Visa launches $30,000 hospitality scholarship –
Visa, supported by Visa Wellington on a Plate, has launched a new hospitality industry scholarship open to candidates across New Zealand, valued at NZD $30,000.
The Visa NZ Hospitality Scholarship aims to attract and retain more young people into the industry and support them to take up hospitality as a fully-fledged career. It includes a five-day placement at a top international hospitality venue, professional development, a one-year mentorship, business training and future participation in Visa Wellington On a Plate.
Visa’s Head of Marketing for Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Natalie Lockwood said, “As a proud partner of Visa Wellington On a Plate since 2009, we are excited by this new opportunity to inspire and uplift the wonderful young emerging talents across the country.
By providing access to a unique scholarship with international reach, this will have a positive impact not only on the scholarship winner, but on the wider hospitality industry as a whole.”
Wellington Visa On a Plate Festival Director Sarah Meikle says, “The scholarship is a welcome initiative that will help to attract and retain talent within the industry by providing hands-on industry training and ‘money-can’t-buy’ international experience.
“We know that working in hospitality can teach people so much, from people skills to finance, marketing and more. Whether you’re back or front of house, it’s an industry that can be incredibly rewarding and we are here to encourage that.”
The Scholarship Prize
The 2023 Visa NZ Hospitality Scholarship winner will win a prize tailored to their career interests, stage, and progression, including:
- A five-day work experience placement internationally at a restaurant or hospitality establishment (Including flights and accommodation).
- Attendance at an international professional development forum such as Food on the Edge or Tales of the Cocktail (including flights and accommodation).
- Professional skills development including a year-long mentorship. The experience will be catered to the Successful Applicant’s area of expertise within the Hospitality Industry.
- Access to a Social Media specialist for personal brand development coaching.
- Access to virtual business skills training, which includes access to EAP (mental wellbeing support), physical well-being support, career coaching and financial advice.
- A trip to Wellington for the 2023 Visa NZ Hospitality Scholarship Announcement including flights and accommodation.
The total prize value is NZ$30,000.
The scholarship is open to hospitality workers who are NZ residents, aged between 22 and 35 years of age at the time of their submission and have a minimum of two years’ experience working in the hospitality industry. Applications close at 11.59pm NZST on Monday 15 May 2023.
The scholarship winner announcement will be made on Thursday August 24, 2023.
For more information and full details on application criteria visit www.visawoap.com/visa-wellington-on-a-plate-hospitality-scholarship
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.
Hospitality Excellence Awards open for entries –
Entries are open for the 25thth Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence. The 2023 awards are steeped in history, recognizing businesses and people across the hospitality and accommodation sectors, celebrating industry success and excellence.
The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are the longest running, national awards that honor the achievements of the hardworking and talented people who make the hospitality and accommodation industries exceptional.
Entries are now open to the public, closing on April 14.
There are 25 categories to apply for, spanning hospitality, accommodation, gaming and more, with the overall Supreme Winner Award to be selected from the category finalists.
Finalists across all business and people categories will be announced on April 21.
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, at Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen, Sale Street, Freeman’s Bay on June 27.
People Of The Year Categories:
Leader of the Year: Hospitality, and Leader of the Year – Accommodation: people who are dedicated to their profession and contribute to and inspire confidence in the industry.
Future Leader of the Year: someone who is making a significant contribution in their role, be it front of house, duty manager, chefs, barista and bar staff, or the unsung hero who demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities and is seen as an industry leader of the future.
Chef of the Year: someone whose attitude and dedication has contributed to the success of their business, and who demonstrates leadership, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.
Supplier of the Year: a supplier who is dedicated to their profession and who contributes to and inspires confidence in the hospitality industry.
The Awards for Excellence 2023 black-tie dinner celebration taking place on June 28 , will conclude the two-day #HNZ23 conference and trade show event at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland.
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Julie White said, ” These awards are the pinnacle of our industry. It gives all operators nationwide a chance to recognize and reward those who continue to excel and progress in our industry and create the highest possible standards for both their guests and their team.
“Last year, when we held our first in-person awards for two years, I said every hospitality business and every worker out there deserves a medal for the guts and perseverance they’ve shown through what was probably the toughest period the industry has ever been through. I say it again – because the hits just keep coming but somehow, they keep getting up again.
“To those who have been working so hard to offer support to their communities and customers, these awards are a huge thank-you for your work, even if you don’t or can’t enter, or aren’t one of the winners .
The Awards for Excellence 2023 will again be hosted by Hospitality New Zealand in conjunction with long-time principle partner Lion New Zealand.
Lion New Zealand’s Managing Director Craig Baldie said Lion was delighted to continue to support the awards.
