Hospitality Business Magazine

Annual food price inflation slows to 0.7 percent 

Restaurant and ready-to-eat meal prices increased by 6.4 percent for the period March 2023 to March 2024 according to figures released by Stats NZ, with alcohol and tobacco increasing by 7.5 percent for the same period.

Food prices, however, increased just 0.7 percent in the 12 months to March 2024, the smallest increase since April 2021, Stats NZ reports.

The 0.7 percent increase followed a 2.1 percent increase in the 12 months to February 2024, and is lower than the 12.1 percent increase recorded in the 12 months to March 2023.

Stats NZ says the smaller annual increase was due to cheaper prices for fruit and vegetables, down 13.3 percent in the 12 months to March 2024.

“The annual decrease in fruit and vegetable prices was the largest recorded since the series began in 1999,” Consumer Prices Manager James Mitchell said.

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Buoyant summer boosts NZ tourism sector ahead of TRENZ next month

The New Zealand tourism industry’s summer season has ended on a very healthy note, with many tourism operators across the country reporting strong business and even being “rushed off their feet”.

“The end of March is the end of the peak season for our international visitors and domestic holidaymakers, and the warm sunny weather has made it one of the busiest for many of our members,” says Tourism Industry Aotearoa Chief Executive, Rebecca Ingram.

“While there is some variability in places, as well as from some of our markets, the general sentiment is this summer has been buoyant and will continue to make an essential contribution to the economy, and to New Zealanders.”

Ben Thornton, of Auckland and Waikato guided tour operator Bush and Beach, says he and his staff have been working flat out. “I know some operators are still recovering but for us it’s by far the best summer ever. The numbers have been phenomenal. Since the beginning of October, most of our tours have been fully booked.”

It has also been an “incredible” season on Waiheke Island, says Gavin Oliver of zipline company EcoZip. “Summer has gone on longer than we thought, the visitor numbers have been great, and we’ve enjoyed really good patronage from North America.”

The summer has also brought an array of new attractions, including the new Hobbit Hole at Hobbiton, and EcoZip’s own recently opened new zipline in Kaikoura. Oliver says operators have used the uncertain times during Covid well. “Some of this planning is starting to come to fruition now and it’s good to be going into a market that’s kind of rejuvenated with some new product and innovation.”

Ingram said the summer was crucial for tourism businesses heading into the winter when domestic holidaymakers often head offshore. However, New Zealand’s exchange rate continues to be advantageous for some overseas visitors

“I think it could be a little soft over the next few months, we’re not taking for granted the successful season.” TRENZ, the tourism industry’s biggest trade event in May, is a critical step in ensuring New Zealand is competitive and well represented on a global tourism stage, Ms Ingram says.

“More than 300 buyers from all around the world will be in Wellington meeting with 313 tourism businesses, and the conversations they have, and the business conducted, lays the groundwork for the next few years.”

One thousand delegates are expected at TRENZ this year, which for the first time will be held in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. TRENZ is managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa on behalf of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust. The event aims to bring together New Zealand tourism businesses to showcase their products and services to high quality international and New Zealand travel buyers.

Data details

Tourism has returned to being one of the country’s biggest employers. As at March 2023, more than 317,000 jobs were directly or indirectly related to tourism, making up 11.3 per cent of the jobs market.

Craig Bonnor succeeds Franz Mascarenhas at Cordis Auckland

Cordis Auckland has appointed Craig Bonnor to succeed Managing Director, Franz Mascarenhas.

Franz Mascarenhas has held the position of Managing Director of the Cordis for the past decade, overseeing the highly successful build of the hotel’s Pinnacle luxury tower and navigating the hotel’s decision not to become a MIQ facility, in his stride.

His recognition to the hotel industry was recognised with the Ashley Spencer Service to Industry Award at Hospitality Business’ sister publication’s HM Awards in Sydney last year.

During his career Franz Mascarenhas has held senior leadership roles across three global hotel companies including the ITT Sheraton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels Corporation and the Langham Hospitality Group.

Cordis is part of the Langham Hotel Group (LHG) which takes its name from its 159 year old property in London, believed to be Europe’s first grand hotel.

Craig Bonnor has more than 35 years in the hotel industry, spanning business management and general development, and has spent time in properties across Japan, Thailand and Australia for brands such as Hilton and Carlton Hotels.

