The Holiday Parks New Zealand Award winners 2023 are representative of a ‘thriving and admirable sector’, according to judges. The 2023 awards dinner followed the annual Holiday Parks trade show and conference in Rotorua.
Sashah Macleod of Tasman Holiday Parks Papamoa Beach was the recipient of the coveted Holiday Parks Emerging Star Award, which recognises a holiday park professional under the age of 35
Judges said that in the current environment where workforce challenges are rife, it was very pleasing to read how much Macleod values her employees and prioritises her team through upskilling, staff morale and retention. These are all focal pillars in being an ‘Employer of Choice’.
“I have a feeling this isn’t the last we will hear of this young lady, and her determination, passion and drive for the industry is highly admirable,” the judges said.
Cosy Corner Holiday Park in Mount Maunganui won the TIA Sustainable Innovation Award. The judges were impressed by the park’s success in diverting recycling from landfill while educating their guests and supporting their communities. The judges added that diverting recycling from landfill is good for both reducing this expense line and carbon reduction.
The runner-up was Ngapae Holiday Park in Northland, which was commended for educating guests on their fishing practices and finding ways to share guests’ surplus catches with the community.
Ian Smith, a long-time holiday park sector champion who works out of Ohope Beach TOP 10 with his family, was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to the Holiday Park Sector Award. The judges said that Smith is very generous with his time and has provided advice to many holiday park operators over the years.
