Latest news with #SupremeAward
Scoop
a day ago
- General
- Scoop
Wellington City Council And Predator Free Wellington Win Supreme Award At Local Government Excellence Awards
Wellington City Council and Predator Free Wellington have won the Supreme Award at the LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards held at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre this evening. The LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards celebrates programmes, projects, and approaches that demonstrate professional excellence in local government management, and are open to any council, or council-controlled organisation (CCO) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Three Wellington City Council projects were nominated in different categories, with Predator Free Wellington taking the top award for Excellence in Environmental Leadership, then going on to win the overall Supreme Award out of all the category winners. 'What a night for Wellington! This is a well-deserved national recognition that highlights the groundbreaking conservation work happening in our city, underscores Wellington's commitment to kaitiakitanga or environmental stewardship, and the role our community plays in achieving these ambitious goals,' says Mayor Tory Whanau. Predator Free Wellington - Excellence in Environmental Leadership (Winner/Supreme Winner) Wellington City Council is a proud partner of the Predator Free Wellington project (PFW), which is working hard to eliminate rats, stoats and weasels from Pōneke – and has already been successful on the Miramar Peninsula. 'This award recognises the dedication of the PFW team and also reflects the power of collaboration between local government, volunteers, and engaged communities. PFW's work is making a huge difference to our local biodiversity, and we are proud of their achievements and eager to continue supporting their bold vision for a predator-free capital,' says Mayor Whanau. Predator Free Wellington Project Director, Kaiwhakahaere Matua, James Willcocks says the award is great recognition of years of collaboration and the amazing mahi of all its volunteers. "This award reflects the strong partnership between Wellington City Council and Predator Free Wellington, built on our shared commitment and investment in creating a predator free Wellington. 'Together, we've created a blueprint for transforming urban environments worldwide, demonstrating that cities can be places where both people and biodiversity can thrive." The other two nominations for Wellington City Council were: Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park - Excellence in Community Engagement (Nomination) Mākara Peak exemplifies excellence in community engagement through conservation efforts, volunteer contributions, and a successful partnership. This transformation highlights the power of collaboration and dedication to environmental stewardship. Nestled in Wellington's western hills, Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park (MP) has transformed from gorse-covered terrain to an award-winning recreation area. Mākara Peak Supporters (MPS) and Wellington City Council (WCC) have driven this change, fuelled by thousands of volunteers. Volunteers have built trails, planted over 60,000 native trees, controlled pest plants, and maintained nearly 700 traps. Their efforts have rejuvenated native bush, providing habitat for kiwi, kākāriki, tītipounamu, kārearea, and kākā. TrackDem - Excellence in Digital Local Government (Nomination) Wellington City Council is taking a world-leading approach to transparency by making it easier for everyone to access and understand Council decisions by using technology to locate and track voting records and meeting data. The Mātai Manapori TrackDem system, delivered via enhanced website functionality, shows clearly how the Council and its committees have come to their final decisions, laying out initial recommendations, any changes or amendments to those recommendations, and how each individual Elected Member voted.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Delicious Deli Meats For Vegans
The Vegan Society of Aotearoa's seventh annual Sausage and Deli Awards are open for registration and the Society is delighted that the annual food awards continue to grow, as more products come out that need recognition. The vegan food awards will always showcase the excellence that can be found in plant-based foods. Entries must be on sale in NZ and are welcomed from all countries. The range of deli style not meats is well represented in Aotearoa and these healthier alternatives can be found in all good supermarkets across the country. Plant-based foods are great for the environment, requiring much less land and water than animal products, plus no animals were harmed during their production. The categories this year are: Breakfast Sausage Bangers BBQ Hotdogs and Sausage Rolls Speciality Sausage Chorizo Pastrami Cold Cuts (chicken, turkey, salami) Bacon Style Burger Patties Hot Served 'Meats' 'Seafood' Style Paté Innovation Category (Producers using innovative ingredients such as jackfruit, banana blossom, tempeh, congak, fungus etc, to create a unique vegan meat option.) Last year's Supreme Award winner was Vegan Smoked Sausage with Szechuan Sauce (Blissful, 'Whole Perfect Food' brand), the judges were particularly impressed, saying it was a fantastic special sausage. Great spice and good presentation. Engaging texture and moisture. Good in stir fried noodles and rice because of Asian flavour background. The judges this year are food and beverage industry experts, Aaron Pucci and Jasbir Kaur, both highly respected in their fields with a wealth of expertise between them. Favourite vegan funny man Tom Sainsbury, whose great love of vegan sausages has helped lend a voice of the public to the proceedings. The almighty and formidable vegan pie maker, Jason Hay of Richoux Patisserie, is crossing the line this year to become Judge Jason and we also excited to welcome seasoned Executive Chef with a proven track record at Sudima Auckland Airport, Rodney Gomes excels in innovative menu creation and managing high-volume kitchen operations. 'We are so excited to have our new deli meats categories, which recognise the quality and care that goes into producing great plant-based alternatives for meat products. We urge all manufacturers to try their luck and see if their product has what it takes to win our judges over. With the rising cost of living, eating plants will always be a good thing, providing healthier foods with lower emissions, helping to look after our home.' said Media Spokesperson, Claire Insley With so many categories to munch their way through, these judges will really be getting their teeth into it. To find out more about the awards go to
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Kaitāia's Peekaboo Eatery takes top honours at NZ hospitality awards
