2012 Hospitality New Zealand awards finalists announcements

Media release from Hospitality NZ

2012 Hospitality New Zealand awards finalists announced

Diverse selection of finalists announced for the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards For Excellence

Tough economic times in the wider New Zealand economy have been shrugged off by scores of the hospitality industry’s leading business operators who have been named as finalists in this year’s Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

A broad spectrum of country hotels, neighbourhood restaurants and cafes, metropolitan accommodation providers, and ‘out-of-the-way’ venues have been selected as finalists in the prestigious annual awards.

Representing a true spread of New Zealand’s diverse hospitality sector, finalists stretch from the Bay of Islands in Northland through to Invercargill in Southland.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said the industry had seen a continued “flight to quality” by consumers over the past two years – a trend which was reflected in the high calibre of entrants into this year’s awards.

“Recovery from the global financial crisis has seen disposable household incomes come under greater scrutiny. Consequently, consumers have become far more discerning about where they eat, drink and stay,” Mr Robertson said.

“Finalists in this year’s Awards for Excellence have, in virtually every instance, not only survived the recession, but in fact grown their market shares and profitability. In some cases that growth has been considerable.”

“By raising the bar higher from an operational perspective – whether that’s in the level of customer service, marketing, the food/beverage or accommodation offerings, or by refurbishing or redeveloping premises – the finalists in this year’s awards have stayed well ahead of their competition.”

Mr Robertson said the Awards for Excellence judging panel noted that marketing and customer service had become particular focus points for a number of the finalists in this year’s awards.

“Entry numbers were consistent with previous years, and the judges commented repeatedly across all categories that the standard of entries was consistently high – reflecting a considerable amount of time, thought and effort which had obviously gone into each and every application,” Mr Robertson said.

Entrants into the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged over a six week period by a panel of independent industry professionals who assess every competitor on a range of commercial and operational criteria – including staff training and human resources, customer service, marketing and promotional activities, and the demonstration of business growth.

The finalists for the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are:

Best New / Redeveloped Bar / Restaurant

The Elephant Wrestler, Takapuna, Auckland

The Gasworks, Miramar, Wellington

The Thomas Green, Gore, Southland

Best Bar

Garrison Public House, Sylvia Park, Auckland

Little Beer Quarter, Wellington

Sprig and Fern Milton St, Nelson

Treehouse Bar and Restaurant, New Plymouth

Best Restaurant

Pumice Bistro Bar and Deli, Te Rapa, Hamilton

Soul Bar and Bistro, Auckland

The Orangerie, Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco

Best Cafe

Mud Bay Cafe, Urenui, Taranaki

Slip Inn, Havelock

The Batch Cafe, Invercargill

The Store Kekerengu, Kaikoura

Best New / Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel

Craythornes Public House, Christchurch

Sudima Hotel Auckland Airport

Tuakau Hotel, Tuakau, Waikato

Best Accommodation Hotel

Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco, Nelson

Jet Park Airport Hotel, Mangere, Auckland

Rydges Wellington

Best Country Hotel

Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Russell

The White Swan, Greytown

Tuakau Hotel, Tuakau, Waikato

Excellence in Customer Service

Jet Park Airport Hotel, Mangere, Auckland

Rydges Wellington

Soul Bar and Bistro, Auckland

Excellence in Gaming

Smith and McKenzie Chophouse, Hamilton

The Quadrant, Hamilton

Yardhouse, Hamilton

Excellence in Marketing

Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco, Nelson

Rydges Wellington

Soul Bar and Bistro, Auckland

Excellence in Training & Staff Development

Soul Bar and Bistro, Auckland

St Johns Heineken Bar, Wellington

The Gasworks, Miramar, Wellington

Best Music Entertainment Venue

Agenda Restaurant and Nightclub, Hamilton

Mint Bar, Wanaka

Studio the Venue, Auckland

The Riverhead, Auckland

Excellence in Host Responsibility

Little Rock Bar & Nightclub, Nelson

Live Fish, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland

Best Environmental, Sustainable and Ethical Practice

Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau

Jet Park Airport Hotel, Mangere, Auckland

Peppers Awaroa Lodge, Abel Tasman National Park

Sudima Hotel Auckland Airport

Best Beef Bar Meal

Moeraki Tavern, Moeraki, Otago
Juicy 300g ribeye steak, grilled to perfection and served with garlic or pepper sauce

