Hind Management has made two key leadership appointments at major Sudima Hotels tourism destinations in the North and South Islands: Kaikōura, where the new Sudima Kaikōura is flourishing, and Rotorua, where the group continues to invest in its longstanding relationship with local iwi Ngati Whakaue.

Charmaine Carroll’s appointment to the role of Hotel Manager Kaiwhakahaere Matua at Sudima Kaikōura is effective 12 June. The new 4.5-star hotel was a much-anticipated addition to the group in late 2022 and has been instrumental in the reinvigoration of tourism and business in the area, with modern accommodation and conference offerings and on-site restaurant Hiku.

Sevyn Brown has been named the new Duty Manager at Sudima Rotorua, and her ties to the business go back a half-decade; she began working for the group after she received the Ngāti Whakaue scholarship in 2018. The Ngati Whakaue Sudima Hotels Scholarship Programme, proudly supported by the Ngati Whakaue Education Endowment Trust Board in conjunction with Sudima Hotels, has been helping passionate young Māori students enter the hotel and hospitality industry since 2014.

Phillipa Gimmillaro, Chief People Officer for Hind Management, says, “We are very pleased to welcome Charmaine to the group. She has extensive hotel management experience, and her food and beverage and event management expertise are ideal for the hospitality needs of the Kaikōura region. Charmaine understands the significance of the hotel relationship within the community.”

Currently living in Niue, ‘The Rock’ of the Pacific, Ms Carroll will bring her experience managing the Scenic Matavai Resort to the role. Before Niue she spent 14 years specialising in food and beverage and conference management in the hotel industry.

Ms Carroll says Kaikōura, with its beautiful surrounds and ocean access, will be a natural home for her. “My true happy place is anything water-related, and I feel most at peace when I'm surrounded by the beauty of Tangaroa [the god of the sea].

“I am excited to join the Sudima Hotels team. I have always loved the hospitality industry and thrived on the fast-paced environment and the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. My experience has taught me the importance of creating memorable experiences for guests and fostering strong relationships with clients.”

Since receiving the scholarship in 2018 Ms Brown has earned a Bachelor of Applied Tourism and Hospitality Management from Toi Ohomai and the New Zealand School of Tourism. She previously worked across different departments of Sudima Rotorua during the one-year internship that kickstarted her tourism career.

Ms Gimmillaro says “We have been delighted by Sevyn’s progress as part of our team and welcome her to the position of Duty Manager. Sevyn has been with us for five years and is well equipped to take on this role, and as a team member she is highly valued by guests and staff alike. With talented people like Sevyn building their careers, our industry’s future is buoyant, and we are proud to have been able to support her journey so far.”

Ms Brown says, “The past five years have been like a new awakening. I have learned so much about both the industry and myself. The awhi and support from Sudima Hotels and HIND management has been amazing, and I can’t thank them enough for giving me this opportunity and allowing me to grow. They have always made me feel valued and were a great source of guidance during the time of concern the pandemic brought.”

Sudima Hotels’ relationship with the Ngāti Whakaue iwi is deeply treasured, having been established to help Ngāti Whakaue descendants into employment, training, and junior leadership positions with Sudima Hotels and obtain hospitality qualifications. The collaboration continues to support people into leadership roles in the hotel industry in Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty region.

Jane Savage, Ngāti Whakaue Endowment Board Member, says, “NWEE is proud to congratulate Sevyn on her promotion which is the result of hard work, commitment, the right attitude and resilience during the huge pandemic disruptions. Sevyn has always been respectful, appreciative of the scholarship, and a pleasure to mentor and support. Watching Sevyn gain confidence and competence was rewarding, and she is a fine role model for our rangatahi.

“The achievements of Sevyn and Awatere [Douglas, a previous recipient of the scholarship who is now Hotel Manager at Sudima Rotorua] demonstrate the success of the NWEE Sudima Partnership. Having them both in management bodes well for future recipients of this wonderful scholarship programme.”