Milestone for Hospitality Association

11 November 2003

Media Release
Available for immediate use

Milestone for Hospitality Association

The Hospitality Association of New Zealand is celebrating the signing up of its 2000th member.

The application from Steve and Fay Ofield of D-Central in Devonport Auckland is an important milestone for the Association.

“About a month ago it was obvious that we’d hit the 2000 mark before Christmas and it’s happened a little earlier than we anticipated,” says Hospitality Association Chief Executive, Bruce Robertson.

He said the 2000 members target seemed ambitious in 1996 when membership stood at less than 1000.

“In the past several years there’s been a strong growth in membership, for numerous reasons.

“The average operator can’t keep up with the myriad of changes and demands the industry is subject to, and HANZ is able to keep them up to date as part of their membership benefits,” he said.

And when you look at the services and benefits we provide, and the growth within the industry, we were always going to get stronger … if we provide the services our membership demands, he said.

Mr Robertson said that the very competitive nature of the Hospitality industry made the savings available to HANZ members very important.

“The consumer now has a wonderful choice of places to stay, places to eat and drink, and places to have fun. The challenge of the future is ensuring that New Zealanders have the right to enjoy themselves". The Government seem hell bent on protecting New Zealanders from themselves. The continuing increase in membership will ensure that we have the resources to continue to represent to Government the rights of Hospitality Association Members and of their patrons,” he said.

As recognition of being Member Number 2000, The Ofield's will receive a complimentary invitation to next year’s 102nd HANZ annual conference in Auckland.

ENDS

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