Finalists named in Southern Lakes Hospitality Awards –
The finalists have been announced at the Southern Lakes Hospitality awards and locals are being invited to vote for their favorite place to dine out.
The finalists represent excellent dining establishments in the region as voted by the hospitality industry, including Queenstown restaurant Jervois Steakhousenominated in four award categories, including outstanding restaurant.
Also up for outstanding restaurant is Ben Bayly’s Arrowtown restaurant Aosta, a small 50 seat restaurant that brings a taste of Northern Italy to the gold-rush village of Arrowtown. The restaurant is nominated in the category of outstanding restaurants, and best regional establishments.
Aosta and Jervois Steak House will be going up against Oro Restaurant and Sherwood Queenstown who are also nominated for the outstanding restaurant award.
Situated in newly opened The Carlin boutique hotel, Oro is a fine-dining restaurant with modern French, British and New Zealand influences. It’s chefs Yann Robert and Beata Balogh have both been recognized in the categories for best chef and best emerging chef respectively.
Yann Robert has esteemed competition from Sam Gruar of La Rumbla; Koji Kiminai of Tanoshi and Ben Norfolk of The Bunker all up to the outstanding chef accolade.
Great cafes are not lacking in the region with 11th Avenue by Frank’s, Bespoke Kitchen, Odd Saint, The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro all finalists in the category of outstanding cafe.
Those looking for a place to get a great drink won’t be disappointed with the region’s assortment of top-notch drinking establishments recognized.
Bardeaux, Ferg’s Bar, Little Blackwood and Little Mez are all contenders for the title of best bar while Botswana Butchery, Eichardt’s Bar, Jervois Steak House Queenstown and The Bunker are all recognized in the category of best winery restaurant.
Anyone looking for the best quick and tasty place to grab a bite should check out Francesca’s Mobile Pizza, Margo’s Queenstown, Ramen Ramen by Tanoshi and Taco Medic who are all nominated for outstanding street food/casual dining.
Nineteen awards will be given to the best of the region’s hospitality industry. From crew members, to suppliers, to establishments – the best of the best will be celebrated for their contribution to creating a world-class hospitality scene in the Queenstown and Southern Lakes area.
CEO Marisa Bidois says, “Queenstown is now a destination dining experience offering exceptional experiences in some of the world’s most stunning settings.
“From quick and easy street eats, to luxury winery restaurant experiences, Queenstown has it all.
“With all categories keenly contested, this year’s winners truly exemplify what it means to be at the top of their respective categories.”
Voting closes on Sunday, 23 April 5.00pm and the winners will then be announced at the awards evening on Monday, May 7 at Walter Peak in Queenstown.
Tickets to the event are on sale now, to purchase or for more information regarding the awards please visit For more information regarding the awards please visit https://hospitalityawards.co.nz/southernlaklakes, Facebook @qthospitalityawards
The Southern Lakes Hospitality Awards Finalists 2023
DineFind Outstanding Baristas
Lauren Peters, Beach St Cafe
Michaela Jandackova, Kamana Lakehouse
Liam Wright, The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro
Alex Tong, Wolf Coffee Roasters
Hospo Start Outstanding Bartender
Shaun White, Eichardt’s Bar
Kate Marshall, Jervois Steak House Queenstown
Liam Cabourn, Little Blackwood
Stuart Campbell, Little Mez
Antipodes Outstanding Front of House Team
Botswana Butchery
Jervois Steak House Queenstown
Margo’s Queenstown
Tanoshi Cow Lane
Mt Cook Alpline Salmon Emerging Chef
Beata Balogh, Oro Restaurant
Bella Maroszek, The Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
Brandon Ferrari, Flame Bar & Grill
Callum Plank, The Bunker
Ritu Sharma, Kamana Lakehouse
Hospo Start Emerging Front of House
Brooke Owens, Slow Cuts
Ratchadaporn Tongjan, Thai Siam Kitchen
Jacob Bull, The Grille by Eichardt’s
Samaria Spyker, Vudu Cafe & Larder
Anchor Food Professional Outstanding Chef
Yann Robert, Oro Restaurant
Sam Gruar, La Rumbla
Koji Kiminami, Tanoshi
Ben Norfolk , The Bunkers
DineFind Outstanding Street Food/Casual Dining
Francesca’s Mobile Pizza
Margo’s Queenstown
Ramen Ramen by Tanoshi
Taco Medic
Bidfood Outstanding Café
11th Avenue by Frank’s
Bespoke Kitchen
Odd Saint
The Boat Shed Cafe & Bistro
Southern Hospitality Outstanding Bar
Bardeaux
Ferg’s Bar
LittleBlackwood
Little Mez
