Reynold Henkel has been appointed to the new role of Functions Operations Manager at Alexandra Park.
“The diversity of functions at Alexandra Park and the sheer potential of its event space attracted me to this position. However, the real game changer for me was the ‘Urban Village’ that’s currently under construction. This is an exciting development which will feature some great food and beverage operators to strongly complement Alexandra Park’s existing meetings and events offering,” said Mr Henkel.
The Auckland Trotting Club’s Urban Village development on the club’s former carpark on Green Lane West will consist of 246 apartments and over 5000 square metres of retail space. It will also include a supermarket and leading New Zealand food and beverage operators, including a flagship Lone Star restaurant trackside.
Chief Executive Dominique Dowding said Mr Henkel’s appointment is a positive reflection on Alexandra Park’s successful functions and events business.
“Alexandra Park has a great and growing reputation when it comes to delivering a wide range of functions with our food and service attracting very positive feedback all the time. However, despite some seriously solid growth in recent years, we never stand still.
“Reynold’s arrival signals that Alexandra Park remains totally focused on continuously improving its offering and ensuring our many and highly valued guests enjoy a great experience from beginning to end,” says Ms Dowding.
Mr Henkel brings extensive experience in the hospitality and events sector, having held a range of senior operational management positions over nearly 20 years.
As well as roles involving Wellington’s largest event venues, well-known New Zealand restaurants and the defence force, Mr Henkel has industry experience from South Africa, Germany and England including training as a patisserie chef with the French school, Le Cordon Bleu in London.
The new Functions Operations Manager arrives at a busy time with many functions and events set to take place at Alexandra Park, including its Mid-winter Christmas parties which are selling out fast. The evenings will be held over four consecutive Friday race nights on 22 and 29 June and 6 and 13 July.
