Selecting winners for this year's Rotorua Hospitality Awards was a "harrowing feat" for judges, proving the industry is booming across the city.
Peacock feathers, draping pearls and brightly coloured flowers were common features of the guests' elaborate masks who were celebrating in style tonight at the fifth annual awards, heldat the Energy Events Centre.
Icon of Hospitality Award winner Pipiana Whiston (centre) with Blair Chalmers, Justine Whiston (rear) and Mahora Whiston. PHOTO/BEN FRASER
Around 400 attended the black tie Masquerade with a Matariki Twist event that saw businesses and individuals celebrated with honours and tributes for their successes and superior service to the industry.
Matariki Star Search winner Promise Royal officially opened the event with a flawless rendition of
Image 1 of 18: Rotorua Hospitality Awards. Heiko Kaiser, Bruce Thomason, Jev Basical, Angeli Ramirez. Photo/Ben Fraser
Some of the big winners of the night included Lime Caffeteria (Outstanding Cafe), Urbano Restaurant (Outstanding Restaurant), Ponsonby Rd Lounge Bar (Outstanding Bar), Millennium Hotel general manager Pipiana Whiston (Icon of Hospitality) and Stratosphere Restaurant & Bar (People's Choice).
Che Chorizo owner Eduardo Diaz was excited to be part of the awards.
"It all looks amazing, it's wonderful to be a part of a night celebrating our industry."
Mr Diaz said Che Chorizo's nomination in the Emerging Business category came as a surprise because "we have only been open seven months and thought nobody was aware of us".
"I've had restaurants in Auckland but now we are in Rotorua, a smaller community, it's much more important to get involved in events like this."
Restaurant Association of New Zealand Rotorua Branch president Sharon Wallace said the results were "extremely close".
"This goes to show Rotorua has something special to offer within the New Zealand hospitality industry."
Tributes, fond memories and raised glasses for industry icons were celebrated including a special tribute dedicated to John Knight, Triple One 5/CBK, as one of the original drivers and committee members of the event.
Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois said the awards were an important ingredient for a region "recognised globally for its distinction in tourism and hospitality".
"It's imperative the hospitality industry recognises its champions as it provides not only a peer benchmark for excellence but also serves to give consumers valuable guidelines on the best establishments to visit."