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Wine & Beverage List
Botswana Butchery
Eichardt’s Bar
Jervois Steak House Queenstown
The Bunkers
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Winery Restaurants
Gibbston Valley
Kinross
Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen
Amisfield
OneMusic Outstanding Ambience & Design
Ferg’s Bar
Hyde Liquor and Social
Tanoshi Five Mile
Yonder
DineFind Outstanding Regional Establishments
Amisfield
Aosta
Bannockburn Hotel
The Dishery
Lumina Lamb Outstanding Restaurant
Aosta
Jervois Steak House Queenstown
Oro Restaurant
Sherwood Queenstown
Restaurant Association of NZ Outstanding Sales Rep
Ross Mander, Canyon Brewing
Theo Arndt, Cardrona Distillery
Karen Bisacre, Pernod Ricard
Devan Tyler, Wolf Coffee Roasters
Real NZ Outstanding Supplier
Bidfood
Crisp NZ
Harbor Fish
Pernod Ricard
Wolf Coffee Roasters
Chef advocates collectives for food security –
A new collective of iconic Kiwi chefs has come together under the Kiwi Harvest banner to tell the organization’s story and advocate for a more secure food Aotearoa.
Joining existing ambassador, Peter Gordon, are four new recruits: Michael Meredith, Brent Martin, Kylee Newton and Alfie Ingham.
Established in 2012, KiwiHarvest exists to address Aotearoa’s dual issues of food insecurity and food waste. By rescuing and redistributing surplus stock from its 280+ food donors, they’re able to get food into communities across its five national locations, delivering regularly to over 240 recipient charities. KiwiHarvest says, however, there is so much more that needs to be done and they are reliable on donations to enable them to meet this growing need.
The KiwiHarvest Collective aims to grow and nurture a community of like-minded people with a shared mission to raise awareness of and find solutions to these issues. The supergroup of culinary experts kicked things off with a volunteering session at KiwiHarvest’s Auckland warehouse at the end of March.
Peter Gordon joined KiwiHarvest as its very first ambassador in 2021. Internationally renowned chef, Peter has a repertoire of highly acclaimed restaurants under his belt, from Sugar Club, to Providores and Tapa Room, to his current focus, Homeland.
“Although we have plenty of kai in Aotearoa, many people are still going hungry. Helping KiwiHarvest show this was why I came onboard, but I realized that I needed support in spreading the message. I asked some of my favorite Auckland chefs and foodies to help me, and with our combined voices I believe we can reach a much wider audience and get food where it needs to be more easily,” explained Peter.
The first of the new recruits is the brain and talent behind Meredith’s and Mr. Morris, Michael Meredith.
“KiwiHarvest has done so much good in trying to improve the way we deal with such an ongoing problem, one that we face every day. My involvement in the collective is a stepping stone to contribute some new ideas and to collectively raise more awareness,” says Michael.
Second to join is Chief Executive Chef of the 5-star Park Hyatt Hotel, Brent Martin. He has played a pivotal role in the success of the hotel’s restaurants (including The Living Room, The Pantry and now, Onemata) and is excited to make real social change within our communities.
“It has always been at the top of mind to use my culinary connection, knowledge and passion to drive support for those who need it across Aotearoa – a cause that is way bigger than me. Food sustainability has become the forefront of what we, at the Park Hyatt, do on a daily basis. We even have set targets for food waste and food donations each year.”
“I want to feel connected to the community, and by collaborating with an organization like KiwiHarvest, I feel that I can make a real impact on people’s lives,” added Brent.
Cook, author and preserver, Kylee Newton is known for launching London-based preserving company, Newton&Pott which produced high quality jams, pickles, and chutneys with a focus on minimizing food waste.
“My good friend Peter (Gordon) first alerted me to the great work KiwiHarvest was doing in reducing food waste and how they distributed it among people in need. This is the main issue that surrounds my ethos in cooking; preserving food is at the heart of using up seasonal gluts, and giving food longevity so it doesn’t go to waste.”
“With increasing food costs, what better time to address this issue for the future of our community, and for the health of our planet. Awareness starts within the home and I will do all I can to spread this message – I see the KiwiHarvest Collective as a perfect platform to do so,” said Kylee.
