Hospitality Business Magazine

Hospitality Excellence Awards open for entries

Entries are open for the 25th Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.  The 2023 awards are steeped in history, recognising businesses and people across the hospitality and accommodation sectors, celebrating industry success and excellence. 

The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are the longest running, national awards that honour the achievements of the hardworking and talented people who make the hospitality and accommodation industries exceptional. Entries close on April 14.

There are 25 categories to apply for, spanning hospitality, accommodation, gaming and more, with the overall Supreme Winner Award to be selected from the category finalists. 

Finalists across all business and peoples categories will be announced on April 21.   

In a change from previous years, the winners of the People of the Year awards categories will be awarded at the Hospitality Social Evening 2023, at Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen, Sale Street, Freeman’s Bay on June 27.

People Of The Year Categories:

Leader of the Year: Hospitality, and Leader of the Year – Accommodation: people who are dedicated to their profession and contribute to and inspire confidence in the industry. 

Future Leader of the Year: someone who is making a significant contribution in their role, be it front of house, duty manager, chefs, barista and bar staff, or the unsung hero who demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities and is seen as an industry leader of the future. 

Chef of the Year: someone whose attitude and dedication has contributed to the success of their business, and who demonstrates leadership, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.

Supplier of the Year: a supplier who is dedicated to their profession and who contributes to and inspires confidence in the hospitality industry. 

Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen, Sale Street, Freeman’s Bay.

The Awards for Excellence 2023 black-tie dinner celebration taking place on June 28 , will conclude the two-day #HNZ23 conference and trade show event at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland. 

Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Julie White says, ” These awards are the pinnacle of our industry. It gives all operators nationwide a chance to recognise and reward those who continue to excel and progress in our industry and create the highest possible standards for both their guests and their team. 

“Last year, when we held our first in-person awards for two years, I said every hospitality business and every worker out there deserves a medal for the guts and perseverance they’ve shown through what was probably the toughest period the industry has ever been through. I say it again – because the hits just keep coming but somehow, they keep getting up again.

“To those who have been working so hard to offer support to their communities and customers, these awards are a huge thank-you for your work, even if you don’t or can’t enter, or aren’t one of the winners. 

The Awards for Excellence 2023 will again be hosted by Hospitality New Zealand in conjunction with long-time principle partner Lion New Zealand.

Lion New Zealand’s Managing Director Craig Baldie said Lion was delighted to continue to support the awards.

“Lion has proudly sponsored the Awards for 25 years and we are delighted to be supporting them again for the 25th anniversary year. We look forward to celebrating excellence in the industry.”

Up to five finalists will be named in each category and businesses are being asked to consider whether they can submit multiple categories. Entries close on April 14. For further information and to enter go to: https://www.hospitality.org.nz/s/awards