New Zealand
New Zealand’s top hospitality and accommodation leaders recognised at annual industry awards
The awards celebrate individuals whose leadership, innovation and service make a significant contribution to the sector
The people behind some of the country’s best hospitality and accommodation businesses have been recognised at the 2026 People’s Awards for Excellence.
Proudly sponsored by DB, the People’s Awards for Excellence – part of the 2026 LION Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence – celebrate individuals whose leadership, innovation and service make a significant contribution to the sector.
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Kristy Phillips says the awards are about “recognising and applauding those who are not only leading the charge in their respective fields but are showing dedication to the sector and are inspiring the next generation.”
This year’s award recipients are:
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Accommodation Leader of the Year, sponsored by GuestTraction – Yuri Oliveira (DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington)
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Hospitality Industry Leader of the Year, sponsored by DB – Nick Rogers (The Experience Collective)
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Chef of the Year, sponsored by New Zealand Culinary Institute – Wallace Mua (Trivet @ JW Marriott Auckland)
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Future Leader of the Year, sponsored by Pomeroy Group – Victoria Alexander (Nauti Penguin)
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Michael Friend Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Hospitality New Zealand – Jenni Powell (Both Brains)
Nick Rogers was named Hospitality Industry Leader of the Year for his inspiring work at The Experience Collective, while emerging leader Victoria Alexander was recognised as the Future Leader of the Year for her community focussed fundraising success at Nauti Penguin.
Yuri Oliveira of DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington took home the Accommodation Leader of the Year and Wallace Mua was recognised for his leadership and innovation at Trivet within JW Marriot Auckland, taking out the Chef of the Year title.
Meanwhile Jenni Powell of managed IT services company, Both Brains, was awarded the Michael Friend Supplier of the Year.
Managing Director at DB Breweries, Peter Hart, congratulated the winners:
“We’re proud to support the Awards for Excellence again this year and to recognise the people at the heart of New Zealand’s hospitality industry. Congratulations to all finalists, and to this year’s winners for setting the standard for excellence.
“Through our role across brewing and hospitality, we see the opportunity we have to help lift standards and quality across the industry – but it’s the people in venues across New Zealand who bring that to life every day. It’s fantastic to see that dedication recognised and celebrated.”
The People’s Awards for Excellence are part of the 2026 LION Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence, and HNZ26, Hospitality New Zealand’s annual conference, running 23 to 24 June. The conference concludes tomorrow evening with the Business Awards for Excellence, sponsored by LION.
