As a child, Kim Aliu was always the kid who owned the café when playing shops.
With a burgeoning passion for the hospitality scene, she worked her first industry job at age 13 in the Otautau Hotel pub, which she now owns with her husband.
Since 2017, Aliu has been the proud co-director and kitchen manager of The Otautau Hotel, a newly renovated country accommodation located in the heart of Western Southland, surrounded by beautiful rivers, mountains and native bush.
"It's great here because I always strive to improve and learn more. I love change and want to keep trying to be the best we can be!"
Otautau Hotel's point of difference is its food and service, with a change in the menu twice a year for summer and winter and a good selection of daily specials.
With an extensive menu, its old country pub greets every person who walks through the door as if they were locals with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
In the wake of the pandemic, the hotel's business model has undergone a few changes.
"We are trying to be more efficient and make a few changes that will make the load easier for everyone as we struggle to fill a few gaps staffing-wise."
Due to the staffing shortage, the current focus for Otautau Hotel is to get through the summer, as Aliu and her husband plan to work long hours to cover some of these gaps.
In the dynamic landscape of the hospitality industry, it is essential always to be ready to change and adapt to move forward.
"My motto at the moment is: if you always do what you always did, then you'll always get what you always got."