He has been General Manager with the Hilton Group for more than 12 years and until 2023 had been managing the Hilton Petaling Jaya, a 547 room hotel in Malaysia. Bonnor joined Cordis Auckland last December as General Manager.

“I am incredibly honoured to take on the role of managing director,” said Bonnor.

“I am committed to continuing to deliver exceptional service to our guests, fostering a positive work environment for our employees and driving further success for the hotel.”

Cordis Auckland is New Zealand’s largest hotel offering 640 rooms. While stepping back from his Managing Director role Mascarenhas will continue as an adviser to the hotel and will investigate expansion opportunities in New Zealand for the Langham Group.

Wendy Rayner appointed MD of Coca Cola NZ

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand (CCEP NZ) has announced the appointment of Wendy Rayner as its new Managing Director, making her the first Kiwi woman to hold the position in New Zealand.

Rayner has been promoted to the local MD position following 11 years within the organisation as General Manager of Strategy and Brand for CCEP NZ across New Zealand and the Pacific. She brings a wealth of experience to the new role with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the business with much loved global and local brands in volatile economic conditions and a competitive marketplace.

“After more than a decade with the business, it’s an honour to lead our fantastic team here in Aotearoa. Alongside an incredibly talented leadership team I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the work with a laser focus on what’s important and will drive business growth,” says Rayner.

“Our customers and suppliers, and of course our team, are central to what we do, and we wouldn’t exist without them. We’ll look to how we can continue to partner with each other and work together to keep pace with the changing market and expectations.”

Outlining her vision for the role, Rayner stresses renewed momentum for the business in continuing CCEP NZ’s roadmap towards decarbonisation and emissions reductions across its sites.

“We’ve progressed so much in the past few years, including achieving the carbon neutral certification at our Putāruru bottling site and I’m particularly focused on accelerating this area of the business. I get really engaged when I learn from others and by working closely together with my team, we have a pipeline of sustainability projects that support our leadership position and we don’t want to take our foot off the pedal on that,” says Rayner.

“We’re a global company and that affords us access to significant frameworks and best practice, and I want to ensure we are adapting global innovation and models into a local context that will work best here in Aotearoa. That’s a powerful combination we can tap into.”

Rayner concludes, “We have an ambitious strategy that goes to the heart of our customers’ and consumers’ needs, a committed and high-performing team, and I look forward to navigating us through the next exciting chapter.”

The Rachel Rush Residency opens at SO/Auckland’s new ‘cultural gem’

Presented in partnership with Devonport’s Flagstaff Gallery, SO/ Gallery continues SO/ Auckland’s mission of creating immersive lifestyle offerings to intrigue both guests and Auckland’s cultural scene.

SO/ Gallery is now open to the public and hotel guests, from 12-6pm every Thursday and Friday at 57 Customs Street, next door to SO/ Auckland hotel.

‘The Rachel Rush Residency,’ will mark the first exhibition held at SO/ Gallery, which officially launches on April 11. It kickstarts local artist Rachel Rush’s six-month exclusive takeover of the space.

The partnership continues a relationship between SO/ Auckland, Rachel Rush and Flagstaff Gallery, which was sparked by a successful hotel-wide art takeover, staycation and ‘Alter Ego’ exhibition inside SO/ Auckland in February this year.

“SO/ Gallery gives me the opportunity to showcase both sides of my work in a fully immersive space,” notes Rachel Rush. “It allows an effortless connection from the SO/ Auckland to SO/Gallery, creating a playground to invoke curiosity between the connection of my art in these beautiful spaces.”

To mirror this initial chapter of SO/ Gallery, a new influx of Rachel Rush’s art will be dotted around SO/ Auckland’s hotel. From sky-high restaurant Harbour Society to the lobby’s MIXO Bar, Rachel Rush’s art will add equal parts colour and intrigue to the space.

Javalab, SO/ Auckland’s ground-floor corner café, will see the most bold takeover—a firm nod to neighbour SO/ Gallery, one door down at 57 Customs Street. New canvases, intriguing life-size mannequins and immersive nods to her art mark this next chapter.

In addition to the evolving art pieces, SO/ Gallery will provide an event space: from private gatherings to meetings or a series of art-infused ticketed programmes and events by SO/ Auckland, to be announced.

“I am excited about the possibilities of bringing Rachel’s art to our hotel spaces and to enhance our guest experience by providing curated art tours in the gallery,” notes Tarek Beheiry, SO/ Auckland’s General Manager, whose vision is “for the gallery to become a must visit art destination, right in the heart of Auckland’s downtown.”

