Hardworking individuals in the hotel industry from around the country have been awarded at the 2016 New Zealand Hotel Industry Awards during a gala dinner in Auckland. Seven awards were presented, ranging from Housekeeper of the Year to Outstanding Young Executive, plus an award for a hotel showing innovation to help neutralise its impact on the environment.
“This year we expanded the awards to recognise many of the key roles that go into the running of a successful hotel,” said Sally Attfield, Hotel Sector Manager for the Tourism Industry Aotearoa.
“Our award winners are outstanding performers who reflect the depth of talent in New Zealand’s hotel sector.”
This year also saw the presentation of a prestigious Hotel Industry Achievement Award, for only the fourth time. This year’s recipient was Penny Clark, General Manager of the Goldridge Resort Queenstown.
“Clark has worked in the hotel sector for more than 35 years, over 30 of those as a general manager,” said Stephen Hamilton, Director Horwath HTL. “She is consistently referred to as an inspirational leader, empowering colleagues while maintaining a strong focus on bottom line performance.”
Award Winners
Hotel Industry Achievement Award
Penny Clark, General Manager, Goldridge Resort, Queenstown
Administration Employee of the Year
Kamlesh Kumar, Financial Controller, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor,
Wellington
Environmental Initiative of the Year
The Langham, Auckland
Front Office Services Employee of the Year
Jenna Abramowitz, Front Office Manager, InterContinental Wellington
Housekeeper Employee of the Year
Meripa Aiono, Executive Housekeeper, Novotel & Ibis Auckland Ellerslie
Outstanding Young Hotel Executive, sponsored by ServiceIQ
Brad Garnett, Revenue and Contact Centre Manager, SKYCITY Hotels
Auckland
Revenue Manager of the Year
Deborah Kennedy, Revenue Manager, Crowne Plaza Auckland
Sales & Marketing Employee of the Year
Elizabeth Burrett, Marketing Manager, SKYCITY Hotels Auckland
Senior Hotel Executive, sponsored by AHS Hospitality
Bruce Garrett, Managing Director, The George, Christchurch