Szimpla Gastro Bar, Mangere, Auckland
Braised beef shoulder with purée of celeriac, turmeric potatoes and truffle sauce

The Clare Inn, Mt Eden, Auckland
Beef and Stout Wellington, green pea and smoked pork purée with Guinness reduction and hot mustard

Best Lamb Bar Meal

Jarks Café and Bar, Waimarama, Hawkes Bay
Baa lamb grazing plate

The Riverhead, Auckland
Espresso lamb fillet

Treehouse Bar and Restaurant, New Plymouth
Lamb shank ploughmans

Winners in the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence will be announced at the organisation’s national conference being held in Wellington on 26 September. More information can be found on the Hospitality New Zealand website.

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Media release from Hospitality NZ

Auckland dominates finalists announced for 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards For Excellence

Auckland hospitality businesses dominate the make up of finalists in virtually every category in this year’s Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

A broad spectrum of country hotels, neighbourhood restaurants and cafes, metropolitan accommodation providers, and ‘out-of-the-way’ venues, have been selected as finalists in the prestigious annual awards. Of the 16 categories, Auckland has at least one finalist in 13 different classes.

Representing a true spread of New Zealand’s diverse hospitality sector, finalists stretch from the Bay of Islands in Northland through to Invercargill in Southland. The only categories without an Auckland finalist are Best Café, Best Country Hotel and Excellence in Gaming.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said the industry had seen a continued “flight to quality” by consumers over the past two years – a trend which was reflected in the high calibre of Auckland entrants into this year’s awards.

“Recovery from the global financial crisis has seen disposable household incomes come under greater scrutiny. Consequently, consumers have become far more discerning about where they eat, drink and stay,” Mr Robertson said.

“Finalists in this year’s Awards for Excellence have, in virtually every instance, not only survived the recession, but in fact grown their market shares and profitability. In some cases that growth has been considerable.

“By raising the bar higher from an operational perspective – whether that’s in the level of customer service, marketing, the food/beverage or accommodation offerings, or by refurbishing or redeveloping premises – the Auckland finalists in this year’s awards have stayed well ahead of their competition.”

Mr Robertson said the Awards for Excellence judging panel noted that marketing and customer service had become particular focus points for a number of the finalists in this year’s awards.

“Entry numbers were consistent with previous years, and the judges commented repeatedly across all categories that the standard of entries was consistently high – reflecting a considerable amount of time, thought and effort which had obviously gone into each and every application,” Mr Robertson said.

Entrants into the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged over a six week period by a panel of independent industry professionals who assess every competitor on a range of commercial and operational criteria – including staff training and human resources, customer service, marketing and promotional activities, and the demonstration of business growth.

The Auckland finalists for the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence, and the categories they are competing in, are:

Best New/Redeveloped Bar/Restaurant

The Elephant Wrestler, Takapuna, Auckland

Excellence in Host Responsibility

Live Fish Restaurant and Bar, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland

Excellence in Training and Staff Development

Soul Bar and Bistro, Auckland

Best Restaurant

Soul Bar and Bistro, Auckland

Best Accommodation Hotel

Jet Park Airport Hotel, Auckland

Best Environmental, Sustainable and Ethical Practice

Jet Park Airport Hotel, Auckland
Sudima Hotel Auckland Airport

Best New/Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel

Sudima Hotel Auckland Airport

Excellence in Customer Service

Soul Bar and Bistro, Auckland
Jet Park Airport Hotel, Auckland

Best Bar

Garrison Public House, Sylvia Park, Auckland

Excellence in Marketing

Soul Bar and Bistro, Auckland

Best Music Entertainment Venue

Studio the Venue, Auckland
The Riverhead, Riverhead, North-West Auckland

Best Beef Bar Meal

The Clare Inn, Mt Eden, Auckland
Szimpla Gastro Bar, Mangere, Auckland

Best Lamb Bar Meal

The Riverhead, Riverhead, North-West Auckland

Winners in the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence will be announced at the organisation’s national conference being held in Wellington on 26 September. For more information and a full list of all finalists go to the Hospitality New Zealand website.

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Media release from Hospitality NZ

Hawkes Bay cafe and bar selected as finalist in the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence

A mouth-watering lamb dish has carried Jarks Café and Bar in Waimarama through to the finals in this year’s Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

Jark’s dish of a selection of lamb cuts on a ‘grazing plate ’has seen the venue selected as one of three finalists in the Best Lamb Bar Meal category at the prestigious annual awards.

