19 August 2014
Rydges Latimer Christchurch - First Hotel to Open After ‘Quake - Now Finalist in Prestigious National Hospitality
Excellence Awards
Rydges Latimer Christchurch less than twelve months after being rebuilt has achieved the extraordinary by being
nominated for two awards of excellence in the national Hospitality New Zealand awards.
The award submission from the 4.5 star property and its flagship steakhouse restaurant, Bloody Mary’s impressed the
judging panel so much both are frontrunners for the ‘Best New / Redeveloped Hotel in New Zealand’ and ‘Best New /
Redeveloped Restaurant’ awards.
Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson has described finalists in the competition as cutting edge and
world class.
“The standard and quality among these finalists sets them apart from their competitors in the marketplace, and any of
the finalists would make worthy winners. They are a proud reflection of where the cutting edge of New Zealand’s
hospitality industry is moving – delivering consumers service standards and environments which are the equal of anywhere
in the world.”
The nomination is the culmination of a year of hard, yet gratifying graft according to Rydges Latimer Christchurch
General Manager, Rob McGufficke.
“So much passion and some serious blood, sweat and tears went into being the first brand new hotel to open in
Christchurch post-earthquake. There was nothing more gratifying than opening our doors on deadline and welcoming our
very first guests to the hotel and conference floor on the day that we intended. It was made all the more significant by
sharing the occasion with some original team members from both Rydges Christchurch and Latimer Hotel.”
The winner will be announced Thursday 18 September at Hospitality New Zealand’s black tie Awards for Excellence dinner
at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua.
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Rydges Latimer Christchurch has undergone a complete rebuild opening its doors on 1st Nov 2013. Located in the heart of
the city, the 4.5 star hotel overlooks scenic Latimer Square and is a leafy world away from the CBD construction.
The property has 136 rooms spread over four floors, boasts a 2 bedroom penthouse suite on the top floor and all guests
enjoy complimentary car parking and unlimited free WIFI.
The conference floor is the premier new conference location in Christchurch with 11 flexible spaces all flooded with
natural light and capable of hosting up to 500 people.
Background Rydges Hotels and Resorts
Rydges is one of Australasia’s largest tourism operators in the Pacific, comprising 35% of Amalgamated Holdings Limited
that is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (“ASX”) with total assets of approximately AUD $1 Billion.
Established in 1988, the Australian and New Zealand owned company currently operates over 7,500 mid-scale and deluxe
rooms in desirable CBD, regional and resort locations across Australasia, the Middle East and the United Kingdom.
Hospitality New Zealand Awards
Awards are given to the best of New Zealand’s hospitality industry across 15 categories encompassing everything from
country pubs in small rural towns and cafes in provincial centres, through to upmarket gastro bars and five star hotels
in the major cities.
ENDS