It’s a sentiment shared by Cary Cochrane, Director of Flagstaff Gallery who also represents Rachel Rush. “SO/ Gallery is Auckland’s newest cultural gem, where the dynamic energy of urban graffiti works meets the refined elegance of abstract art. Flagstaff Gallery’s experienced team will be managing this exciting new space and will guide you as you delve into Rush’s unique blend of colour, texture and striking characters.”

“Rachel Rush’s art is known for two distinct styles. The raw intensity of gritty urban pieces alongside the tranquil beauty of alluring abstract works. Join us at the opening as we celebrate the fusion of contrasts, the harmony of chaos and calm, and the undeniable talent of Rachel Rush,” says Cochrane.

SO/ Gallery is a temporary art gallery by SO/ Auckland, now open Thursdays and Fridays from 12-6pm. Entry is complimentary. Private appointments are available, and the space is open to host private events.

From our house to yours: Six60 – coming to a small-town near you

Kiwi music icons Six60 and iconic Four Square stores are teaming up for the 2024 Grassroots Tour, a journey across small-town New Zealand.  

Kicking off on April 9 in the picturesque seaside town of Houhora, the tour will see Six60 travelling from the Far North to the Deep South, performing in intimate venues and showcasing their hits in a stripped-back acoustic format. 

In keeping with the tour’s grassroots spirit, a miniature replica of the flat where the band members once lived together in Dunedin will accompany Six60 to all 24 performances, parked up at the local Four Square in each town visited. 

Four Square is inviting Six60 fans to check out the tiny house, snap some photos and grab some exclusive merchandise.

From the Piha Surf Club to Waimate’s Regent Theatre, the tour will take place in a host of locations off the beaten track, before concluding with one last concert at Barrier Social Club on Great Barrier Island on May 18. 

Every Four Square is owned by a local grocer family and each store has been busy developing a unique way to celebrate the Six60 tiny house coming to their community.  Starting with Four Square Houhora, who’ll be offering $6.60 deals all day. 

“Later this year, Four Square celebrates its 100th birthday, so it’s great to be able to start the party early with a unique experience at so many of our stores, says Greg Stone, Foodstuffs North Island Head of Four Square. 

“With the Grassroots Tour, we’re helping to put the spotlight back on the heart of New Zealand and celebrating the warmth and character of small-town Aotearoa. This collaboration with Six60 is representative of Four Square’s commitment towards community-focused Kiwi living, the cozy spaces we call home and of course, not forgetting your roots.” 

“So, even if you can’t get your hands on a ticket to one of the sold-out tour dates, we still invite you to come take part in the tour yourselves and visit the tiny house at the local Four Square.” 

Stefan Waijers, owner-operator of Four Square Houhora.

Stefan Waijers, owner-operator of Four Square Houhora, says the store is buzzing with excitement to be hosting the Grassroots tour’s kickoff event. 

“As the northernmost Four Square in the country, it’s a rare treat for us to be at the heart of an event like this and we feel very privileged for the opportunity to do something special for our community,” he says.  

“The tiny house will be set up at our store on the 8th and 9th of April, and we’ll be playing Six60 tunes all day. We’re usually open 7 to 7 but for the two days leading up to the concert we’re calling it 6:60 to 6:60!  

“As a Six60 fan, I couldn’t be prouder of the boys for coming up. They stick to their word when they said don’t forget your roots.” 

The tiny house will be accompanying Six60 from the beginning of the tour to the Stewart Island show on May 14, a location Stone says will be the most challenging location to get the tiny house and its contents to.  

“We’ll rely on the Kiwi spirit and a few friends down there willing to lend a hand,” he laughs. 

While tickets to all Grassroots tour shows sold out within just a minute, fans will still be able to experience some of the Six60 mania sweeping the regions by visiting these pop-up shops at their local Four Square. 

Confidence rises, along with cost pressures reports MYOB survey

Small and medium business expectations around New Zealand’s economic performance over the next 12 months have changed significantly compared to this time last year, and the financial health of businesses is also on the up – but cost pressures continue to cause concern, according to new data from MYOB’s Annual Business Monitor.*

The figures from the nationwide survey of 1,000+ SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) owners, directors and managers, show that despite ongoing cost pressures, 37% of SME owners and operators believe the local economy will improve over the coming year, while just over one-in-five (22%) expect it to remain the same and 40% believe it will decline.

