Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award
Winner: Sudima Hotels

Sudima Hotels’ mission is to deliver the most accessible and environmentally friendly hotels in Australasia.
As an industry leader in its approach to environmental sustainability, outstanding employment practices and strong community engagement, Sudima Hotels is the winner of the Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award for 2019.
Starting as a family business, Sudima has expanded rapidly, with four properties in Auckland, Rotorua and Christchurch, including the recently opened Sudima Christchurch City. Two more will open in Auckland City and Kaikōura in 2020.
Sudima actively strives to reduce its environmental footprint, and ensure it is inclusive and welcoming of all guests and staff, whatever their background or needs. Its properties are designed to be accessible to all, regardless of physical ability.
The group has a strong commitment to growing and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Sudima was the first hotel group in New Zealand to be awarded a carboNZero certification. Its environmental efforts extend to its suppliers, who are selected for their commitment to sustainability.
The judges said Sudima is getting better all the time, with a broad range of superb initiatives that are making a difference to the business, the environment and the wider community.

2019 Individual Award Winners
Horwath HTL Sir Jack Newman Outstanding Industry Leader Award
Winner: Glenys Coughlan

Winner of the tourism industry’s most prestigious individual award, Glenys Coughlan has enjoyed a stellar career in tourism. Using her well-developed commercial skills and flair for creative thinking, she has led organisation change and industry transformation initiatives at national and regional levels.
Her roles have included high profile management positions at Air New Zealand, New Zealand Tourism Industry Association, Positively Wellington Venues and Tourism Central Otago. She also has extensive governance experience, serving on numerous tourism boards.
PATA New Zealand Trust Emerging Tourism Leader Award
Winner: Trent Yeo, Ziptrek Ecotours

After starting out in architecture, Trent Yeo, Executive Director of Queenstown’s Ziptrek Ecotours, realised he didn’t need to build anything – getting people to spend time in the outdoors was inspiration enough to build a better world.
Mr Yeo is a strong sustainability advocate. He holds several governance roles and is a regular speaker on sustainability, education, tourism and entrepreneurship. His thought-leadership and contribution to the wider industry marks him out as a future industry leader.


Finalists

Marsh Tourism Industry Champion Award
Winner: Fergus Brown, Holiday Parks New Zealand

For over 40 years, Fergus Brown has displayed an unwavering passion and enthusiasm for the tourism industry. Currently Chief Executive of Holiday Parks New Zealand, his career has included roles across government, his own tourism business, and various sector and regional groups.
Mr Brown is an outstanding tourism professional who is widely respected and continues to make a valuable contribution to the industry.


Finalists
2019 Business Award Winners
Tourism Ticker Tourism Sustainability Business Excellence Award – less than $6m annual turnover
Winner: Redwoods Treewalk & Nightlights

After less than four years in operation, Rotorua’s Redwoods Treewalk & Nightlights is achieving outstanding and sustainable outcomes across its economic, visitor, environmental and host community measures.
The business has a clear strategy and reinvestment programme, supported by a strong focus on staff and community with both receiving significant benefits. Redwood Treewalk & Nightlights is a strong contributor to the success of New Zealand‘s tourism industry and a clear leader for small businesses.


Finalists


Auckland Airport Tourism Sustainability Business Excellence Award – more than $6m annual turnover
Winner: Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is delivering across all aspects of sustainability – achieving impressive financial results, high visitor satisfaction, and taking significant action towards attaining host community and environmental sustainability.
An iconic New Zealand brand, Air New Zealand is also a world-leader in its business and environmental practices, with sustainability at its heart. It has enthusiastically chosen to go the extra mile towards creating a business that benefits all New Zealanders.


Finalists
Angus & Associates Visitor Experience Award
Winner: Owen River Lodge

Owen River Lodge is a brilliant example of a small business that is delivering exceptional customer experience. This boutique, luxury fly-fishing lodge near the rural South Island town of Murchison is recognised by guests and reviewers as an outstanding provider of an authentic, New Zealand visitor experience.
Owen River Lodge drives value by continually innovating in order to improve its guests’ experience while maintaining a focus on environmental and financial sustainability.


