff training, marketing, and innovation, have come through this period in a much stronger position than their competition.

“What we have seen with these entries is that customers across New Zealand have voted with their wallets. There has been a definite ‘flight to quality’ – and that degree of quality is represented in the calibre of this year’s finalists.”

Mr Robertson also noted that for the first time in many years, no single venue, business or region dominated the awards categories. The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged on a comprehensive range of business-focussed criteria – such as marketing strategies, training programmes, profitability, operational procedures, and customer service.

“Financial performance was a big factor in many finalists’ entries this year. Every business which was selected as a finalist outperformed the market in this respect. Ultimately, that performance is a reflection of how customers are selecting where they spend their disposable income,” Mr Robertson said.

As part of the thorough assessment programme undertaken on all entries in the awards, venues are personally visited by the panel of judges to ensure the validity of the entry, and to verify all information and data put forward.

“This is a huge process but underscores the credibility and transparency of the judging process,” Mr Robertson said.

Winners in each of the categories will be announced at a gala awards dinner taking place in conjunction with Hospitality New Zealand’s annual conference being held in Christchurch on November 3.

6 September 2011

Media Release Available for immediate use

Nelson hospitality businesses announced as finalists in national awards

Three Nelson hospitality businesses have been judged among the best in New Zealand – being selected as finalists in this year’s prestigious Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

The trio were selected from hundreds of hospitality operations from Northland to Southland, and stretching across the entire gamut of New Zealand’s diverse and vibrant hospitality industry.

• Orangerie Restaurant at the Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco resort has been judged a finalist in the Best Restaurant category. • Little Rock Bar and Nightclub has been judged a finalist in the Excellence in Host Responsibility category. • Mint Dining Room has been selected as a finalist in both the Best Beef dish and Best Lamb dish categories.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive officer Bruce Robertson said it was encouraging to see such a high number of entries coming forward in what had been a busy year for the industry – either finely balancing business continuity through the economic recession and recovery phase, or planning for Rugby World Cup.

“The strength of entries in 2011 is credit to the fortitude of the industry as a whole. There is no denying that the hospitality sector, like many other sectors of the New Zealand economy, has faced a particularly tough period over recent years,” said Mr Robertson.

“However, those bars, restaurants, pubs and hotels which have founded their business models on investment, staff training, marketing, and innovation, have come through this period in a much stronger position than their competition.

“What we have seen with these entries is that customers across New Zealand have voted with their wallets. There has been a definite ‘flight to quality’ – and that degree of quality is represented in the calibre of this year’s finalists.”

Mr Robertson also noted that for the first time in many years, no single venue, business or region dominated the awards categories. The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged on a comprehensive range of business-focussed criteria – such as marketing strategies, training programmes, profitability, operational procedures, and customer service.

“Financial performance was a big factor in many finalists’ entries this year. Every business which was selected as a finalist outperformed the market in this respect. Ultimately, that performance is a reflection of how customers are selecting where they spend their disposable income,” Mr Robertson said.

As part of the thorough assessment programme undertaken on all entries in the awards, venues are personally visited by the panel of judges to ensure the validity of the entry, and to verify all information and data put forward.

“This is a huge process but underscores the credibility and transparency of the judging process,” Mr Robertson said.

Winners in each of the categories will be announced at a gala awards dinner taking place in conjunction with Hospitality New Zealand’s annual conference being held in Christchurch on November 3.

Two Central Otago hospitality businesses announced as finalists in national awards

Two Central Otago hospitality businesses have been judged among the best in New Zealand – being selected as finalists in this year’s prestigious Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

Ballarat Trading Company in Queenstown and Edgewater Resort Hotel have both made the finals shortlist against tough opposition from throughout New Zealand.

Ballarat Trading Company was judged a finalist in the Best New/Redeveloped Bar and Restaurant category, while the Edgewater Resort Hotel has been selected as a finalist in the Outstanding Training and Staff Development category.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive officer Bruce Robertson said it was encouraging to see such a high number of entries coming forward in what had been a busy year for the industry – either finely balancing business continuity through the economic recession and recovery phase, or planning for Rugby World Cup.

“The strength of entries in 2011 is credit to the fortitude of the industry as a whole. There is no denying that the hospitality sector, like many other sectors of the New Zealand economy, has faced a particularly tough period over recent years,” said Mr Robertson.

“However, those bars, restaurants, pubs and hotels which have founded their business models on investment, staff training, marketing, and innovation, have come through this period in a much stronger position than their competition.

“What we have seen with these entries is that customers across New Zealand have voted with their wallets. There has been a definite ‘flight to quality’ – and that degree of quality is represented in the calibre of this year’s finalists.”

Mr Robertson also noted that for the first time in many years, no single venue, business or region dominated the awards categories. The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged on a comprehensive range of business-focussed criteria – such as marketing strategies, training programmes, profitability, operational procedures, and customer service.