The results are a step-change on last year’s Monitor, when 69% expected a decline and just 16% expected an improvement in the economy. It’s also a slightly different picture to that seen across the Tasman, with MYOB’s recent Australian Business Monitor showing 52% of Australian SMEs expect their economic conditions to weaken.

MYOB General Manager – SME, Emma Fawcett, explains that while confidence has improved, several pressures continue to linger top of mind for local business owners.

“New Zealand’s SMEs are showing more optimism around the local economy looking ahead, but this year’s Business Monitor also shows that the cost-of-living, inflation and interest rates, followed by changes in consumer confidence or spending, and the cost of fuel and transport, are still top concerns impacting confidence,” explains Emma.  

“Unfortunately, these concerns aren’t likely to fade in the short term as more mortgages are set to roll onto higher interest rates and inflation continues to take its time to drop. Some SMEs are also coming off the back of a particularly tough couple of quarters and many would have recognised a recession was underway long before the official figures were out.”

Cost pressures continue – more to hit consumers in 2024
Highlighting the scale of cost increases impacting local businesses, the 2024 Business Monitor shows compliance and overhead costs are adding to the crunch.

Overall, 82% of SMEs have seen their overhead costs increase in the past year, and on average, these costs are up $1490 per month. On top of this, for SMEs with 1-5 employees, compliance costs have increased an average of $1067 per year. This grows to an average of $2187 for businesses with 6-19 employees.

Unfortunately for consumers, as business owners seek to soften the blow to their bottom line, more than half (54%) of SMEs surveyed say they plan to increase their prices in the next 12 months.

In terms of where these price rises are likely to hit the most, a majority of SMEs in the construction and trades, manufacturing and wholesale, and retail and hospitality sectors, say they will raise their prices in the next year.

Subdued revenue and tight profitability


Restrained market conditions have somewhat stifled room for growth for many SMEs, with higher costs and lower demand impacting sales revenue and in turn, squeezing profitability.

Showing a little improvement on last year, the 2024 Business Monitor found that a quarter (25%) of SMEs saw revenue increase on the previous year, while 41% said it remained the same, and a third (33%) saw their revenue decline.

“The construction and trades industry has had it particularly tough over the past year, with 39% of businesses in the sector seeing their revenue decline. Unfortunately, given the drop in building consents, high construction costs and projects on hold across the sector, a drop in performance was, sadly, not unexpected,” says Emma.

“In contrast, despite lower levels of discretionary spending, more than a third (35%) of those surveyed operating in retail and hospitality reported increased annual revenue compared to a year ago.”

Profitability has also been tight as rising costs continue to bite. Just over one-in-five (22%) SMEs report that their profitability increased over the past three months – up nine percentage points on the same time in 2023, while 37% say their profitability has stayed the same and 41% say they have seen a decrease in profits.

Despite ongoing challenges affecting sales and profit, the overall financial health of local SMEs appears to be improving.

An increasing number of SMEs describe their current cashflow levels as ‘good’ to ‘very good’ – sitting at 43%, up from 35% in 2023, and two-thirds (66%) of those surveyed rate their overall financial position from ‘good’ up to ‘excellent’.

Slow and steady path ahead

Looking ahead, incremental improvements for the next 12 months are in sight. Overall, 29% of SMEs believe their revenue will rise over the coming year, however, 47% are forecasting it will stay the same and 21% are predicting a drop.

In the shorter term, sentiment around profitability is tracking similarly, with 26% expecting their business will be more profitable in the next three months, while 47% expect profit levels to stay the same and a quarter expect a decline.

“Another year of hard slog for local business owners has largely tempered expectations for the year ahead, but the green shoots some SMEs have seen over the past 12 months is likely contributing to some of the optimism we’re seeing around their performance as they look forward,” explains Emma.

“Overall, businesses are keen to keep momentum going as confidence rounds a corner. While it’s not surprising that just over half of SMEs say that increasing revenue is their top goal for the year ahead, we can see that more than a quarter of local SMEs are also feeling more ambitious with the goal of growing their business, which is really encouraging.”

Employment levels ‘about right’

Following a few years of employment challenges, this year’s Business Monitor highlights small improvements in employment outlook.

For what they need to operate their business successfully, 70% of SMEs say their staffing levels are ‘about right’ while 20% describe them as ‘low’, and 9% say they are ‘high’. Encouragingly, the vast majority (84%) of SME operators surveyed also plan to maintain their current employee levels for the next 12 months, while 9% are planning to increase the number of full-time employees in their business and just 5% plan to make some cuts.

