Entertainment Group Comes Home To The Land Of The Long White Cloud — A Place Of Food, Wine & Legacy
The move to return to New Zealand underscores Entertainment Group's meaningful relationship with the Southern Hemisphere's culinary jewel. This new chapter marks a significant moment in the company's enduring legacy of supporting restaurants, communities, and charitable organisations across multiple markets including Australia and Bali - including a renewed focus on fundraising and community partnerships within New Zealand. It reflects the group's deep respect for the producers, chefs, winemakers, and food-lovers who have helped define New Zealand as one of the world's premier food and wine destinations, and its long-standing belief in using food as a force for connection, community, and positive impact.
To mark the occasion, Entertainment is hosting an intimate lunch at Baduzzi - one of Auckland's most acclaimed restaurants, known for its Italian spirit and deep respect for New Zealand produce. The menu will spotlight the country's finest ingredients, with standout dishes such as Karitane crayfish meatballs and 11 days dry aged South Island grass fed scotch fillet each reflecting the richness of the local regions. Paired with exceptional wines from across Italy, the afternoon will pay homage to the craftsmanship and culinary innovation that make Aotearoa one of the world's most lauded food destinations.
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The soiree follows on from a fundraiser launch event in New Zealand last month where over 60 fundraising and charitable organisations including KidsCan, Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ were invited to Auckland's ASB Waterfront Theatre to meet with Entertainment staff to celebrate and discuss ways that the business can support these community organisations in their fundraising endeavours.
'Entertainment is back in Aotearoa with a clear mission - to champion the local food scene, support our partners, and deliver unforgettable experiences to our members,' said Heidi Halson, CEO of Entertainment Group. 'We are excited to be able to reconnect with the people and places that make New Zealand a true culinary destination, while continuing to give back through grassroots fundraising.'
For over 30 years, Entertainment has helped drive real customers through Restaurants' doors while also supporting causes we all care about,' said Michael Dearth, owner of Baduzzi. 'After more than 10 years since we first commenced our relationship, we are still partnering with Entertainment Group because not only are they as passionate about hospitality as we are, they have an unwavering commitment to some of NZ's most important community organisations that are giving back in a meaningful way.'
Entertainment made its first foray into New Zealand in 1999 and has 1500 merchant partners and more than 25 years in the market with a focus on including dining, experiences, retail and travel. Entertainment memberships give food lovers the chance to experience some of New Zealand's most beloved establishments. Dining highlights on the Entertainment platform across New Zealand include finedining and casual standouts like Baduzzi, The French Cafe, Regatta, Kol, Crab Shack, Shed5, Pravda, Boulcott Street Bistro Chillingworth Road - each celebrated for their distinctive flavours, superb service and unwavering commitment to local produce.
Bringing together more than 15,000 merchants and raising $112 million for not-for-profit fundraising partners since its inception, the Entertainment Group (formerly known as the Entertainment Book) has been helping Australians and New Zealanders to live their lives to the fullest while providing vital contributions to organisations in need.
About The Entertainment Group
Entertainment Group is a leading provider of exclusive offers and experiences, connecting members with the best in dining, travel, retail, and leisure. With a rich history of supporting local businesses and charities, our digital membership platform offers unbeatable savings on restaurants, attractions, hotels, and everyday essentials.
For over 30 years, Entertainment has helped millions of Australians and New Zealanders discover and enjoy premium experiences while giving back to the community. Through partnerships with thousands of merchants and fundraising organisations, Entertainment Group continues to deliver value and create meaningful connections.
About The Entertainment Group Fundraising
Fundraising is at the heart of what The Entertainment Group does and the business is motivated by the opportunity to help its fundraising partners make a difference. Bringing together more than over 15,000 merchants and raising $110 million for not-for-profit fundraising partners since its inception, the Entertainment Group (formerly known as the Entertainment Book) has been helping Australians to live their lives to the fullest while providing vital contributions to organisations in need.
Up to 20% of a Membership sale goes directly to a Fundraiser chosen by the Member, which has been a key source of fundraising revenue for many Fundraisers over the years including primary and high schools, sports clubs, and community groups alike. With fundraising in the digital world, Entertainment can help introduce Fundraisers to a connected community and raise much-needed funds.
