Tuakau Hotel owners delighted to be name finalists in 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards For Excellence in two
categories
Tuakau Hotel Owners Neil Young and Dee Bond couldn’t believe it when they received the news that they are finalists in
the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence in two categories.
The finalists have just been announced by Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Roberston, who noted that a
broad spectrum of country hotels, neighbourhood restaurants and cafes, metropolitan accommodation providers, and
'out-of-the-way' venues have been selected as finalists in the prestigious annual awards.
Tuakau Hotel has made the finals in the best new/redeveloped accommodation hotel and also in the Best Country Hotel
category.
“To be named finalists is testimony to the hard work and hours that our dedicated team and suppliers have put into
re-creating and lovingly restoring this historic grand old lady of yesteryear. Alot of blood sweat and tears has gone in
to returning this hotel back to her former glory,” said Mr Young.
The Tuakau Hotel, established in 1875, is just 40 minutes drive south from Auckland Airport and is the gateway to the
Waikato. We completed restoration on the hotel part and the ten redeveloped hotel rooms were opened for business just
after Christmas.
“Recently we added a wing of seven self contained units and only weeks ago the units have become open for business. We
have a real vision for this area becoming the Ponsonby of the South and are passionate about growing the tourism
offerings available. This area has huge potential with the motor racing and horse racing venues close by, not to mention
the black sandy beaches of Port Waikato, the farmers markets and so much more.” Mr Young said.
Neil admits after purchasing the Tuakau Hotel he and his partner Dee had no idea what impact it would have on their
lives.
“Restoring the 130 year old hotel to its former pride, yet with 21st century facilities was certainly a challenge and
not for the faint hearted and I was afraid to go inside initially,” recalls Dee.
“We are overwhelmed with the support we have received from the local community and this award is as much for them as the
benefits the redesign and redeveloped hotel is bringing to Tuakau has definitely brought a new sense of civic pride that
has been restored in the town,” said Dee.
Entrants into the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged over a six week period by a panel of
independent industry professionals who assess every competitor on a range of commercial and operational criteria -
including staff training and human resources, customer service, marketing and promotional activities, and the
demonstration of business growth.
ENDS