By ABIGAIL CASPARI in Wellington
Rotorua's Kawaha Point Lodge has won a prestigious national tourism award for the second time.
Tony and Margaret Seavill's lodge took out the top award in the boutique accommodation category at last night's New Zealand Tourism Industry Awards in Wellington, two years after winning the
awards' small business category.
There was more Rotorua success last night when Agrodome co-founder George Harford was awarded the Horwath Asia Pacific - Sir Jack Newman Award for services to tourism.
Northland's Dive Tutukaka was the supreme award winner for 2006.
Mr Seavill was surprised by the win.
"It's a pity Margaret isn't here to celebrate with me.
"Happy birthday to her."
Mrs Seavill had remained in Rotorua where she was busy hosting mountainbike competitors.
Mr Seavill said it was a great reward for their staff, many of whom had been with them for several years.
"It's their hard work and dedication that has put us on the map as well."
The luxury lodge employs up to 10 staff and has eight suites with views over Lake Rotorua.
Meanwhile, Mr Harford's daughter, Gaye, accepted the award on her father's behalf last night after he fell ill last week.
His son, Warren, Agrodome's managing director, said his 85-year-old father was disappointed he was not able to attend.
Warren Harford said his father - who now lives in Tauranga - was a pioneer of tourism in Rotorua and had served on many tourism boards and associations.
Many people had laughed at George Harford and his business partner, the late Godfrey Bowen, when they announced in 1971 they were going too start the Agrodome.
"Everyone told them it was going to be a white elephant and laughed at the idea but look at where it is today. It has become an iconic attraction for New Zealand."