“Financial performance was a big factor in many finalists’ entries this year. Every business which was selected as a finalist outperformed the market in this respect. Ultimately, that performance is a reflection of how customers are selecting where they spend their disposable income,” Mr Robertson said.

As part of the thorough assessment programme undertaken on all entries in the awards, venues are personally visited by the panel of judges to ensure the validity of the entry, and to verify all information and data put forward.

“This is a huge process but underscores the credibility and transparency of the judging process,” Mr Robertson said.

Winners in each of the categories will be announced at a gala awards dinner taking place in conjunction with Hospitality New Zealand’s annual conference being held in Christchurch on November 3.

6 September 2011

Media Release Available for immediate use

Two Waikato restaurants selected as finalists in national awards

Two of Hamilton’s best known restaurants have been judged among the best in New Zealand – being selected as finalists in four categories at this year’s prestigious Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

• Smith and McKenzie Chophouse has been judged a finalist in the Best Restaurant, and Excellence in Marketing categories and • Iguana Street Bar and Restaurant has been chosen as a finalist in the Excellence in Training and Staff Development, and Excellence in Customer Service categories.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive officer Bruce Robertson said it was encouraging to see such a high number of entries coming forward in what had been a busy year for the industry – either finely balancing business continuity through the economic recession and recovery phase, or planning for Rugby World Cup.

“The strength of entries in 2011 is credit to the fortitude of the industry as a whole. There is no denying that the hospitality sector, like many other sectors of the New Zealand economy, has faced a particularly tough period over recent years,” said Mr Robertson.

“However, those bars, restaurants, pubs and hotels which have founded their business models on investment, staff training, marketing, and innovation, have come through this period in a much stronger position than their competition.

“What we have seen with these entries is that customers across New Zealand have voted with their wallets. There has been a definite ‘flight to quality’ – and that degree of quality is represented in the calibre of this year’s finalists.”

Mr Robertson also noted that for the first time in many years, no single venue, business or region dominated the awards categories. The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged on a comprehensive range of business-focussed criteria – such as marketing strategies, training programmes, profitability, operational procedures, and customer service.

“Financial performance was a big factor in many finalists’ entries this year. Every business which was selected as a finalist outperformed the market in this respect. Ultimately, that performance is a reflection of how customers are selecting where they spend their disposable income,” Mr Robertson said.

As part of the thorough assessment programme undertaken on all entries in the awards, venues are personally visited by the panel of judges to ensure the validity of the entry, and to verify all information and data put forward.

“This is a huge process but underscores the credibility and transparency of the judging process,” Mr Robertson said.

Winners in each of the categories will be announced at a gala awards dinner taking place in conjunction with Hospitality New Zealand’s annual conference being held in Christchurch on November 3.

6 September 2011

Media Release Available for immediate use

Four Wellington businesses announced as finalists in national hospitality awards

Four Wellington hospitality businesses have been judged among the best in New Zealand – being selected as finalists in this year’s prestigious Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

• Rydges Hotel has been selected as a finalist in the Excellence in Marketing category. • Four Kings has been judged a finalist in the Best Sports Bar category. • Amora Hotel has been judged a finalist in the Best New/Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel category. and • Novotel Capital Wellington has been selected as a finalist in the Best Beef dish category.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive officer Bruce Robertson said it was encouraging to see such a high number of entries coming forward in what had been a busy year for the industry – either finely balancing business continuity through the economic recession and recovery phase, or planning for Rugby World Cup.

“The strength of entries in 2011 is credit to the fortitude of the industry as a whole. There is no denying that the hospitality sector, like many other sectors of the New Zealand economy, has faced a particularly tough period over recent years,” said Mr Robertson.

“However, those bars, restaurants, pubs and hotels which have founded their business models on investment, staff training, marketing, and innovation, have come through this period in a much stronger position than their competition.

“What we have seen with these entries is that customers across New Zealand have voted with their wallets. There has been a definite ‘flight to quality’ – and that degree of quality is represented in the calibre of this year’s finalists.”

Mr Robertson also noted that for the first time in many years, no single venue, business or region dominated the awards categories. The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged on a comprehensive range of business-focussed criteria – such as marketing strategies, training programmes, profitability, operational procedures, and customer service.

“Financial performance was a big factor in many finalists’ entries this year. Every business which was selected as a finalist outperformed the market in this respect. Ultimately, that performance is a reflection of how customers are selecting where they spend their disposable income,” Mr Robertson said.

As part of the thorough assessment programme undertaken on all entries in the awards, venues are personally visited by the panel of judges to ensure the validity of the entry, and to verify all information and data put forward.

“This is a huge process but underscores the credibility and transparency of the judging process,” Mr Robertson said.

Winners in each of the categories will be announced at a gala awards dinner taking place in conjunction with Hospitality New Zealand’s annual conference being held in Christchurch on November 3.

ends

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