2025 Lion Hospitality New Zealand Awards For Excellence

Hospitality New Zealand has revealed the finalists for the 2025 Lion Hospitality NZ Awards for Excellence, recognising the country’s leading individuals and businesses in hospitality and accommodation.

The announcement comes ahead of the highly anticipated HNZ25 conference, set to take place at Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre on 10 and 11 June. This year’s event, themed “Thriving Together,” will bring the industry together to celebrate collaboration, leadership, and resilience.

“The calibre of this year’s finalists speaks volumes about the talent and tenacity driving our industry,” says Steve Armitage, Chief Executive of Hospitality New Zealand.

“Each one reflects the energy, care, and creativity that hospitality in Aotearoa is known for. The Awards for Excellence are our opportunity to acknowledge those individuals and businesses who are raising the bar through their commitment to excellence, and we’re proud to recognise their impact and celebrate their success.”

Finalists this year include familiar venues and individuals from Craggy Range and Hotel Britomart, and new entrants from TALA, The Church Pub and Peekaboo Backyard Eatery. The finalists’ ongoing contributions to innovation, sustainability, and outstanding service have earned them national recognition. The range of nominees showcases the depth of talent and entrepreneurial spirit that continues to elevate New Zealand’s hospitality sector.

The awards will be presented over two evenings at HNZ25. On Tuesday 10 June, the People’s Awards for Excellence, proudly supported by DB, recognises outstanding individuals, from emerging talent and inspirational leaders. On Wednesday 11 June, with Radio NZ’s Jesse Mulligan hosting, the Lion Hospitality Business Awards will spotlight venues who are setting the standard in innovation, sustainability, customer experience, and overall excellence.

Craig Baldie, Managing Director of Lion New Zealand, shared his congratulations: “We’re proud to once again sponsor these awards and celebrate the outstanding operators who deliver world-class hospitality across Aotearoa. These finalists represent the very best of our industry. Their passion, innovation and commitment to excellence continue to set the standard and lead our sector into a thriving future. It’s a privilege to support and recognise those who are making such a positive impact in their communities and in hospitality as a whole. Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists on this well-earned recognition.”

Matt Wilson, Managing Director at DB Breweries, says, “We’re incredibly proud to back the People’s Awards for Excellence this year. These finalists represent the heart of hospitality - the people - and it’s a privilege to celebrate those who go above and beyond every day to create unforgettable experiences for their customers and communities. Congratulations to all the finalists and we look forward to celebrating with you all next month.”

The finalists’ announcement sets the stage for an exciting HNZ25, where hundreds of industry professionals will gather to connect, learn, and celebrate excellence across the sector.

The full list of finalists can be found here: https://www.hospitality.org.nz/whats-on/awards

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