Representing a true spread of New Zealand’s diverse hospitality sector, finalists stretch from the Bay of Islands in Northland through to Invercargill in Southland. The other two finalists in the Best Lamb Bar Meal category come from Auckland and New Plymouth.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said the industry had seen a continued “flight to quality” by consumers over the past two years – a trend which was reflected in the high calibre of entrants into this year’s awards.

“Recovery from the global financial crisis has seen disposable household incomes come under greater scrutiny. Consequently, consumers have become far more discerning about where they eat, drink and stay,” Mr Robertson said.

“Finalists in this year’s Awards for Excellence have, in virtually every instance, not only survived the recession, but in fact grown their market shares and profitability. In some cases that growth has been considerable.

“By raising the bar higher from an operational perspective – whether that’s in the level of customer service, marketing, the food/beverage or accommodation offerings, or by refurbishing or redeveloping premises – the finalists in this year’s awards have stayed well ahead of their competition.”

Mr Robertson said the Awards for Excellence judging panel noted that marketing and customer service had become particular focus points for a number of the finalists in this year’s awards.

“Entry numbers were consistent with previous years, and the judges commented repeatedly across all categories that the standard of entries was consistently high – reflecting a considerable amount of time, thought and effort which had obviously gone into each and every application,” Mr Robertson said.

Entrants into the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged over a six week period by a panel of independent industry professionals who assess every competitor on a range of commercial and operational criteria – including staff training and human resources, customer service, marketing and promotional activities, and the demonstration of business growth.

The finalists for the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence up against Jark’s are:

Best Lamb Bar Meal

Jarks Café and Bar, Waimarama, Hawkes Bay
The Riverhead, Auckland
Treehouse Bar and Restaurant, New Plymouth

Winners in the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence will be announced at the organisation’s national conference being held in Wellington on 26 September. For more information and a full list of all finalists go to the Hospitality New Zealand website.

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Media release from Hospitality NZ

Two Marlborough businesses selected as finalists in the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence

Two Marlborough businesses have been selected as finalists in this year’s Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

The Slip Inn in Havelock and The Store in Kekerengu have been selected as two of the four finalists in the Best Café section of the awards. They are up against competition from Invercargill and a small town in Taranaki.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said the industry had seen a continued “flight to quality” by consumers over the past two years – a trend which was reflected in the high calibre of Marlborough entrants into this year’s awards.

“Recovery from the global financial crisis has seen disposable household incomes come under greater scrutiny. Consequently, consumers have become far more discerning about where they eat, drink and stay,” Mr Robertson said.

“Finalists in this year’s Awards for Excellence have, in virtually every instance, not only survived the recession, but in fact grown their market shares and profitability. In some cases that growth has been considerable.

“By raising the bar higher from an operational perspective – whether that’s in the level of customer service, marketing, the food/beverage or accommodation offerings, or by refurbishing or redeveloping premises – the Marlborough finalists in this year’s awards have stayed well ahead of their competition.”

Mr Robertson said the Awards for Excellence judging panel noted that marketing and customer service had become particular focus points for a number of the finalists in this year’s awards.

“Entry numbers were consistent with previous years, and the judges commented repeatedly across all categories that the standard of entries was consistently high – reflecting a considerable amount of time, thought and effort which had obviously gone into each and every application,” Mr Robertson said.

Entrants into the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged over a six week period by a panel of independent industry professionals who assess every competitor on a range of commercial and operational criteria – including staff training and human resources, customer service, marketing and promotional activities, and the demonstration of business growth.

The finalists for Best Café in the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence up against The Store and Slip Inn are:

Best Cafe

Mud Bay Cafe, Urenui, Taranaki
Slip Inn, Havelock
The Batch Cafe, Invercargill
The Store Kekerengu, Kaikoura

Winners in the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence will be announced at the organisation’s national conference being held in Wellington on 26 September. For more information and a full list of all finalists go to the Hospitality New Zealand website.

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Media release from Hospitality NZ

Taranaki businesses selected as finalists in the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence

Two successful Taranaki businesses have been selected as finalists in this year’s Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

Mud Bay Café in Urenui has been voted as a finalist in the Best Café category at the awards, while Treehouse Bar and Restaurant in New Plymouth has been selected as a finalist in both the Best Bar category and Best Lamb Bar Meal category.