And finally, UK-born Alfie Ingham has signed up, having worked in some of the best restaurants in NZ. He was part of the award-winning Hugo’s Bistro team, and prides himself in partnering with smaller local growers, farmers, hunters and fishermen, to highlight the hard work that goes into producing quality, sustainable food.
“I’ve always believed that good food should be accessible to everyone, and the more I learned about food waste and food insecurity, the more I wanted to help an organization do the right thing. I’m excited to meet the amazing people working hard behind the scenes and I’m hoping to make a real tangible change with food insecurity in New Zealand,” concludes Alfie.
Why now?
The lingering impacts of Covid-19, rising costs of living and natural disasters have meant more people than ever are doing it tough in Aotearoa – including those who wouldn’t stereotypically seek out food support.
KiwiHarvest Founder, Deborah Manning, pictured top right, said, “Our hope is that by teaming up with these culinary experts, we can raise more awareness about the issues right here in our backyard and offer practical solutions for people to take action.”
“Each of them brings enormous value to the table and the overall Kiwi Harvest mission. Together, we can amplify the important mahi being done by our partners, volunteers and other food rescue organizations to make sure every Kiwi has access to nutritional kai before it goes to waste,” Deborah concludes.
To launch the KiwiHarvest Collective, the team volunteered at KiwiHarvest’s East Tamaki warehouse, getting stuck into the hands-on work of sorting and packaging donated and surplus stock (including apples, carrots, feijoas, and other fresh produce), to be distributed to recipients all over the country.
Luxurious Hulbert House returns to Brooke Serene portfolio –
Brook Serene Boutique Hotels has announced the return of Hulbert House to its luxury hotel portfolio.
Brook Serene Boutique Hotels opened and managed the Qualmark-rated 5-star Enviro Gold luxury hotel from 2016 to 2020 and has resumed management of the property from 1 April this year.
Hulbert House is nestled in the heart of Queenstown and is a beautifully restored Victorian villa that offers six luxurious rooms, each uniquely designed with modern amenities and breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its Enviro Gold rating, which recognizes its efforts to reduce its environmental impact and promote eco-friendly practices.
“We are delighted to have Hulbert House return to our portfolio of boutique hotels,” says Bruce Garrett, Managing Director of Brook Serene Boutique Hotels.
“This iconic property perfectly aligns with our philosophy of providing highly personalized service, a tranquil ambience and rich local flavor to our guests in unique and stunning destinations.
“We are excited to bring our expertise in boutique hotel management to Hulbert House and continue to provide exceptional experiences for our guests.”
“We are confident that the management transition will be seamless, and we look forward to once again working closely with the dedicated team at Hulbert House to maintain the hotel’s reputation as a premier luxury destination,” added Mr Garrett.
Brook Serene Boutique Hotels is a boutique hotel management company known for its distinctive properties in unique locations around New Zealand. With a focus on providing exceptional guest experiences and personalized service, Brook Serene Boutique Hotels offers a collection of carefully curated hotels that embody luxury, style and authenticity. For more information, visit www.brookserene.com.
Restaurants ride shotgun & raise $370k for cyclone relief –
Hospitality businesses across the country hosted the nation’s biggest dinner party on Monday March 20, raising $370k in support of those impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Masterminded by Al Brown and supported by the Restaurant Association, 157 businesses across the country took part, with 6,600 diners purchasing tickets.
Restaurants from Northland to Stewart Island cooked up a two course menu with proceeds going directly to those impacted by the cyclone.
Thirty-five per cent of the proceeds will also go directly to hospitality communities impacted by the recent weather events. The remaining 65 per cent of the funds will be split equally across the 5 X mayoral/relief funds in Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Coromandel, Auckland and Northland
“I couldn’t be more stoked with how Cooking Up A Storm came together. It just started to snowball, driven solely by goodwill, compassion and charity. It made me realize that when adversity and pain appear out of nowhere, balancing that out and riding a shotgun will always be empathetic and generosity,” said Al Brown.
Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois added “the stories both from our hospitality whanau and people in the affected areas have been devastating. Hospitality is what we do best so being able to support those who have been impacted by hosting people in our venues is the perfect way for us to give back.”
“We’re so proud of the way our communities came together and look forward to handing the funds over to those who desperately need them.”
