Seven of New Zealand’s best and brightest individuals working in the hospitality and accommodation sectors have been recognised for their hard work at the 2019 Hospitality New Zealand Rising Stars Awards.
The hospitality community of New Zealand gathered at the Masonic Art Deco Hotel in Napier on Tuesday night to celebrate the future of New Zealand’s hospitality sector.
The Rising Star Awards, covering every aspect of hospitality and accommodation, are a chance for managers and mentors to acknowledge exceptional staff.
“These awards, now in their third year, are our way of giving our up and coming industry leaders some well-deserved recognition," said Hospitality New Zealand acting chief executive Julie White. "Through initiatives like the Rising Stars Awards, we aim to promote within the hospitality industry a spirit of striving for excellence and foster a culture of celebrating achievements.”
Emerging Accommodation Professional
The Emerging Accommodation Professional award was won by Sam von Hartitzsch, a Duty Manager at Rydges Wellington.
According to the Judges, von Hartitzsch's strong leadership, ability to make things happen, a clear idea of how he wants to make his mark, as well as his commitment to the Hospitality sector as a career, have identified Sam as the “Ultimate Hospitality Pro."
Unsung Hero
The Unsung Hero category was awarded to Amy Farquharson, Head Housekeeper at Larnock Castle, Dunedin.
“Hospitality is a great industry for learning, meeting people and exploring the world," Farquharson said. "With constant opportunities to progress and diverse options to find your strengths, I find it truly rewarding.”
Up and Coming Barista
The Up and Coming Barista award went to Jasmine McDermott, venue manager and head barista at Burger Boy, Auckland. “When I saw how much my mum loved her coffee, I wanted to be part of something like that: “If you want to make others happy and be part of a fun industry, this is it,” she said.
According to the Judges, “The Hospitality and Barista industries need more people like Jasmine; people who have a continual drive for improvement.”
Up and Coming Duty Manager
Up and Coming Duty Manager was won by Melanie Campbell from The Riverhead, at Riverhead in Auckland. As a single mum, Melanie started in Hospitality three years ago and is keen to gain all the experience she can and grow herself as a leader. Campbell expressed gratitude for her supportive family and employers.
Up and Coming Entrepreneur
Based in Invercargill, Industry Café’s owner and head chef Mark Heffer was named the winner of the Up and Coming Entrepreneur category. Mark bought Industry in July last year and is no stranger to awards. He was head chef at The Batch when it won HNZ Best Café and the Supreme Award for Excellence in Staff Training and Development in 2013.
“Hospitality is a great way to express yourself," said Mark.
You can be creative, try out your own ideas, and there are masses of opportunities.”
Up and Coming Front of House
Tarsh Versey, Function Co-ordinator, Zenders Café and Venue Waikato, took out the Up and Coming Front of House award.
Leaving school at 15, Tarsh found her niche early on, studying F&B at Wintec and quickly reached the top 5% in class. Tarsh then discovered a passion for event management alongside F&B and has combined both skill sets with her role at Zenders.
“It’s important to follow your own dreams," Versey said. "Hospo is fast-paced, different every day and has loads of opportunities."
Up and Coming Chef
Madison Grace, winner of the Up and Coming Chef category, is Chef de Partie at the Bolton Hotel, Wellington.
A keen baker at 10 years old, Grace was working in a restaurant at 14. Inspired by her Nan, she loves working in a well-structured kitchen for inspirational people, learning their styles and developing her own aesthetic, and hopes to one day open her own restaurant.
Up and Coming Bartender
The Judges describe Up and Coming Bartender winner Glori Karika from Emersons Taproom and
Restaurant in Dunedin as "a leader on the floor and the go-to person."
Inspired by her barista mum, and having taken a Beer Sommeliers course, she’s now working in a state-of-the-art brewery that couldn’t be more passionate about its craft. Karika aspires to one day become a manager.
