The winners of the 2024 Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards for Excellence, proudly sponsored by Lion, have been announced at a black-tie dinner event at Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch tonight.

Craggy Range Restaurant, at the Craggy Range Vineyard in Havelock North, took out the Supreme title, while Richmond Club in Christchurch nabbed the coveted People’s Choice Award for the second year in a row.

The awards honour the achievements of the hardworking and talented people in New Zealand’s hospitality and accommodation sector.

The awards, which have been running for 26 years, were hosted by Hospitality NZ in partnership with principal sponsor Lion New Zealand and industry partners, and presented by broadcaster and food writer Jesse Mulligan.

The full list of award winners are:

• Best Accommodation Provider, sponsored by Working In: LyLo - Auckland 
• Best Bar, sponsored by Asahi Beverages New Zealand: Market St - Napier 
• Best Cafe, sponsored by Noel Leeming Commercial: Majestic at Mayfair - Christchurch 
• Best Destination Venue, sponsored by Stuff: Wharekauhau Country Estate - Palliser Bay, Wairarapa
• Best Entertainment Venue, sponsored by OneMusic New Zealand: The Tahi Bar + Kitchen - Auckland
• Best Gaming Venue sponsored by Next Payments: Smith & McKenzie Steak House - Hamilton
• Best Hotel, sponsored by Sleepyhead Commercial: The Hotel Britomart - Auckland
• Best Local, sponsored by Sky: Thistle Inn - Wellington
• Best Motel, sponsored by Seekom: Radfords on the Lake - Te Anau
• Best Restaurant, sponsored by Pernod Ricard New Zealand: Craggy Range Restaurant - Havelock North
• Sustainability Champion Award, sponsored by Dulux: Hotel Give | The Kind Foundation - Christchurch
• Hall of Fame Inductee, sponsored by Lion: Seaton Read
• People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Westpac: Richmond Club - Christchurch
• Supreme Winner, sponsored by Gallagher Insurance - Craggy Range Restaurant - Havelock North

Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Steve Armitage says the awards couldn’t have come at a better time.

“We are clearly operating in an incredibly challenging environment at the moment, so it’s been fantastic to have the industry come together to cheer on one another.

“The calibre of hospitality and accommodation businesses in New Zealand is absolutely worth celebrating, and while we can’t acknowledge everyone, it is always great to give some well-deserved recognition to those performing at the top of their game.”

Steve Old, Chief Executive of the Tasmanian Hospitality Association, and on behalf of the panel of judges says: “It was no mean feat for the judging panel to select the best of the finalists. The quality of establishments across New Zealand is impressive and I want to thank all those who entered for taking the time to put their names forward - the future of hospitality is in good hands.”

Lion NZ’s Managing Director, Craig Baldie, extended his congratulations to all the winners, saying hospitality is an exciting, ever-evolving industry that continues to raise the bar, even in a tough economy.

“Hospitality is a key part of our economy and integral to thriving communities. As a long-standing sponsor and supporter, the Awards are always a highlight for us, and we extend our congratulations to the winners who represent the best of the best in this vibrant and resilient industry.”

The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are celebrated across two nights, recognising both businesses and the people behind them.

The people awards, sponsored by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, were announced by More FM’s Lana Searle at Fat Eddies Jazz Bar in Christchurch last night.

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