Hospitality businesses that wish to apply for the fund can do so by completing an online form here https://www.restaurantnz.co.nz/hospitality-cyclone-grants-application/
SME concerns grow as risk of recession continues –
A nationwide survey of 1,000+ SME owners, directors and managers from across New Zealand by MYOB has highlighted the ongoing impact of inflation and the Reserve Bank’s efforts to control it are taking its toll on local businesses.
Based on recent inflation increases, more than a third (38%) of local SME leaders could only sustain their business for up to six months before they would need to dip into their personal finances or seek additional finance, according to new data from the 2023 MYOB Business Monitor.
A third (33%) of local SME decision-makers who respondents to the survey are ‘quite’ or ‘very’ concerned about the impact increasing interest rates will have on their business’ finances, and just over a fifth (21%) say their current cashflow levels are poor or very poor, while 44% say they are satisfactory and 35% say their cashflow levels are good.
On average, SMEs estimate their business overheads, such as rent and electricity, have increased by over $1500 per month in the last year, with just 13% of SMEs saying they haven’t seen their costs increase in the past 12 months.
MYOB spokesperson, Jo Tozer, explains that inflationary pressures continue to dampen SME confidence, which has remained stubbornly low over the past year.
“Across the country, SME leaders have pointed to rising inflation and the high cost of living generating the most pressure, with three quarters saying it was having the biggest impact on their level of confidence,” said Jo. “Likewise, the other major influences on SME confidence are also inflation-related, including the cost of fuel (64%) and rising interest rates (61%).”
“As a result, confidence levels among SMEs have remained largely unmoved since our last Business Monitor in March 2022, but these are worryingly close to the historic lows we saw immediately after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Jo adds.
More than two-thirds (69%) of local SMEs believe the New Zealand economy will decline in the next 12 months, one percentage point more than the same time last year (2022: 68%), with 30% believing that decline in economic activity will be significant. Just 16% of SME decision-makers expect the economy to improve – the same proportion as seen in the 2022 Business Monitor, and 13% believe it will remain the same.
Low growth and constrained profitability
“Tough trading conditions and falling consumer confidence have also seen local SMEs struggle to achieve revenue growth over the last year, and profitability in the last quarter has become particularly constrained,” said Jo.
Just over one-in-five (22%) local SMEs saw their revenue improve over the 12 months to March 2023, while more than a third (34%) saw revenue decline. The majority – 43% – say their year-on-year revenue has remained static.
The past quarter has also seen profitability restricted. Forty-five percent of SMEs report that their business has become less profitable over the last three months, while 41% say it has stayed the same. In contrast, only 13% of SMEs say their business has become more profitable over this time.
“In this sort of low growth environment, where businesses are dealing with increasing cost pressures, SMEs are finding themselves with dwindling cash reserves, and becoming more vulnerable to a growing number of external shocks – from natural disasters to a downturn in the economy,” Jo explains.
“With these risks and pressures in mind, heading into the new financial year is a good opportunity for SMEs to review their fundamentals – cashflow, debt levels and the stock they are carrying – and use this as a time to reset their business for a tighter market . Working with their accountant, bookkeeper or financial advisor now to start putting in place strategies could prove vital to their survival if there was further downturn in the economy.”
Risk of recession growing
On top of the most recent StatsNZ GDP data showing the economy shrank by 0.6% in the final quarter of 2022, the falling profitability and revenue amongst SMEs could also point to a possible contraction in activity for the first quarter of 2023.
According to MYOB’s Business Monitor, recession warnings are flashing red for the SME community, with 80% polled saying they are concerned about the risk of the New Zealand economy entering a recession in 2023. If this occurs, the survey insights show it could generate a wave of cost-cutting among SMEs, which will further limit local growth.
When asked what changes they would make to their business plans or operations if New Zealand was to enter a recession, the Business Monitor insights revealed:
- 38% would implement strict cost controls across the business
- 29% would dip into personal savings to keep trading
- 18% would reduce marketing spend to save money
- 14% would freeze wages/salaries
- 14% would need to increase the time they take to pay bills and suppliers
- 11% would close the business altogether
“This is a critical moment for many local SMEs, as they face the risk of recession with very little in the way of resources to give them a buffer against a major downturn in trade. Rampant inflation, a significantly disrupted supply chain and recent extreme weather events have all taken their toll on SME reserves – particularly in sectors like agriculture, hospitality and retail,” says MYOB’s Jo Tozer.
“SMEs give a lot to our local communities and they are going to need a great deal of support this year, so we’d encourage policy makers to give this careful consideration before implementing any changes which could add to the already growing range of costs to SMEs. For the rest of us Kiwis, if it is within your means, please continue to buy local to support our diverse and valuable network of small and medium businesses.”
NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship tickets: Cheapest tickets for LSU vs. Iowa in Dallas
The 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Championship will feature the No. 3 LSU Tigers vs. the No. 2 Iowa Hawkeyes at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on Sunday, April 2 (4/2/2023) at 3:30 pm ET.
Fans can buy cheap tickets to the March Madness women’s championship at resellers like StubHub, VividSeats, MEGASeats and SeatGeek. If you’re traveling for the game, get the best deals on flights from Expediaand find discounted Hotels with Hotels.com.
At publishing time, VividSeats had the cheapest tickets at $376, but prices are subject to change and availability.
Both these teams cleared through a No. 1 seed in the Final Four to advance to the Championship. LSU beat the Virginia Tech Hokies 79-72, while Iowa beat the South Carolina Gamecocks 77-73.
The games will air nationwide on ABC starting at 3:30 pm ET, and can be streamed live via fuboTV (free trial).
NCAA Tournament gearincluding new hats, t-shirts and jerseys for the 2023 Final Four can be found on fanatics.
You can bet on college basketball from your phone in New York State, and we’ve compiled some of the best introductory offers to help navigate your first bets from BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, PointsBet, Caesars and BetRivers.
MORE NCAA TOURNAMENT COVERAGE
How to watch No. 5 Miami vs. No. 4 UConn: Final Four time, TV, live stream
How to watch No. 9 Florida Atlantic vs. No. 5 San Diego State: Final Four time, TV, live
March Madness Final Four tickets: Cheapest tickets for FAU-San Diego State, Miami-UConn in Houston
Best March Madness sportsbook promotions & bonuses: DraftKings, FanDuel + more
WynnBET Sportsbook promo For Miami vs. Uconn unleashes a $100 bonus
** ** **
Story by The Associated Press
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark is the undeniable star of March Madness. Now she will get to play in April.
The Hawkeyes’ high-scoring guard, who was named the Associated Press Player of the Year this week, scored 41 points to lead the Hawkeyes over previously undefeated South Carolina 77-73 in the Final Four on Friday night. The loss denied South Carolina — the No. 1 team all season — a chance at a second straight title.
No. 2 seed Iowa will face LSU in Sunday’s title game after the third-seeded Tigers used a big fourth quarter to overtake top-seeded Virginia Tech 79-72.
Clark has wowed fans for the past month and certainly didn’t seem fascinated by any pressure against mighty South Carolina. She shot 15 of 31 from the field and hit four clutch free throws in the final minute to keep the Hawkeyes ahead.
LSU used a 29-point fourth quarter to rally for its win over Virginia Tech earlier Friday. Alexis Morris led the way with 27 points.
LSU coach Kim Mulkey has taken the Tigers to their first championship game in program history. The flamboyant coach won three national titles during 21 seasons at Baylor before returning to her home state.
GAMES TO WATCH
No. 2 Iowa (31-6) vs. No. 3 LSU (34-2), Sunday, 3:30 p.m. EDT, ABC
The Clark show rolls on to Sunday’s championship game. She’s obviously the focus of the Hawkeyes’ offense, but 6-foot-3 Monika Czinano also had a nice game against the Gamecocks with 18 points and three steals. LSU leans on star forward Angel Reese, who is averaging 23 points and nearly 16 rebounds. Morris was also superb in the Tigers’ semifinal win.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Clark was announced as AP player of the year on Thursday after receiving 20 votes from the 28-member national media panel that votes on the AP Top 25 each week. Reese has 113 points and 79 rebounds for LSU through five wins.
SHINING MOMENTS
Clark had the first 40-point triple-double in NCAA Tournament history to lead Iowa into its first Final Four appearance in 30 years. She followed that with 41 in the semifinals in a performance that somehow managed to live up to the ample hype.
Her stellar postseason has caught the attention of NBA stars. Kevin Durant and Chris Paul were talking about Clark’s performance in the locker room following the Suns’ win over the Nuggets on Friday.
“Incredible run that she’s on,” Durant said. “She’s playing phenomenal basketball, her team is rallying around her, so it’s going to be a good championship game.”
AWARDS SEASONS
Indiana’s Teri Moren was honored as the AP women’s basketball Coach of the Year after leading the school to its first Big Ten regular season championship in 40 years and its first No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Clark won AP Player of the Year after one of the greatest individual seasons in NCAA history with eye-popping offensive numbers, averaging 27.0 points, 8.3 assists and 7.5 rebounds during the regular season to help Iowa go 26-6.
