Hospitality awards reborn

An annual awards evening celebrating Taranaki’s hospitality industry is being revived tonight, as new statistics show the region’s hospitality sector is the second fastest growing in the country.

Taranaki’s hospitality sector grew by 10.8 per cent from 2018-2019, according to the Restaurant Association of New Zealand. Taranaki was the second highest region in New Zealand for revenue growth, behind Kaikoura (21.2 per cent) and just ahead of Nelson on 10.3 per cent.

In a statement, association chief executive Marisa Bidois said there had been a real resurgence in the region’s hospitality industry.

‘‘With a swathe of openings in the past year, there is a new creative energy amongst the hospitality crowd which is reinvigorating the dining scene,’’ she said.

The Halamoana Awards are being held at the TSB Showplace in New Plymouth tonight, having been rekindled by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand after a five-year recess.

New Plymouth restaurateur Terry Parkes welcomed the event’s return.

‘‘It’s a fun thing, not to be taken too seriously.

‘‘It’s great if you win but doesn’t necessarily mean you are the best; it makes you the most popular with the most friends.’’

The finalists were selected from nominations sent in by association members, and all of the nominations for this years’ awards are from New Plymouth, but Parkes predicted the event would get larger in time.

Among those up for awards this evening, Social Kitchen has received four nominations for outstanding restaurant, ambience and design as well as accolades for chefs Blair Clement and Seamus Fawkner in the outstanding chef and emerging chef categories.

Arborio picks up three nominations including best restaurant. Ngapera Hohaia-Aiton is recognised in the best waiter/ waitress category while Nikhil Chauhan is nominated for outstanding chef.

‘‘It’s a fun thing, not to be taken too seriously.’’ New Plymouth restaurateur Terry Parkes