October 18 2016
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Kaipara
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Supreme tourism recognition u by Ann Morgan
A trio of national awards has put Waipoua Lodge at the pinnacle of New Zealand’s hospitality industry in what owners Fran and Ian Farrant say is “huge recognition which in turn energises the Kauri Coast.” The hat trick of accolades at the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence event in Auckland included Best Accommodation for 30 rooms and under, Excellence in Customer Service and ultimately, the Supreme Award — making the lodge the country’s best hospitality business. “It was just amazing as we entered three categories and I thought we had a very small chance,” said Fran. “The quality of the entries was huge. It was also a great opportunity as we had three acceptance speeches to promote the Kauri Coast and the trees.” The couple bought the century-old four-suite lodge six years ago. “We took a strategic approach with a Kauri Coast focus right from the start — turn left at the Brynderwyns and enjoy what the Kauri Coast has to offer, but Ian and I would really like to acknowledge the fact that we couldn’t do what we do without the support of our staff, the community and our local suppliers. All the other little businesses in Dargaville, we owe them a big thank you.” More than 450 people representing New Zealand’s hospitality sector attended the gala dinner held last week. The judges citation said Waipoua Lodge represented the ‘absolute pinnacle of natural and genuine Kiwi hospitality, not only having a beautifully presented luxury lodge, but creating an ambience which envelopes the guests with a sense of serenity and history’. It was the couple’s first submission
Skating on world stage
The announcement that skateboarding will be included in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games …
P4
Combining her passions
Community radio station Big River FM are welcoming another intern onto their waves …
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Upgrade for Plunket
Thanks to a generous grant and volunteers fundraising Wellsford Plunket are upgrading their facilities …
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p Fran and Ian Farrant with their triple awards
to the awards programme. “When we bought the lodge six years ago, it was a pretty daunting prospect — a totally new venture for us, coming from backgrounds in management and finance, but we fell in love with the place the moment we saw it. “It has been such a rewarding journey and an absolute pleasure to be able to share the experience with our guests. We are tremendously proud to have been recognised in this way,” said Fran. The judges also admired the lodge’s
finishing touches, which were ‘well thought out and beautifully executed’ and believed it was ‘a truly special place that seriously over-delivers, with owners that really go above and beyond for their guests’. All finalists were judged across a seven-week period, by a panel of independent industry professionals, which considered staff training and human resources, customer service, food and beverage offerings, marketing and promotional activities, and the demonstration of business growth. ¢
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