Inspired by similar events such as Wellington’s “Felix Awards”, Auckland’s “Lewisham Awards”, and Taranaki’s “Halamoana Awards“, in 2007 a group of enthusiastic Manawatu hospitality industry players formed a committee and were successful in establishing our very own Manawatu Hospitality Awards. These Awards are supported by the regional Restaurant Association (RANZ) and Hospitality Association (HANZ).

The 2010 awards night was a great success, thank you to all that attended, to see the results of the evening please click here.

A decision has been made by the organising committee to move the formal Awards evening to a biennial event.

There are several reasons for moving to a two-year cycle:

•    We listened to feedback from participants
•    Two years would allow for more change in the region’s hospitality services and personnel
•    It would allow time for new operators to be established
•    The RWC is on this year at the time we usually hold the event
•    And most importantly we hope it will allow our fantastic sponsors some breathing space during this time

We look forward to bright new Awards in 2012.