The pair is up against a broad spectrum of country hotels, neighbourhood restaurants and cafes, metropolitan accommodation providers, and ‘out-of-the-way’ venues, to have been selected as finalists in the prestigious annual awards.

Representing a true spread of New Zealand’s diverse hospitality sector, finalists stretch from the Bay of Islands in Northland through to Invercargill in Southland.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said the industry had seen a continued “flight to quality” by consumers over the past two years – a trend which was reflected in the high calibre of Taranaki entrants into this year’s awards.

“Recovery from the global financial crisis has seen disposable household incomes come under greater scrutiny. Consequently, consumers have become far more discerning about where they eat, drink and stay,” Mr Robertson said.

“Finalists in this year’s Awards for Excellence have, in virtually every instance, not only survived the recession, but in fact grown their market shares and profitability. In some cases that growth has been considerable.

“By raising the bar higher from an operational perspective – whether that’s in the level of customer service, marketing, the food/beverage or accommodation offerings, or by refurbishing or redeveloping premises – the Taranaki finalists in this year’s awards have stayed well ahead of their competition.”

Mr Robertson said the Awards for Excellence judging panel noted that marketing and customer service had become particular focus points for a number of the finalists in this year’s awards.

“Entry numbers were consistent with previous years, and the judges commented repeatedly across all categories that the standard of entries was consistently high – reflecting a considerable amount of time, thought and effort which had obviously gone into each and every application,” Mr Robertson said.

Entrants into the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged over a six week period by a panel of independent industry professionals who assess every competitor on a range of commercial and operational criteria – including staff training and human resources, customer service, marketing and promotional activities, and the demonstration of business growth.

The two Taranaki finalists for the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence, and the categories they are competing in, are:

Best Café

Mud Bay Cafe, Urenui, Taranaki

Best Bar

Treehouse Bar and Restaurant, New Plymouth

Best Lamb Bar Meal

Treehouse Bar and Restaurant, New Plymouth

Winners in the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence will be announced at the organisation’s national conference being held in Wellington on 26 September. For more information and a full list of all finalists go to the Hospitality New Zealand website.

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Media release from Hospitality NZ

Historic Northland pub selected as a finalist in the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence

One of New Zealand’s oldest pubs has been selected as a finalist in the national Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell – which traces its roots back to 1827 - is one of three finalists in the Best Country Hotel category. The Duke is up against competition from country pubs in Tuakau just south of Auckland, and Greytown in the Wairarapa.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said the industry had seen a continued “flight to quality” by consumers over the past two years – a trend which was reflected in the high calibre of entrants into this year’s awards.

“Recovery from the global financial crisis has seen disposable household incomes come under greater scrutiny. Consequently, consumers have become far more discerning about where they eat, drink and stay,” Mr Robertson said.

“Finalists in this year’s Awards for Excellence have, in virtually every instance, not only survived the recession, but in fact grown their market shares and profitability. In some cases that growth has been considerable.

“By raising the bar higher from an operational perspective – whether that’s in the level of customer service, marketing, the food/beverage or accommodation offerings, or by refurbishing or redeveloping premises – the finalists in this year’s awards have stayed well ahead of their competition.”

Mr Robertson said the Awards for Excellence judging panel noted that marketing and customer service had become particular focus points for a number of the finalists in this year’s awards.

“Entry numbers were consistent with previous years, and the judges commented repeatedly across all categories that the standard of entries was consistently high – reflecting a considerable amount of time, thought and effort which had obviously gone into each and every application,” Mr Robertson said.

Entrants into the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged over a six week period by a panel of independent industry professionals who assess every competitor on a range of commercial and operational criteria – including staff training and human resources, customer service, marketing and promotional activities, and the demonstration of business growth.

The finalists for the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence up against the Duke of Marlborough are:

Best Country Hotel

Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Russell
The White Swan, Greytown
Tuakau Hotel, Tuakau, Waikato

Winners in the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence will be announced at the organisation’s national conference being held in Wellington on 26 September. For more information and a full list of all finalists go to the Hospitality New Zealand website.