A small eatery in the Far North has taken top honours at this year's Lion Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards. The Peekaboo Backyard Eatery won three major honours, including the top prize of the night, the coveted Supreme Award at last night's ceremony. The cafe also won the Best
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
New Zealand's Best Hospitality And Accommodation Businesses Recognised
Press Release – Hospitality New Zealand The winners of the 2025 Lion Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards for Excellence were announced last night at a sold-out black-tie event held at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre. Peekaboo Backyard Eatery was the night's standout winner, taking home the Supreme Award as well as Best Café and the Sustainability Champion Award. The People's Choice Award was won once again by the Richmond Club, reflecting strong public support. Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Armitage said the awards recognise businesses that have demonstrated passion, innovation, and leadership in a challenging environment. 'These awards come at an important time for hospitality in New Zealand. Operators up and down the country are working incredibly hard day-to-day and week-to-week – the businesses honoured tonight encapsulate this work ethic, reflecting the strength and creativity that is helping the sector move forward,' Armitage said. He added that recognising venues like Peekaboo Eatery highlight a growing trend in the industry towards more sustainable and customer-centric business practices. 'This balance is essential for the future success of hospitality and accommodation providers across the country.' Daniel Fasnacht, Peekaboo Eatery owner, said the recognition was especially meaningful because it reflects the experience they aim to create for their customers. It's not just about great food and service. 'It's about making sure everything we do contributes in a positive way to our isolated Kaitaia community, and creates a healthier environment. Knowing our efforts are appreciated motivates us to keep doing more for the people who support us,' he said. 'Kaitaia has had a hard time for the last few years, so to be recognised at a national level is such an honour'. Craig Baldie, Managing Director of Lion New Zealand, congratulated all the winners and finalists, reflecting on the important role hospitality plays in New Zealand's economy and communities. 'The hospitality sector is constantly evolving, and these awards highlight the passion and dedication of the businesses at the heart of it. Lion is proud to support the Business Awards for Excellence and to celebrate the contributions these operators make in their regions. Even in a tough economy, the innovation and commitment we see here tonight are reasons to be optimistic about the future of hospitality in New Zealand,' Baldie said. The Business Awards for Excellence close out the two-day HNZ25 Conference, held 10 – 11 June in Wellington. Full list of winners: Best Destination Venue – Schnappa Rock Restaurant Best Local – The Keg Room Best Gaming Venue – The Tote Best Entertainment Venue – Wynyard Pavilion Best Bar – The Freeport with Cleaver & Co Best Café – Peekaboo Backyard Eatery Best Restaurant – Sherwood Queenstown Best Hotel – QT Auckland Best Motel – Whangaparaoa Lodge Best Accommodation Provider (non hotel/motel) – Craggy Range Sustainability Champion Award – Peekaboo Backyard Eatery Supreme Winner – Peekaboo Backyard Eatery People's Choice Award – Richmond Club Hall of Fame Inductee – Reg Hennessy
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
New Zealand's Best Hospitality And Accommodation Businesses Recognised
The winners of the 2025 Lion Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards for Excellence were announced last night at a sold-out black-tie event held at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre. Peekaboo Backyard Eatery was the night's standout winner, taking home the Supreme Award as well as Best Café and the Sustainability Champion Award. The People's Choice Award was won once again by the Richmond Club, reflecting strong public support. Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Armitage said the awards recognise businesses that have demonstrated passion, innovation, and leadership in a challenging environment. 'These awards come at an important time for hospitality in New Zealand. Operators up and down the country are working incredibly hard day-to-day and week-to-week – the businesses honoured tonight encapsulate this work ethic, reflecting the strength and creativity that is helping the sector move forward,' Armitage said. He added that recognising venues like Peekaboo Eatery highlight a growing trend in the industry towards more sustainable and customer-centric business practices. 'This balance is essential for the future success of hospitality and accommodation providers across the country.' Daniel Fasnacht, Peekaboo Eatery owner, said the recognition was especially meaningful because it reflects the experience they aim to create for their customers. It's not just about great food and service. 'It's about making sure everything we do contributes in a positive way to our isolated Kaitaia community, and creates a healthier environment. Knowing our efforts are appreciated motivates us to keep doing more for the people who support us,' he said. 'Kaitaia has had a hard time for the last few years, so to be recognised at a national level is such an honour'. Craig Baldie, Managing Director of Lion New Zealand, congratulated all the winners and finalists, reflecting on the important role hospitality plays in New Zealand's economy and communities. 'The hospitality sector is constantly evolving, and these awards highlight the passion and dedication of the businesses at the heart of it. Lion is proud to support the Business Awards for Excellence and to celebrate the contributions these operators make in their regions. Even in a tough economy, the innovation and commitment we see here tonight are reasons to be optimistic about the future of hospitality in New Zealand,' Baldie said. The Business Awards for Excellence close out the two-day HNZ25 Conference, held 10 - 11 June in Wellington. Full list of winners: Best Destination Venue – Schnappa Rock Restaurant Best Local – The Keg Room Best Gaming Venue – The Tote Best Entertainment Venue – Wynyard Pavilion Best Bar – The Freeport with Cleaver & Co Best Café – Peekaboo Backyard Eatery Best Restaurant – Sherwood Queenstown Best Hotel – QT Auckland Best Motel – Whangaparaoa Lodge Best Accommodation Provider (non hotel/motel) – Craggy Range Sustainability Champion Award – Peekaboo Backyard Eatery Supreme Winner – Peekaboo Backyard Eatery People's Choice Award – Richmond Club Hall of Fame Inductee – Reg Hennessy