“Lion has proudly sponsored the Awards for 25 years and we are delighted to be supporting them again for the 25th anniversary year. We look forward to celebrating excellence in the industry.”
Up to five finalists will be named in each category and businesses are being asked to consider whether they can submit multiple categories. Entries close on April 14. For further information and to enter go to: https://www.hospitality.org.nz/s/awards
The Sicilian Hotel Where ‘White Lotus’ Was Filmed Is Currently Offering a 25% Off Deal
Head to the dreamy location for a bit of a discount — drama not included.
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Looking to experience The White Lotus IRL? Well, it just got a bit cheaper.
The San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel, which was the hotel used as the setting for season 2 of the hit HBO show, in Sicily, Italy, is running a promotion offering 25 percent off of certain rates and packages.
Located in Sicily, on a hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea, the building was once a convent back in the 14th century, and has been welcoming guests as a hotel since 1896. However, in recent months, TV fans will recognize it as stomping grounds for stars such as Jennifer Coolidge, Adam DiMarco, Tom Hollander, Aubrey Plaza, and others.
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Fabio Lovino/Courtesy of HBO
The “Discover Taormina” promotion offers guests 25 percent off the bed and breakfast rate for reservations made at least 14 days in advance. The San Domenico Palace didn’t respond to comments from T+L about the status or updates to the promotion, but has it and several featured offers still listed on their site.
While the hotel is running promotions on various rooms and suites, travelers may want to check the total rate before packing their luggage. A review of the hotel rates shows that a regular room can start at $2400 a night, and the Princess Cecilie Suite starts at $6800 for select dates.
Season 2 of The White Lotus debuted on HBO in October, however in December, the hotel took to Instagram to share why the show’s creator picked it for a filming location.
“After visiting more than 30 different hotels from the South of France to the South of Italy, Mike White and his closest entourage immediately fell in love with San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel,” the hotel shared. “‘The hotel itself had the luxury but also this kind of moodiness that was so unique,’” Mr. White said. “’It felt like a place where I could get inspired to come up with something juicy.’”
The hotel is currently closed in preparation for the opening of the spring season, and will re-open on March 14, 2023.
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Cordis Auckland joins EarthCheck Master class –
The saying ‘many hands make light work’ couldn’t be more relevant for Cordis Auckland on its sustainability journey, as they recently received EarthCheck Master status, one of just 15 hotels globally to do so.
The Managing Director of Cordis Auckland, Franz Mascarenhas said the hotel has been on a continuous journey to become more sustainable. It’s all about consistency and the small actions from the team in the hotel daily, from recycling to effective waste management to water usage.
“Fifteen years ago we made a commitment to be a sustainable business and we have been working in incremental steps to achieve this. This accolade is a testament to that, showing that small, consistent steps can make the biggest changes in the long term.
“This is the way forward for business, and we want to lead the way in the hospitality industry. Change however cannot be done in isolation, it’s a global effort to ensure the world we live in is sustainable for future generations.”
Since 1987, EarthCheck has been a world leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for travel and tourism. The world is scrutinizing with increasing urgency the way in which the hospitality industry monitors and reports on its sustainability performance, and credible measurement and reporting are essential in order to be accountable and demonstrate year-on-year improvement.
Using a science based approach, EarthCheck helps travel and tourism organizations to increase efficiencies, maximize guest experience and minimize their environmental footprint.
Most recently, Cordis Auckland launched its new Pinnacle Tower, bringing an extra 244 rooms to the hotel. With this comes increased resources, so the hotel wanted to ensure sustainability was front of mind in the planning phases.
A number of initiatives have been implemented, including high performance glazing, energy efficient LED lighting and controls, water metering, thermally environmentally efficient façade glazing, biking facilities, e-charging stations for electric vehicles, easy access to public transport and much more.
EarthCheck CEO and founder, Stewart Moore, congratulated the Cordis Auckland team on their long-term sustainability commitment over the past 15 years at an event held at the hotel on Thursday 16 February.
“Achieving EarthCheck Master Certification is not an easy task and it takes the commitment of the whole team to deliver improved operational results across the business. There are no shortcuts and there needs to be an ongoing commitment to both measurement and improved performance,” Mr Moore said.
“Cordis Auckland has persistently worked towards optimizing its energy performance, improving water usage, integrating responsible waste management systems and reducing its carbon footprint with science-based targets.”
Notable key achievements at Cordis Auckland include;
Cordis Auckland Beehive
Cordis Auckland has a beehive on level 7 of the hotel, to assist with pollination and support the rehabilitation of bees in urban areas. Auckland is an ideal environment for bees due to the climate, the number of parks close to the city and the number of bees in the city are starting to outnumber those in the rural areas of New Zealand.