Finalists


Department of Conservation Conservation Award
Winner: Black Cat Cruises

Canterbury eco-tourism pioneer Black Cat Cruises is committed to protecting Banks Peninsula’s marine environment, and especially the Hector’s Dolphin, for future generations. Through its signature Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises and Swimming with Dolphins tours, it raises awareness of the threat to the species.
In February 2019, Black Cat Cruises launched a high-profile ‘Protect Hector’s’ advocacy campaign, involving staff, guests, the local community and the wider tourism industry. This is resulting in additional protection measures for Hector’s Dolphins, with spinoff benefits for jobs and the economy.


Finalists


Enviro-Mark Solutions Environmental Award
Winner: Sudima Hotels

Sudima Hotels has achieved great environmental results. The chain has significantly reduced carbon emissions, reduced chemical usage, and reduced waste to landfill.
The judges commended the good staff buy-in to environmental initiatives, Sudima’s community engagement, and its work with sustainable suppliers. Environmental sustainability is a long journey but Sudima is making continuous, incremental changes to meet its environmental objectives.


Finalists


Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust Community Engagement Award
Winner: Stray & Kohutapu Lodge

Stray takes travellers to Kohutapu Lodge on the outskirts of Murupara to participate in a unique cultural programme.
As one of New Zealand’s most impoverished townships, facing significant economic and social challenges, Murupara is an unlikely visitor destination. This venture sees tourism bring much-needed economic and social activity into the town while also providing an authentic insight into modern day Māori culture for international visitors.


Finalists


Tourism Talent Employer of Choice Award
Winner: Sudima Hotels

Sudima Hotels is an outstanding employer of choice, and Sudima CEO – Sudesh Jhunjhunwala is a visionary in his people approach – “look after your people and they look after your business”.
The group has a strong commitment to growing and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. Sudima Hotels are living the talk and the results are showing in its exceptionally strong staff retention metrics.


Finalists


Westpac Economic Success Award
Winner: Skyline Queenstown

Established in 1967, Skyline Queenstown is one of our oldest tourism businesses. A major reinvestment and development programme is continuing its success into the 21st century. The results are impressive, with increased revenue matched by outstanding guest satisfaction statistics.
Economic success means the attraction can develop new experiences as well as rejuvenate its existing products – the gondola, luge, mountain bike trails and mountain-top dining. Skyline Queenstown is a complete package that is contributing significantly to the tourism fabric of New Zealand.


Finalists


Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment Industry Connections Award
Winner: Development West Coast – Tourism

The West Coast lost a vital connection when Franz Josef’s Waiho Bridge washed out in a March 2019 storm. Development West Coast – Tourism swung into action to coordinate a marketing campaign to attract visitors back to the region when the bridge reopened.
Bringing together eight regional promotions groups, the Department of Conservation, KiwiRail, Christchurch Airport and 229 tourism businesses from Karamea in the north to Haast in the south, the campaign successfully recreated visitor demand. It also fostered valuable ongoing connections between all those involved.


Finalists


The Great Journeys of New Zealand Industry Enabler Award
Winner: Department of Conservation

Visitor numbers to public conservation land have substantially increased in the past decade. In the summer of 2018-19, the Department of Conservation launched the ‘Kiwi Way’ campaign to educate visitors on the behaviours expected in New Zealand’s outdoors.
It showed immediate positive results, with visitors saying they were more aware of the care and respect they should show for New Zealand’s environment. This is a critical piece of work for the long-term sustainability of tourism in New Zealand.


Finalists
He Kai Kei Aku Ringa Māori Tourism Award
Winner: MDA Experiences

MDA Experiences is an outdoor company that has tikanga Māori at its heart. Māori culture, beliefs and practices are intimately entwined with the marae/hangi experiences, cultural tours, mountain biking tours and rafting trips MDA Experiences offers travellers.
The Rotorua-based operation has succeeded in achieving strong visitor and revenue growth along with very strong contributions back to the Māori community in the form of business opportunities, koha to marae, mentoring and employment.


Finalists

NZME People's Choice Award
Winner: Forgotten World Adventures

For the second year in a row, Forgotten World Adventures is the People’s Choice winner.
This successful business attracts travellers to a community well off the beaten track with its innovative use of a decommissioned rail track in the Taumarunui region. It now offers rail cart journeys, jet boat and helicopter tours, and has opened a motel to encourage visitors to stay longer in the area.



Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award
Winner: Tourism Holdings Ltd (thl)



2018 Individual Award Winners
Horwath HTL Sir Jack Newman Outstanding Industry Leader Award
Winner: Kathy Guy




PATA New Zealand Trust Emerging Tourism Leader Award
Winner: Luke Taylor, Go Orange

Luke Taylor hit the ground running when he joined the tourism industry after a career in the Navy. As General Manager of Go Orange, Luke is charged with developing a dynamic growth strategy and building a powerhouse adventure brand, including leading a multi-million dollar acquisition programme.
He leads a team of six direct reports and 250 adventure guides, with ultimate responsibility for development of all functions within the business.

The judges said Luke is a future industry leader who ticks all the boxes. He gets the company’s culture and strategy right, then focuses on creating an amazing customer experience.
View the winner video
Finalists


JLT & AIG Tourism Industry Champion Award
Winner: Les Morgan, Sudima Hotels and Resorts




Finalists

Saskia Verraes

2018 Business Award Winners
Auckland Airport Business Excellence Award - More than $6m annual Turnover
Winner: Tourism Holdings Ltd (thl)




Finalists
Real Journeys

Sudima Hotels and Resorts

Westpac Business Excellence Award - Less than $6m Annual Turnover
Winner: Owen River Lodge




Finalists
Forgotten World Adventures

Kaitiaki Adventures

Redwoods Treewalk & Nightlights
Department of Conservation Environmental Tourism Award
Winner: Kapiti Island Nature Tours




Finalists
Tourism Holdings Ltd (thl)

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Industry Alignment Award
Winner: Hawke’s Bay Tourism




Finalists
AccorHotels

Tourism West Coast

He Kai Kei Aku Ringa Māori Tourism Award
Winner: Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd




Finalists
Kaitiaki Adventures

Wharewaka o Poneke Enterprises Ltd
The Great Journeys of New Zealand Tourism 2025 Enabler Award
Winner: Christchurch Airport




Finalists
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED)

NZ Cycle Trail Incorporated
epay NZ Tourism Marketing Award
Winner: Air New Zealand




Finalists
Rhythm and Vines

SKY Tower

ServiceIQ Visitor Experience Award
Winner: GO Rentals




Finalists
Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari

Otago Museum

NZME People's Choice Award
Winner: Forgotten World Adventures





Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award
Winner: Haka Tourism Group



2017 Individual Award Winners
PATA New Zealand Trust Emerging Tourism Leader Award
Winner: Shayne Forrest – Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata




Finalists
Jasmine Adams, Rotorua TOP 10 Holiday Park

Margaret Munro, Earth & Sky Stargazing & Observatory Tours
Auckland Airport Tourism Industry Champion Award
Winner: Ryan Sanders – Haka Tourism Group




Finalists
Lisa Li – China Travel Service (NZ) Ltd Auckland

Les Morgan, Sudima Hotels & Resorts

Angus Stubbs, Tourism Holdings Ltd – Discover Waitomo
Crowe Horwath International Sir Jack Newman Outstanding Industry Leader Award
Winner: The late Earl Hagaman




2017 Business Award Winners
Westpac Business Excellence - Less than $6m Annual Turnover Award
Winner: Auckland Seaplanes, Auckland




Finalists
Dive! Tutukaka

Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort

JLT and AIG Business Excellence - More than $6m annual Turnover Award
Winner: Haka Tourism Group




Finalists
Real Journeys

Skyline Group

Department of Conservation Environmental Tourism Award
Winner: Sudima Hotels and Resorts




Finalists
Real Journeys

Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort

YHA New Zealand
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Industry Alignment Award
Winner: Tourism West Coast




Finalists
He Kai Kei Aku Ringa Māori Tourism Award
Winner: Kapiti Island Nature Tours




Finalists
epay NZ Tourism Marketing Award
Winner: Haka Tourism Group




Finalists
SKYCITY Auckland Ltd

YHA New Zealand

Sudima Hotels and Resorts Tourism 2025 Enabler Award
Winner: Queenstown Resort College




Finalists
Angus and Associates Ltd

New Zealand Transport Agency

ServiceIQ Visitor Experience Award
Winner: Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Waitangi