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Media release from Hospitality NZ

Strong Wellington presence amongst the finalists announced for 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence

Four Wellington hospitality businesses have been selected as finalists in this year’s Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

A broad spectrum of country hotels, neighbourhood restaurants and cafes, metropolitan accommodation providers, and ‘out-of-the-way’ venues, have been selected as finalists in the prestigious annual awards spread across 16 categories.

Representing a true spread of New Zealand’s diverse hospitality sector, finalists stretch from the Bay of Islands in Northland through to Invercargill in Southland. The Rydges Wellington hotel leads the capital city’s charge – with nominations in three categories, while new bar and restaurant Gasworks comes in with nominations in two classes.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said the industry had seen a continued “flight to quality” by consumers over the past two years – a trend which was reflected in the high calibre of Wellington entrants into this year’s awards.

“Recovery from the global financial crisis has seen disposable household incomes come under greater scrutiny. Consequently, consumers have become far more discerning about where they eat, drink and stay,” Mr Robertson said.

“Finalists in this year’s Awards for Excellence have, in virtually every instance, not only survived the recession, but in fact grown their market shares and profitability. In some cases that growth has been considerable.

“By raising the bar higher from an operational perspective – whether that’s in the level of customer service, marketing, the food/beverage or accommodation offerings, or by refurbishing or redeveloping premises – the Wellington finalists in this year’s awards have stayed well ahead of their competition.”

Mr Robertson said the Awards for Excellence judging panel noted that marketing and customer service had become particular focus points for a number of the finalists in this year’s awards.

“Entry numbers were consistent with previous years, and the judges commented repeatedly across all categories that the standard of entries was consistently high – reflecting a considerable amount of time, thought and effort which had obviously gone into each and every application,” Mr Robertson said.

Entrants into the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged over a six week period by a panel of independent industry professionals who assess every competitor on a range of commercial and operational criteria – including staff training and human resources, customer service, marketing and promotional activities, and the demonstration of business growth.

The Wellington finalists for the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards For Excellence, and the categories they are competing in, are:

Best New/Redeveloped Bar/Restaurant

The Gasworks, Miramar, Wellington

Excellence in Training and Staff Development

The Gasworks, Miramar, Wellington
St Johns Heineken Bar, Wellington

Best Accommodation Hotel

Rydges Wellington

Excellence in Customer Service

Rydges Wellington

Best Bar

Little Beer Quarter, Wellington

Excellence in Marketing

Rydges Wellington

Winners in the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence will be announced at the organisation’s national conference being held in Wellington on 26 September. For more information and a full list of all finalists go to the Hospitality New Zealand website.

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Media release from Hospitality NZ

Hamilton guaranteed a winner in the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence

Hamilton is guaranteed to take out a clean sweep in at least one of the categories at this year’s Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence – with three bars from the city dominating the finalists spots in the Excellence in Gaming category.

Smith and McKenzie Bar and Restaurant, The Yardhouse and The Quadrant Pub and Kitchen filled all three finalists spots in the section - meaning that whoever wins, it will be a victory for Hamilton.

Two other hospitality venues in the city have also been selected as finalists in two other categories. Pumice Bistro Bar is a finalist in the Best Restaurant section, while Agenda has been selected as a finalist in the Best Music Entertainment class.

The five Waikato businesses are among a broad spectrum of country hotels, neighbourhood restaurants and cafes, metropolitan accommodation providers, and ‘out-of-the-way’ venues, to have been selected as finalists in the prestigious annual awards.

Representing a true spread of New Zealand’s diverse hospitality sector, finalists stretch from the Bay of Islands in Northland through to Invercargill in Southland.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said the industry had seen a continued “flight to quality” by consumers over the past two years – a trend which was reflected in the high calibre of Waikato entrants into this year’s awards.

“Recovery from the global financial crisis has seen disposable household incomes come under greater scrutiny. Consequently, consumers have become far more discerning about where they eat, drink and stay,” Mr Robertson said.

“Finalists in this year’s Awards for Excellence have, in virtually every instance, not only survived the recession, but in fact grown their market shares and profitability. In some cases that growth has been considerable.

“By raising the bar higher from an operational perspective – whether that’s in the level of customer service, marketing, the food/beverage or accommodation offerings, or by refurbishing or redeveloping premises – the Waikato finalists in this year’s awards have stayed well ahead of their competition.”