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Entertainment Group Comes Home To The Land Of The Long White Cloud — A Place Of Food, Wine & Legacy
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 15 August 2025 - The Entertainment Group - the pre-eminent platform that helps Australians gain access to thousands of amazing offers, including access to some of the most prestigious dining experiences - today announced its return to New Zealand. The move to return to New Zealand underscores Entertainment Group's meaningful relationship with the Southern Hemisphere's culinary jewel. This new chapter marks a significant moment in the company's enduring legacy of supporting restaurants, communities, and charitable organisations across multiple markets including Australia and Bali - including a renewed focus on fundraising and community partnerships within New Zealand. It reflects the group's deep respect for the producers, chefs, winemakers, and food-lovers who have helped define New Zealand as one of the world's premier food and wine destinations, and its long-standing belief in using food as a force for connection, community, and positive impact. To mark the occasion, Entertainment is hosting an intimate lunch at Baduzzi - one of Auckland's most acclaimed restaurants, known for its Italian spirit and deep respect for New Zealand produce. The menu will spotlight the country's finest ingredients, with standout dishes such as Karitane crayfish meatballs and 11 days dry aged South Island grass fed scotch fillet each reflecting the richness of the local regions. Paired with exceptional wines from across Italy, the afternoon will pay homage to the craftsmanship and culinary innovation that make Aotearoa one of the world's most lauded food destinations. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading The soiree follows on from a fundraiser launch event in New Zealand last month where over 60 fundraising and charitable organisations including KidsCan, Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ were invited to Auckland's ASB Waterfront Theatre to meet with Entertainment staff to celebrate and discuss ways that the business can support these community organisations in their fundraising endeavours. 'Entertainment is back in Aotearoa with a clear mission - to champion the local food scene, support our partners, and deliver unforgettable experiences to our members,' said Heidi Halson, CEO of Entertainment Group. 'We are excited to be able to reconnect with the people and places that make New Zealand a true culinary destination, while continuing to give back through grassroots fundraising.' For over 30 years, Entertainment has helped drive real customers through Restaurants' doors while also supporting causes we all care about,' said Michael Dearth, owner of Baduzzi. 'After more than 10 years since we first commenced our relationship, we are still partnering with Entertainment Group because not only are they as passionate about hospitality as we are, they have an unwavering commitment to some of NZ's most important community organisations that are giving back in a meaningful way.' Entertainment made its first foray into New Zealand in 1999 and has 1500 merchant partners and more than 25 years in the market with a focus on including dining, experiences, retail and travel. Entertainment memberships give food lovers the chance to experience some of New Zealand's most beloved establishments. Dining highlights on the Entertainment platform across New Zealand include finedining and casual standouts like Baduzzi, The French Cafe, Regatta, Kol, Crab Shack, Shed5, Pravda, Boulcott Street Bistro Chillingworth Road - each celebrated for their distinctive flavours, superb service and unwavering commitment to local produce. Bringing together more than 15,000 merchants and raising $112 million for not-for-profit fundraising partners since its inception, the Entertainment Group (formerly known as the Entertainment Book) has been helping Australians and New Zealanders to live their lives to the fullest while providing vital contributions to organisations in need. About The Entertainment Group Entertainment Group is a leading provider of exclusive offers and experiences, connecting members with the best in dining, travel, retail, and leisure. With a rich history of supporting local businesses and charities, our digital membership platform offers unbeatable savings on restaurants, attractions, hotels, and everyday essentials. For over 30 years, Entertainment has helped millions of Australians and New Zealanders discover and enjoy premium experiences while giving back to the community. Through partnerships with thousands of merchants and fundraising organisations, Entertainment Group continues to deliver value and create meaningful connections. About The Entertainment Group Fundraising Fundraising is at the heart of what The Entertainment Group does and the business is motivated by the opportunity to help its fundraising partners make a difference. Bringing together more than over 15,000 merchants and raising $110 million for not-for-profit fundraising partners since its inception, the Entertainment Group (formerly known as the Entertainment Book) has been helping Australians to live their lives to the fullest while providing vital contributions to organisations in need. Up to 20% of a Membership sale goes directly to a Fundraiser chosen by the Member, which has been a key source of fundraising revenue for many Fundraisers over the years including primary and high schools, sports clubs, and community groups alike. With fundraising in the digital world, Entertainment can help introduce Fundraisers to a connected community and raise much-needed funds.