The hive can produce 45kgs of honey, which is harvested once per year and the honey they produce is known as Pohutukawa Honey, which has a delicate flavor with a slightly salty tang and creamy texture. The harvested honey is used in the hotels food and beverage outlets.
One bee colony can pollinate 300 million flowers per day and if bees cease to exist, we would not be able to consume the foods we eat such as broccoli, asparagus, cucumber, watermelon, almonds and apples.
Soap Recycling
Cordis Auckland works with Beyond Skin Deep to recycle their hotel soaps in the rooms, as an estimated five million bars of unused soap in hotels is thrown away every day. Redistributing these soap bars to the community helps to promote hygiene and reduce the spread of disease, and all this soap collected is donated to the Rapid Relief Team for distribution around NZ and across the globe.
Cordis Auckland was the first hotel in New Zealand to partner with Beyond Skin Deep, and in 2018 and 2019 they collected 597.1kgs of used soap from the hotel’s guest rooms and suites, to be recycled. There was a pause on this initiative with Covid, however it is now being picked up in the second half of 2023.
With the launch of the new Pinnacle Tower, Cordis Auckland also removed single-use amenities where possible, including their toiletries, and swapped liquid re-usable pumps, reducing the plastic waste.
Sustainable Seafood
Cordis Auckland buys seafood that is caught sustainably from reputable companies, with approximately 80% of their seafood completely sustainable. The seafood they source and use in their food and beverage outlets is all managed under the Quota Management system by the Ministry of Primary Industries.
The Quota Management System was introduced in 1986, to conserve NZ major fishery stocks and to improve the economic efficiency of the seafood industry. In future the hotel has targets to make all their seafood only sustainable and fresh and have no endangered species on their menu, including tuna which is not currently available in the hotel.
Green Meetings by Cordis
Cordis Auckland’s new ‘Green Meetings by Cordis’ program offers sustainable meeting solutions to assist organizers in integrating environmental considerations and promoting positive social impact.
The new event considerations include green and environmentally friendly resources, including LED walls, electronic signage, compostable drinking straws, and healthy and delicious food and drink options prepared with fresh, locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. There’s also the option for carbon neutral meetings, in collaboration with the South Pole. The carbon footprint of the event will be calculated and offset via a selected green project and organizers will be awarded a carbon-neutral certificate.
What’s next?
The hotel is looking at a water bottling machine on site as an alternative to plastic water bottles, in an effort to phase out single use plastics. Water bottling machines will sanitize the glass bottles, fill and seal them.
Cordis Auckland has also used ORCA in the past and are re-introducing this post-Covid. ORCA is an innovative food waste solution that mimics a natural digestion process. It uses mostly water, along with water and microbiology to turn your food waste into an environmentally safe liquid that goes down the drain. Once at the waste water treatment plant, the liquid can then be used to create renewable, sustainable energy.
Ed Sheeran chocolate block up for grabs to support flood victims –
Whittaker’s has announced there are five special ‘Ed-ition’ prize packs up for grabs to raise funds for Auckland flood recovery thanks to support from Ed Sheeran.
Whittaker’s created the ‘Ed Block’ for him last week after he posted to Instagram about New Zealand chocolate.
The ‘Ed Block’ is Whittaker’s classic Five Roll Refined Creamy Milk chocolate with a special edition label. He has now supplied a selfie which features on the blocks, and collaborated with Whittaker’s on the prize packs.
Each prize pack contains a signed Special Ed-ition Ed Block, a signed one-of-a-kind Ed Block t-shirt each with a unique caption, and a year’s supply of Whittaker’s Chocolate.
Chocolate Lovers can bid for the prize packs on TradeMe with 100 per cent of proceeds being donated to Auckland’s flood recovery efforts.
Whittaker’s Brand Manager, Tamra Lindsay, says Whittaker’s are delighted to have Ed’s support in fundraising for the Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai.
“All of the funds raised through our Ed Block auctions will go to the Mission, who will distribute funding, in association with Foundation North – Hapai Pūtua Oranga, to other trusted local community organizations also delivering on-the-ground support to help those in greatest need across the city in the aftermath of the flooding,” says Tamra.
Helen Robinson, Mission CEO – Manutaki says the response from people across the country – and now an international superstar – to support those in our city affected by the floods showing the true spirit and heart of Aotearoa.
“At the Mission, we’re incredibly humbled to have the support of Whittaker’s and Ed! With so many community organizations helping in the aftermath of the flooding, the Mission is taking this fundraising opportunity to support those organizations too so that together we can help as many people as possible,” says Helen.
Light-hearted banter began between Whittaker’s and Ed after he posted to Instagram with the caption “NZ chocolate is actually alright.”
“At Whittaker’s, we couldn’t be happier to hear that Ed had become a chocolate lover and thought we would celebrate by crafting him the perfect treat.”