Mr Robertson said the Awards for Excellence judging panel noted that marketing and customer service had become particular focus points for a number of the finalists in this year’s awards.

“Entry numbers were consistent with previous years, and the judges commented repeatedly across all categories that the standard of entries was consistently high – reflecting a considerable amount of time, thought and effort which had obviously gone into each and every application,” Mr Robertson said.

Entrants into the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged over a six week period by a panel of independent industry professionals who assess every competitor on a range of commercial and operational criteria – including staff training and human resources, customer service, marketing and promotional activities, and the demonstration of business growth.

The Waikato finalists for the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards For Excellence are:

Best Restaurant

Pumice Bistro Bar and Deli, Hamilton

Excellence in Gaming

Smith and McKenzie Chophouse, Hamilton
Yardhouse, Hamilton
The Quadrant Pub and Kitchen, Hamilton

Best Music Entertainment Venue

Agenda Restaurant and Nightclub, Hamilton

Winners in the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence will be announced at the organisation’s national conference being held in Wellington on 26 September. For more information and a full list of all finalists go to the Hospitality New Zealand website.

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Media release from Hospitality NZ

Three Southland businesses selected as finalists in the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence

Three vastly different Southland hospitality businesses have been selected as finalists in this year’s Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

Fiordland Lodge near Te Anau has been selected as a finalist in the Best Environmental, Sustainable and Ethical Practice category.

The Thomas Green Public House and Dining Room has made it through to the finals of the Best New/Redeveloped Bar category.

And The Batch Café in Invercargill has been chosen as a finalist in the Best Café category.

The trio of Southland business are among a broad spectrum of country hotels, neighbourhood restaurants and cafes, metropolitan accommodation providers, and ‘out-of-the-way’ venues, which have been selected as finalists in the prestigious annual awards.

Representing a true spread of New Zealand’s diverse hospitality sector, finalists stretch from the Bay of Islands in Northland through to Invercargill in Southland.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said the industry had seen a continued “flight to quality” by consumers over the past two years – a trend which was reflected in the high calibre of Southland entrants into this year’s awards.

“Recovery from the global financial crisis has seen disposable household incomes come under greater scrutiny. Consequently, consumers have become far more discerning about where they eat, drink and stay,” Mr Robertson said.

“Finalists in this year’s Awards for Excellence have, in virtually every instance, not only survived the recession, but in fact grown their market shares and profitability. In some cases that growth has been considerable.

“By raising the bar higher from an operational perspective – whether that’s in the level of customer service, marketing, the food/beverage or accommodation offerings, or by refurbishing or redeveloping premises – the Southland finalists in this year’s awards have stayed well ahead of their competition.”

Mr Robertson said the Awards for Excellence judging panel noted that marketing and customer service had become particular focus points for a number of the finalists in this year’s awards.

“Entry numbers were consistent with previous years, and the judges commented repeatedly across all categories that the standard of entries was consistently high – reflecting a considerable amount of time, thought and effort which had obviously gone into each and every application,” Mr Robertson said.

Entrants into the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged over a six week period by a panel of independent industry professionals who assess every competitor on a range of commercial and operational criteria – including staff training and human resources, customer service, marketing and promotional activities, and the demonstration of business growth.

The Southland finalists for the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence, and the categories they are competing in, are:

Best New/Redeveloped Bar/Restaurant

The Thomas Green Public House and Dining Room, Gore, Southland

Best Environmental, Sustainable and Ethical Practice

Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau, Southland

Best Café

The Batch, Invercargill

Winners in the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence will be announced at the organisation’s national conference being held in Wellington on 26 September. For more information and a full list of all finalists go to the Hospitality New Zealand website.

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Media release from Hospitality NZ

Otago pub selected as finalist in the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence

A mouth-watering ribeye steak dish has carried the Moeraki Tavern in North Otago through to the finals in this year’s Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

The Moeraki Tavern’s dish of a ‘juicy 300g ribeye steak grilled to perfection and served with a garlic or pepper sauce’ has seen the venue selected as one of three finalists in the Best Beef Bar Meal category at the prestigious annual awards.

Representing a true spread of New Zealand’s diverse hospitality sector, finalists in the 16 various categories stretch from the Bay of Islands in Northland through to Invercargill in Southland. The other two finalists in the Best Beef Bar Meal category come from Auckland.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said the industry had seen a continued “flight to quality” by consumers over the past two years – a trend which was reflected in the high calibre of entrants into this year’s awards.