GO DEEPER
Gun violence has cost lives and disrupted college sports all season, touching some of the top programs in college basketball. Coaches have been thrust into uncertain and unwelcome roles in trying to navigate the topic — as well as the fallout from the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
On a lighter note, the women’s tournament has been making a case for its own separate TV deal, and if you think you know the women’s tournament, try this 25-question quiz.
Want to hear from the athletes themselves? UCLA freshman Kiki Rice and injured UConn star Paige Bueckers have each written diaries for The AP about their “tourney journeys.”
VEGAS SAYS
Iowa has opened as a slight favorite — ranging from 1 1/2 to 2 points — according to sportsbooks.
HOW TO WATCH
The title game will be on a national network — ABC — for the first time since 1996.
Every game of the women’s tournament has been available on ESPN’s networks or streaming, with fans encouraged to navigate to the “Watch” tab on ESPN’s sites. There are multiple sites listing game times, channels and other details, including the NCAA site.
WHAT’S NEXT
Where is the women’s Final Four? In Dallas, where the championship game is Sunday. As it happens, the men’s Final Four is a four-hour drive down the road in Houston.
Entries closing soon for the Hospitality Awards for Excellence –
Time is running out to enter the Hospitality Awards for Excellence. Honoring the achievements of the hardworking and talented people who make hospitality and accommodation throughout New Zealand exceptional, the Lion Hospitality Awards for Excellence are your opportunity to showcase all that makes your venue team exceptional, and they are closing soon.
The Lion Hospitality Awards for Excellence are New Zealand’s premier hospitality industry awards that honor operators nationwide, recognizing excellence in both the accommodation and food and beverage sectors. The awards are open to all Hospitality and Accommodation operators in New Zealand. Applications to enter the awards are FREE for Hospitality New Zealand members.
visit https://www.hospitality.org.nz/s/awards today and nominate. In a change from previous years, the winners of the People of the Year award categories will be awarded at the Hospitality Social Evening 2023, held at Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen social evening on June 27. The Lion Hospitality Awards for Excellence 2023 black-tie gala dinner will be hosted on 28 June at the Pullman Hotel Auckland, as the closing night of Hospitality New Zealand’s annual two-day conference. So get nominated and come along to celebrate the best the industry has to offer.
Southern Discoveries announce leadership changes –
One of New Zealand’s most experienced tourism professionals is retiring and a well known industry stalker is stepping into the role in July.
Queenstown’s Southern Discoveries owner, Skeggs Group has announced the retirement of CEO Tim Hunter and is delighted to confirm the appointment of former GM Sales and Marketing, Kerry Walker to the role of CEO.
Kerry has 25 years of tourism experience, the last four-and-a-half of which have been spent at Southern Discoveries. In the previous 15 years, she worked in a range of senior sales and marketing roles for Ngāi Tahu Tourism.
During her time with Southern Discoveries her sales and marketing skills have proved invaluable to the company, along with her strong industry networks.
Southern Discoveries has been owned and operated by the Skeggs Group since 2009 and company director David Skeggs says he welcomes Kerry into her new role.
“It is fantastic that we have been able to make an internal appointment and give Kerry the opportunity to showcase her unique skills and experience that will continue to drive the company forward,” he said.
Tim Hunter retires after seven years spent as Southern Discoveries’ CEO following extensive experience in the New Zealand aviation, coach transport and destination marketing sectors.
Those roles have included working as a commercial pilot in the Southern Lakes area, holding airline planning roles with Air New Zealand, and working in a number of senior general management roles, including GM Marketing with The Mount Cook Group during the 1990s.
Tim broadened his international market experience with Tourism New Zealand as Regional Manager for Americas & Europe and General Manager Operations, and in 2010 became Chief Executive of Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism (CCT).
“Tim has done a superb job of running the business during his tenure, especially during some very challenging times during Covid,” said David Skeggs.
“He would be the first to say he couldn’t have done it without the support of all his team and I’m sure he will be missed by all.”
Kerry says Southern Discoveries is an industry leader that delivers exceptional nature experiences in this “unique” part of New Zealand.
“I’ve always worked within businesses that show off the very best of New Zealand’s scenery, adventure and hospitality, and align with my values of preservation and social sustainability.
“Southern Discoveries fits that bill perfectly.” Kerry takes up her new role on July 17.