“Now with a dedicated selfie from Ed himself, we can’t wait to share the special Ed-ition ‘Ed Block’ prize packs with Chocolate Lovers in support of the Auckland flood recovery,” says Tamra.
Head to TradeMe from 11am today to bid for your chance to get your hands on one of the Special Edition ‘Ed Block’ prize packs.
You can also head to the company’s Giveaway page to donate and support the cause outside of bidding on the auctions.
$5m Govt flood support package announced –
The Government is providing a $5 million package of emergency support to help businesses significantly affected by the recent flooding in Auckland.
This includes:
- $3 million for flood recovery payments to help significantly affected businesses
- $1 million for mental wellbeing support through a boost to the First Steps programme
- $1 million for small business advice focused on business continuity and resilience
- Inland Revenue will also waive penalties for late payments for Auckland, Northland, the Bay of Plenty, Thames/Coromandel and Waikato.
“The floods were devastating for many businesses in the Auckland region. It was sudden and could not be reasonably prepared for so it is expected that it will take a long time for many businesses to recover and start operating again,” Grant Robertson said.
“We developed this package of support through discussions with Auckland business leaders so it reflects the needs they identify.
“The money will be delivered through the Auckland Business Chamber, the Employers and Manufacturers Association, Whāriki (Auckland’s Māori Business Network) and the Pacific Business Trust.
“We will consider further support if required,” Grant Robertson said.
Inland Revenue will also provide support for affected businesses.
“If taxpayers are affected by the flooding and other weather-related damage contact IRD, it can waive penalties for late payments or late filing of returns,” David Parker said.
“It can waive interest on late payments by taxpayers in Auckland, Northland, the Bay of Plenty, Thames/Coromandel and Waikato.”
“On Tuesday I met with some of our small businesses who were hit hard by the Auckland floods. What they told me is that using existing business networks on the ground in Auckland is the most efficient and effective way to deliver this help, and that is what we are doing,” said Ginny Andersen.
“We know that for Auckland businesses who are still dealing with the impact of COVID, the floods have been another blow.
“This is a tough time, and in order to provide further support we are boosting funding for the business led First Step program which provides targeted mental health support to small business owners,” Ginny Andersen said.
The Government’s $5 million support package for Auckland businesses hit by the recent flooding is a welcome start that followed strong advocacy, says Hospitality New Zealand.
“No one has any idea what the true and final cost to the business of this event will be, but this package is a good start to getting businesses across Auckland, Northland, Bay of Plenty, Thames/Coromandel and Waikato back on their feet,” says Chief Executive Julie White.
“Hospitality NZ, as the voice for hospitality and accommodation has been working with the Government and advocating for targeted support for those businesses impacted by the weather events and flooding.
“Details on how businesses can apply for funds will be made available soon, and we will be strongly advocating to quickly get the money out the door to those who need it.
“We also welcome Inland Revenue’s decision to waive penalties for late payments or late filings of returns for businesses.
“This event has hit many businesses at a time they were still recovering from the shocks of recent years, so they need all the help they can get as quickly as we can get it to them.”
Bocuse d’Or Aotearoa team placed 15th in global culinary Olympics –
Denmark has won the Bocuse d’Or with Norway and Hungary coming second and third place respectively in the world’s most high profile cooking competition.
Led by Chef William Mordido, the NZ team placed 15th in our first final participation in the biennial competition, which was held in Lyon, France at the SIRHA Lyon Trade Exhibition centre. Australia placed 18th.
Twenty-four teams consisting of some of the best chefs on the planet were gathered in Lyon at the Olympics of Food. Known to be the most prestigious and difficult culinary competition on Earth, the Bocuse d’Or is an event that makes fine dining an arena sport.
It comes with all the trimmings including uniforms, judges, cheering fans holding flags, bronze-silver-and-gold statuettes, and winners on podiums beaming while their national anthem blares in the speakers. And while there’s glory in winning one of the culinary Oscars, the road to Lyon is a long process that takes passion, dedication, and a strong desire for perfection.
The Kiwi team spent months preparing and fundraising for the competition, engaging creative director and graphic designer Alan Hughes to lead the design process.
“We really wanted to challenge ourselves to create shapes and designs that had not been seen or done before. We were given an international platform so it was our chance to showcase how far we could stretch our creativity,” – says Mordido.
On Day One, Sunday January 23, 12 countries were competing: Norwegian, China, belgium, Moroccan, japan, Chile, New Zealand, Canada, Switzerlandthe UK, sweden, and Sri Lanka. For the first event, the teams had to make a ‘Feed the kids’ menu based on squash, working from starter to dessert in a playful way.
A jury of children aged 10 on average was also present to evaluate the different dishes, which brought some comic relief to the proceedings.