For just over one-in-five (21%) SMEs, the amount they pay their employees is also set to increase this year, while two-thirds of SME owners say that wages and salaries in their business are likely to stay the same.

“With low levels of jobs on the market and murky economic forecasts, much of the workforce are largely staying put as uncertainty remains. However, local business owners also know all too well the value and importance of having the right team in place when they need to hit the ground running as conditions improve, and we hope Kiwis continue to support them as they get ready to do just that,” says Emma.

*Running since 2009, The Annual MYOB Business Monitor is a national survey of 1,000+ New Zealand small and medium business owners, managers and directors, from sole traders to mid-sized companies, representing major industry sectors. The Monitor researches business performance and attitudes in areas such as profitability, cashflow, pipeline of work, technology usage and the government. 

The 2024 MYOB Business Monitor survey was conducted by the Online Research Unit – a division of Kantar. The survey comprised a national sample of 1041 New Zealand business owners, managers and directors (operators) and was conducted from January 26th – March 8th 2024. All data has been weighted by industry type, location and number of employees, which are in line with Statistics New Zealand (New Zealand Business Demography Statistics: At February 2023: ISSN 1174-1988). The margin of error for the total sample is + 3.1%.

Meet the new Beef+Lamb NZ Ambassadors

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has unveiled the four talented chefs who will serve as their next Ambassador Chefs, taking up the term throughout 2024 and 2025.

These chefs represent a diverse range of culinary styles and hail from various regions across New Zealand, each bringing their own unique flair to the table.

The 2024/2025 Beef + Lamb Ambassador Chefs are: –

Foodservice Manager, Lisa Moloney says these chefs will help shine a light on the New Zealand food story with inspiration, innovation and elevation of New Zealand grass fed beef and lamb at the heart.

“For more than a quarter of a century, Beef + Lamb New Zealand has been recognising and highlighting the immense talent within the New Zealand culinary scene and are proud to see the accolade remains highly sought after in today’s hospitality industry.

“We see the role of the Ambassador Chefs to lead the way in celebrating New Zealand producers and their produce by telling the paddock to plate story through their menus,” says Moloney.

Chef and co-owner of The Fat Duck in Te Anau, Cameron Davies says he feels proud and humbled to be chosen for the second time as a Beef + Lamb Ambassador Chef.

“I grew up in rural New Zealand so to be able to support the farming community, especially here in Southland is pretty special,” says Davies.

At the other end of the country, Dean Thompson, head chef at Schnappa Rock in Tutukaka is one of the youngest chefs to be named as a Beef + Lamb Ambassador at the age of 27.

“I’ve been following the Ambassador Chef programme since I was 18,” says Thompson. “Now, almost ten years on, I’m stoked to have been selected and to be part of such a talented group of chefs.”

Mrinal Ghosal is the head chef at Mudbrick Restaurant on Waiheke Island, known for his culinary creativity using simple ingredients in experimental ways.  After working internationally, he returned home to use his creative flair to highlight and showcase beef and lamb on his menu.

Mrinal says, “It’s really exciting to be named a Beef + Lamb Ambassador Chef.  It’s always been my goal to ensure all the hard work done by New Zealand farmers is showcased on the plate.  It feels amazing to be selected to represent an organisation that holds such significance within the hospitality sector.”

Executive chef Chetan Pangam is well-known on Wellington’s hospitality scene. He is legendary for his Beef Wellington which has starred on his menu for over fifteen years.

“It was a surreal moment when I heard the news,” says Chetan. “It’s been on my bucket list for quite some time. I feel very proud and grateful to receive this accolade, as New Zealand beef and lamb play such a pivotal role on our menu and I love showcasing the work our farmers carry out to both our local and international guests.”

To enter, chefs submitted an application featuring their most creative, tasty and visually appealing beef and lamb dishes. Applicants were shortlisted with the help of a Beef + Lamb New Zealand advisory panel, with the finalists having their dishes anonymously assessed in their restaurants earlier this year by culinary-trained experts.

Britomart’s Mexico restaurant enjoys a chic new makeover

Mexico Food & Liquor has unveiled its rebuild of their flagship Britomart restaurant.

Embracing a fresh wave of elegance and sophistication, the vibrant transformation has elevated the restaurant’s dining experience, by reintroducing loyal customers to the beloved essence of this New Zealand favourite.

