The Restaurant Association of New Zealand has announced a new national awards programme, called The Chevrons, to celebrate excellence in hospitality, by recognising the best places to eat and drink across the country, as chosen by members of the industry.
From standout newcomers to neighbourhood gems and longstanding icons, The Chevrons – Best of Aotearoa Hospitality awards are designed to help diners discover exceptional hospitality businesses while giving the industry a platform to recognise its top performers.
Six Categories
In its inaugural year, The Chevrons will feature six categories: Best Restaurant, Best Café, Best Bar, Best Newcomer, Hidden Gem, and Service Excellence.
Voting opens today, (October 30) and runs through to November 19. All hospitality businesses are eligible to vote, with each business able to cast two votes per category, one for a business in their own region, and one for their national pick.
Regional and national winners will be announced online on November 26 via the Restaurant Association’s digital platforms.
Winners will be awarded The Chevron, a respected symbol of peer-recognised excellence in New Zealand hospitality. Alongside a certificate, recipients will gain valuable visibility through media coverage and a dedicated spotlight on the Restaurant Association’s Dinefind platform — showcasing them as one of the country’s top places to dine.
Marisa Bidois, CEO of the RANZ, says the new awards come at a crucial time for the industry.
“The Chevrons are about championing the spirit of hospitality and shining a light on those who are doing exceptional things,” says Bidois. “We want to give our industry something to rally around and feel proud of. These awards are about uplifting each other and acknowledging the incredible people who make hospitality in New Zealand what it is.
“And who better to select the best establishments than the industry professionals themselves? Awards like this don’t just celebrate success within the industry, they also help guide the public to the very best places to dine, encouraging people to get out and experience everything our amazing hospo sector has to offer.”
For more information, visit https://www.restaurantnz.co.nz/chevrons-hospitality-awards/