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Our prime minister might not be able to get it right but don't fear, The Spinoff is here to help you master the art of our indigenous way of greeting. There is a handful of things that belong to New Zealand that our neighbours across the ditch love to lay claim to: Phar Lap, pavlova and Stan Walker to name a few. While we love to gloat at how much the Wallabies suck compared to the All Blacks, there were undoubtedly a few Australians scoffing at our prime minister completely butchering a hongi with his Australian counterpart over the weekend. God forbid they start to claim their supreme leader can perform a hongi better than ours. The moment came during a pōwhiri held by local iwi Ngāi Tahu in Queenstown, the unofficial tourism capital of New Zealand. Anthony Albanese effortlessly exchanged hongi with two members of the iwi, including Tipene O'Reagan, before approaching Luxon to do the same. 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The first step is to look the person in the eyes, smile and greet them with a 'kia ora' or 'tēnā koe' – the latter usually being reserved for when you are meeting people for the first time, or greeting an elder,or respected member of the community. The next step is figuring out if you are greeting a man or a woman: If you are a man greeting a man, you will be giving them a hongi; If you are a man greeting a woman, be prepared for a kiss on the cheek (explained further below); If you are a woman, you can usually dictate whether you want to exchange a kiss on the cheek or a hongi. If you are a kid, go with whatever the other person offers. If you are a man greeting a kid, feel free to offer them a high-five, fist-bump, hongi, or kiss depending on how they're reacting to you – some children would rather not participate in a hongi or kiss and that's fine – there's nothing worse than trying to force a kid to give you a hongi and accidentally headbutting them. When it comes to the act of the hongi itself, here are some top tips. Firstly, if you're wearing a hat (or even a beanie), take it off. Next, give early indication of what you intend to do. If it's a hongi, grab the other person's hand, slowly lean in with your head and lips tucked in (to avoid any possibility of a worst-case scenario kiss on the lips), and close your eyes when you're close to the other person's nose. Press your nose against the other person's, pause for a moment (the longer the pause, the more significant the greeting), breathe in our out (or both), before pulling away and offering another 'kia ora', 'tēnā koe', or even a 'ngā mihi'. What about kisses on the cheek? I noticed it is common for men and women to do this instead of a hongi? As Karaitiana Taiuru writes, the practice of kissing females on the cheek is a modern phenomenon that has only gained popularity since colonisation took place. 'Ignoring the customary practice of a hongi creates a number of issues including the loss of tikanga and the real possibility of discriminating against people in our community,' Taiuru argues. Despite a renaissance of offering women hongi, kissing them on the cheek instead is still widespread practice. If you are a female, feel free to offer a hongi to the person with whom you are exchanging a greeting. It can be an awkward process, given most will assume the proper practice is to kiss you on the cheek, but you can front foot this by making your wishes clear from the start. 'Haere mai ki te hongi' or 'hōmai he hongi' are two ways you can easily let the other person know a hongi is your preference. Another simple way is to lean forward with your eyes closed. What if I can't tell if it's a man or a woman? Trust me, I know it can be awkward trying to figure out if that's an uncle with great cheek bones or an aunty with more facial hair than you. This is where copying the person in front of you can pay dividends, if you are fortunate enough to not be first in the line for the harirū (in which case you would likely not need to be reading this article). How was the encounter before you? Did they hongi or kiss on the cheek? Is that person now blushing because uncle thought they were an aunty? Paying attention to what the person before you did can save a world of pain when it comes to your turn (see: Chris Luxon and Albanese). If you're greeting someone who is takatāpui, let them lead the way, or opt for the safe, gender-neutral hongi. Does everyone hongi the same? No. Māori from the East Coast are known for the 'double pump', preferring to press noses twice. It is said each pump is for either breathing out or breathing in. Of course, it can sometimes be difficult to know if someone is from the East Coast, so if you feel someone pulling you in for a second pressing of noses, relax and go with it. What if I don't want to offer a hongi? Just like opting to receive a blessing at mass instead of the blood and body of Christ, make it clear from the beginning of the interaction. You can politely tell the other person you haven't been feeling well while waving them away, hold your arms out for a hug instead, or keep your arm on their shoulder to literally keep them at arms distance. While Luxon attempted to go for a hug from the beginning, his Australian counterpart clearly had a preference for a hongi. What caused this fumble was, ironically, a clear lack of leadership from the outset. If you do find yourself in an awkward place between a kiss, hongi and handshake, try your best to laugh about it and move on quickly. Remember, it's as awkward as you make it.