The new space still boasts everything Mexico is renowned for, which includes celebrating the colourful, fresh, and lighter side of Mexican cuisine.

Inspired by the streets of Mexico; the menu is designed to share and changes seasonally, but includes a range of flavour-packed tacos, their signature fried chicken with jalapeno and chipotle mayo, churros with velvety dulce de leche, and their famous Frida’s Margaritas (which are now available on tap!).

New favourites like butterfly prawns with chipotle and lime butter, and fish ceviche with melon, pomegranate and chilli are a big hit, and the elotes corn ribs with blackened onion crema never disappoints.

Mexico Food & Liquor Chief Operations Officer, Jon Hassall says this is a very exciting step forward for the Mexico group.

“A lot of work went into the transformation of this venue to bring our customers a beautiful new place to dine with us, and we couldn’t be happier to finally share it. The interest we’ve seen from the Britomart community walking by and peeking in to watch the space develop has been heart warming.”

Located at 23 Britomart Place, Mexico Food & Liquor is now open 7 days from 11.30am to late. The new mezzanine area is available to hire for private functions, and for a bit of extra fun, you can book Margarita Masterclasses and learn how to make margs like a professional!

Sudima Hotels appoints Ifti Hussain Country Manager

Hospitality and hotel manager Ifti Hussain has been appointed to the newly created role of Country Manager for Sudima Hotels, effective 1 April.

The role gives Mr Hussain responsibility for the operations of the seven Sudima Hotels in Auckland and Christchurch (each with two hotels), Rotorua, Kaikōura, and Queenstown. He will work closely with his fellow senior executives in the group including hotel managers, and hold ultimate responsibility for approximately 500 staff across the seven sites.

Mr Hussain was formerly Regional General Manager – North Island Hotels, a position which he held for nearly five years. He joined the group in early 2011 and has risen through the ranks to play an instrumental part in building the group’s reputation as a national provider of hospitality, accommodation, and conference facilities.

Mr Hussain holds a Bachelor of Business degree in accounting and finance from AUT, and obtained diplomas in hotel management from the Pacific International Hotel Management School in New Zealand and Switzerland. He is currently pursuing a six-month data science programme at AUT as part of his commitment to continuous education.

Though Mr Hussain formally takes up the role in April, he has spent time in March at the Kaikōura and Queenstown hotels, which were less familiar to him in his career to date, during which he managed Sudima Auckland Airport, Sudima Christchurch Airport and later leading the North Island properties.

Mr Hussain says, “There is a real sense of achievement and excitement in taking on this role and I have been fortunate to be able to progress my career and keep growing with Sudima Hotels as the brand and portfolio has grown nationally. When I started, we just had two hotels with another on the way. There has always been a strong values alignment between the group and me as a person and leader.

“Because of my previous roles I know many teams and leaders in the business very well, and over the next few months I will be getting to know the South Island teams and providing guidance and support to all the operational leaders. A big part of my role is working alongside hotel leadership teams on developing business strategies, training plans, processes and systems for consistency and efficiency improvements. Looking ahead, we will be building on the automation and digitalisation we already have underway to make the team more efficient and enhance the customer experience.

Les Morgan, the Chief Operating Officer for Hind Management – the owners and operators of Sudima Hotels, says Mr Hussain is eminently qualified to assume the new role.

“I have worked closely with Ifti for many years and have had a courtside view of his strong leadership skills, commitment to the business, and unflappability under pressure. Even before his major Regional GM role he stood out as the Hotel Manager at Sudima Auckland Airport and Sudima Christchurch Airport, stewarding that part of the business, key assets in our portfolio, through an unusually complex period from 2013 to 2018.

“Ifti was required to run the existing hotel while managing its $25 million rebuild and expansion of the room inventory from 153 to 246, new public areas, and 11 new conference rooms. He was the point person for everything and absolutely excelled, and we are delighted to have created a new role for him to apply his world-class management skills, insights, and confidence to the whole group.”

Mr Hussain says his professional and personal trajectories have been generously supported by the longtime mentorship of Mr Morgan and support from Hind Managements CEO and founder Sudesh Jhunjhnuwala.

Mr Hussain was part of the Hotel Leadership team that won the New Zealand Supreme Award for Team Achievement in 2019 and was a finalist for the Tourism Industry Association General Manager of the Year award in 2018. He also was an Advisory Board Member at the Pacific International Hotel Management School and supported community projects with organisations including Ronald McDonald House and Make-A-Wish.