Peppers Clearwater in the running for top award

Media Release
24 July 2009

Peppers Clearwater in the running for top international hotel award

Peppers Clearwater Resort in Christchurch has been named as a finalist in the prestigious HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence.
Peppers Clearwater staff member Simon Ruri is also a finalist in the Best Front Office Department Member category.

Outstanding hotels in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific are recognised for excellence in the prestigious HM Awards which are now in their sixth year. The awards are hosted annually by leading industry magazine HM-Hotel & Accommodation Management and are recognised as the leading awards for the accommodation industry. It recognises excellence over a range of categories, from people and departments to properties and hotel chains.

Annually, more than 600 properties are nominated. After a lengthy voting process by a key judging panel involving 50 industry professionals and travel media, the finalists and then winners are decided.

Set in one of the South Island’s most picturesque locations against the crystal blue waters of Lake Kaikainui, just 15 minutes from Christchurch city centre, Peppers Clearwater Resort offers comfortable yet elegant accommodation, fine dining and top facilities amongst a breathtaking background.
The resort sits beside a trout filled lake where guests can fish and then have their catch cooked at the award winning restaurant. The 88-room resort is located next to the PGA Clearwater Golf Course and Club, is close to ski fields, a wildlife park and Hamner Springs.

General Manager of Peppers Clearwater Ken Harris, who has managed the property for the past four years, says he is delighted his resort has been named as a finalist and that his long time staff member Simon Ruri has been recognised at such a high level.

“I think what sets our resort apart is that we all believe in offering an exceptional experience to our guests regardless of who they are or where they come from,” he says, “Our guests come as strangers, they depart as friends and family.”

“Even though we are a 5-star resort, we are casual, but never complacent,” he says.

Ken says the resort is a favourite with local and international sports teams because of the facilities which include a built-in training track, tennis courts, walking tracks, rugby field, golf course set amongst 465 acres of rural tranquility PGA golfers, Super 14 rugby teams, the All Blacks and Silver Ferns all frequent the resort regularly.

He says Simon deserves to be a finalist in the Best Front Office Department Member category for his amazing ability to go beyond the call of duty when greeting and taking care of guests.

“He is very proud of his Maori culture and will take off his suit, put on a piu piu and perform what is traditionally a very sacred Maori challenge (Wero) to VIP’s who come through our doors. He has gone through extensive training and is certified to perform this challenge.”

Ken recognised Simon’s potential at a hotel in Queenstown several years ago where he was working as a Porter. His excellent service levels meant he was promoted to Receptionist, Night Auditor, Reservations, Office Manager and then he was appointed Front Office Manager at Peppers Clearwater last year, a position he continues to hold.

The award winners will be announced on August 14 2009.

Last year, the Sofitel in Queenstown was voted Best New Zealand Hotel and Huka Lodge was the winner in the Best New Zealand Regional Property in the HM Awards.

ENDS

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