Finalists
Skyline Rotorua

thl – Tourism Holdings Ltd – NZ Rentals

NZME People's Choice Award
Winner: Real Journeys





Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award
Winner: Rotorua Canopy Tours



2016 Individual Award Winners
Emerging Tourism Leader Award
Winner: Bradley Garnett – SKYCITY Entertainment Group




Finalists
Jared Adams, Rotorua TOP 10 Holiday Park
View the finalist video
Tourism Industry Champion Award
Winner: Graeme Abbot – Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, Canterbury




Finalists
Olivier Lacoua – CQ Hotels Wellington
View the finalist video
Lisa Li – China Travel Service (NZ) Ltd Auckland
View the finalist video
Sir Jack Newman Outstanding Industry Leader Award
Winner: George Hickton




2016 Business Award Winners
Business Excellence - Less than $6m Annual Turnover Award
Winner: Black Cat Cruises, Canterbury




Finalists
Auckland Seaplanes
View the finalist video
Takaro Trails Cycle Tours, Hawkes Bay
View the finalist video
Business Excellence - More than $6m annual Turnover Award
Winner: Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tours, Waikato




Finalists
CQ Hotels Wellington
View the finalist video
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, Canterbury
View the finalist video
NZSki Ltd, Queenstown
View the finalist video
Environmental Tourism Award
Winner: Rotorua Canopy Tours, Rotorua




Finalists
The Langham Auckland

thl – Tourism Holdings Limited – Waitomo Glowworm Caves
View the finalist video
Industry Alignment Award
Winner: Destination Rotorua




Finalists
AA Traveller – The New Zealand Cycle Trail Guide

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd

Māori Tourism Award
Winner: Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Northland




Finalists
Tourism Marketing Award
Winner: Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tours, Waikato




Finalists
Tourism 2025 Enabler Award
Winner: Angus & Associates, Wellington




Finalists
FORWARD Insight and Strategy, Auckland

Visitor Experience Award
Winner: Rotorua Canopy Tours




Finalists
People's Choice Award
Winner: Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tours, Waikato





Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award
Winner: Skyline Rotorua



2015 Individual Award Winners
Emerging Tourism Leader Award
Winner: Ryan Sanders, Haka Tours Ltd




Finalists
Sarah Greener, The Rock Adventure Cruise
Ross Copland, Coronet Peak Ski Area
Tourism Industry Champion Award
Winner: Jeroen Jongejans, Dive! Tutukaka




Finalists
Kiri Goulter, Hamilton and Waikato Tourism

Bruce Thomasen, Skyline Enterprises Ltd

Sir Jack Newman Outstanding Industry Leader Award
Winner: Sir Peter Jackson




2015 Business Award Winners
Business Excellence - Less than $6m Annual Turnover Award
Winner: Haka Tours Ltd




Finalists
CQ Hotels Wellington

Dive! Tutukaka

Business Excellence - More than $6m annual Turnover Award
Winner: Skyline Rotorua




Finalists
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa

Rainbow’s End Theme Park Ltd

Thrifty Car Rental New Zealand

Environmental Tourism Award
Winner: Ziptrek Ecotours, Queenstown




Finalists
Coronet Peak Ski Area

Dive! Tutukaka

The Langham Auckland
Industry Alignment Award
Winner: Department of Conservation / Air New Zealand – The Great Walks Story




Finalists
Art Deco Trust

Bay of Islands Destination Marketing Group

The Middle Earth Trilogy – Te Puia, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Discover Waitomo

Māori Tourism Award
Winner: TIME Unlimited Tours, Auckland




Finalists
Auckland War Memorial Museum

Ngai Tahu Tourism
Tourism Marketing Award
Winner: Thrifty Car Rental New Zealand, Christchurch




Finalists
Destination Rotorua

Haka Tours Ltd

Tourism 2025 Enabler Award
Winner: Angus & Associates, Wellington




Finalists
Positively Wellington Tourism

Taupo District Council, Tuaropaki Ltd, Destination Great Lake Taupo
Visitor Experience Award
Winner: Coronet Peak Ski Area, Queenstown




Finalists
Dart River – Ngai Tahu Tourism, Glenorchy

Rainbow’s End Theme Park Ltd, Auckland

SKYCITY Grand Hotel, Auckland