“Recovery from the global financial crisis has seen disposable household incomes come under greater scrutiny. Consequently, consumers have become far more discerning about where they eat, drink and stay,” Mr Robertson said.

“Finalists in this year’s Awards for Excellence have, in virtually every instance, not only survived the recession, but in fact grown their market shares and profitability. In some cases that growth has been considerable.

“By raising the bar higher from an operational perspective – whether that’s in the level of customer service, marketing, the food/beverage or accommodation offerings, or by refurbishing or redeveloping premises – the finalists in this year’s awards have stayed well ahead of their competition.”

Mr Robertson said the Awards for Excellence judging panel noted that marketing and customer service had become particular focus points for a number of the finalists in this year’s awards.

“Entry numbers were consistent with previous years, and the judges commented repeatedly across all categories that the standard of entries was consistently high – reflecting a considerable amount of time, thought and effort which had obviously gone into each and every application,” Mr Robertson said.

Entrants into the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged over a six week period by a panel of independent industry professionals who assess every competitor on a range of commercial and operational criteria – including staff training and human resources, customer service, marketing and promotional activities, and the demonstration of business growth.

The finalists for the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence up against The Moeraki Tavern are:

Best Beef Bar Meal

Moeraki Tavern, Moeraki, Otago
Szimpla Gastro Bar, Mangere, Auckland
The Clare Inn, Mt Eden, Auckland

Winners in the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence will be announced at the organisation’s national conference being held in Wellington on 26 September. For more information and a full list of all finalists go to the Hospitality New Zealand website.

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Media release from Hospitality NZ

Christchurch accommodation business selected as finalist in the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence

Christchurch hotel Craythorne’s Public House has been selected as a finalist in the Best New/Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel category at this year’s Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

Craythorne’s is up against tough competition from two new and redeveloped hotels in Auckland for top honours in the awards.

Representing a true spread of New Zealand’s diverse hospitality sector, finalists across the 16 categories in the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence stretch from the Bay of Islands in Northland through to Invercargill in Southland.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said the industry had seen a continued “flight to quality” by consumers over the past two years – a trend which was reflected in the high calibre of entrants into this year’s awards.

“Recovery from the global financial crisis has seen disposable household incomes come under greater scrutiny. Consequently, consumers have become far more discerning about where they eat, drink and stay,” Mr Robertson said.

“Finalists in this year’s Awards for Excellence have, in virtually every instance, not only survived the recession, but in fact grown their market shares and profitability. In some cases that growth has been considerable.

“By raising the bar higher from an operational perspective – whether that’s in the level of customer service, marketing, the food/beverage or accommodation offerings, or by refurbishing or redeveloping premises – the finalists in this year’s awards have stayed well ahead of their competition.”

Mr Robertson said the Awards for Excellence judging panel noted that marketing and customer service had become particular focus points for a number of the finalists in this year’s awards.

“Entry numbers were consistent with previous years, and the judges commented repeatedly across all categories that the standard of entries was consistently high – reflecting a considerable amount of time, thought and effort which had obviously gone into each and every application,” Mr Robertson said.

Entrants into the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged over a six week period by a panel of independent industry professionals who assess every competitor on a range of commercial and operational criteria – including staff training and human resources, customer service, marketing and promotional activities, and the demonstration of business growth.

The finalists for the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence up against Craythorne’s are:

Best New / Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel

Craythornes Public House, Christchurch
Sudima Hotel Auckland Airport
Tuakau Hotel, Tuakau, Counties

Winners in the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence will be announced at the organisation’s national conference being held in Wellington on 26 September. For more information and a full list of all finalists go to the Hospitality New Zealand website.

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Media release from Hospitality NZ

Wanaka night club selected as a finalist in the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence

Late night Wanaka hot-spot Mint Bar has been selected as a finalist in the Best Music Entertainment category at this year’s Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

Mint is up against entertainment venues in Auckland, Hamilton, and a small town just out of Auckland in a battle for honours in the category.

A broad spectrum of country hotels, neighbourhood restaurants and cafes, metropolitan accommodation providers, and ‘out-of-the-way’ venues, have been selected as finalists in the prestigious annual awards which run over 16 categories.

Representing a true spread of New Zealand’s diverse hospitality sector, finalists stretch from the Bay of Islands in Northland through to Invercargill in Southland.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said the industry had seen a continued “flight to quality” by consumers over the past two years – a trend which was reflected in the high calibre of entrants into this year’s awards.

“Recovery from the global financial crisis has seen disposable household incomes come under greater scrutiny. Consequently, consumers have become far more discerning about where they eat, drink and stay,” Mr Robertson said.

“Finalists in this year’s Awards for Excellence have, in virtually every instance, not only survived the recession, but in fact grown their market shares and profitability. In some cases that growth has been considerable.

“By raising the bar higher from an operational perspective – whether that’s in the level of customer service, marketing, the food/beverage or accommodation offerings, or by refurbishing or redeveloping premises – the finalists in this year’s awards have stayed well ahead of their competition.”

Mr Robertson said the Awards for Excellence judging panel noted that marketing and customer service had become particular focus points for a number of the finalists in this year’s awards.

“Entry numbers were consistent with previous years, and the judges commented repeatedly across all categories that the standard of entries was consistently high – reflecting a considerable amount of time, thought and effort which had obviously gone into each and every application,” Mr Robertson said.

Entrants into the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged over a six week period by a panel of independent industry professionals who assess every competitor on a range of commercial and operational criteria – including staff training and human resources, customer service, marketing and promotional activities, and the demonstration of business growth.

The finalists for the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence up against Mint Bar are:

Best Music Entertainment Venue

Agenda Restaurant and Nightclub, Hamilton
Mint Bar, Wanaka
Studio the Venue, Auckland
The Riverhead, Auckland

Winners in the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence will be announced at the organisation’s national conference being held in Wellington on 26 September. For more information and a full list of all finalists go to the Hospitality New Zealand website.

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Media release from Hospitality NZ

Strong Nelson presence among finalists announced in the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence

Four Nelson hospitality businesses have been selected as finalists in this year’s Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

A broad spectrum of country hotels, neighbourhood restaurants and cafes, metropolitan accommodation providers, and ‘out-of-the-way’ venues, have been selected as finalists in the prestigious annual awards spread across 16 classes.

The Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco leads the region’s charge for glory – qualifying as a finalist in three separate categories.

Representing a true spread of New Zealand’s diverse hospitality sector, finalists stretch from the Bay of Islands in Northland through to Invercargill in Southland.

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said the industry had seen a continued “flight to quality” by consumers over the past two years – a trend which was reflected in the high calibre of Nelson entrants into this year’s awards.

“Recovery from the global financial crisis has seen disposable household incomes come under greater scrutiny. Consequently, consumers have become far more discerning about where they eat, drink and stay,” Mr Robertson said.

“Finalists in this year’s Awards for Excellence have, in virtually every instance, not only survived the recession, but in fact grown their market shares and profitability. In some cases that growth has been considerable.

“By raising the bar higher from an operational perspective – whether that’s in the level of customer service, marketing, the food/beverage or accommodation offerings, or by refurbishing or redeveloping premises – the Nelson finalists in this year’s awards have stayed well ahead of their competition.”

Mr Robertson said the Awards for Excellence judging panel noted that marketing and customer service had become particular focus points for a number of the finalists in this year’s awards.

“Entry numbers were consistent with previous years, and the judges commented repeatedly across all categories that the standard of entries was consistently high – reflecting a considerable amount of time, thought and effort which had obviously gone into each and every application,” Mr Robertson said.

Entrants into the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged over a six week period by a panel of independent industry professionals who assess every competitor on a range of commercial and operational criteria – including staff training and human resources, customer service, marketing and promotional activities, and the demonstration of business growth.

The Nelson finalists for the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence, and the categories they are competing in, are:

Excellence in Host Responsibility

Little Rock Bar and Nightclub, Nelson

Best Restaurant

The Orangerie, Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco, Nelson

Best Accommodation Hotel

Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco, Nelson

Best Environmental, Sustainable and Ethical Practice

Peppers Awaroa Lodge, Abel Tasman National Park

Best Bar

Sprig and Fern Milton St, Nelson

Excellence in Marketing

Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco, Nelson

Winners in the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence will be announced at the organisation’s national conference being held in Wellington on 26 September. For more information and a full list of all finalists go to the Hospitality New Zealand website.

ENDS

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