EVT Hotels & Resorts were acknowledged with a slew of wins and commendations on Friday October 31 at the 2025 HM Aotearoa-Pacific Awards, held in Auckland at the Cordis hotel.
The event saw hotel industry professionals from across the country and the wider Pacific gather to celebrate excellence for both properties and personnel.
QT Queenstown was awarded New Zealand Boutique Hotel, a title its sister property, QT Auckland, held last year.
The property also received a Highly Commended in the Innovative Collaboration category for its Champagne Parlour activation, which saw the hotel transform a room into a rosé-tinted room of indulgence in partnership with Pernod Ricard and artist Evie Kemp. It’s shaping up to be an exciting time for the property, with a major refurbishment announced earlier this year.
Exceeding Expectations
QT Auckland was not without its accolades; it was a night to celebrate F&B as the property took home New Zealand Hotel Bar for Rooftop at QT and James Laird, Head Chef at Esther Restaurant, was recognised as Hotel Chef. QT Auckland has become synonymous with unparalleled customer service and dining spaces that continuously exceed expectations.
With Mediterranean inspiration and knowledgeable staff, both the rooftop bar and restaurant have a reputation of knocking it out of the park every time.
Sherwood Queenstown, a property that sits under the EVT Independent Collection, was also acknowledged, with Sherwood Restaurant Executive Chef Chris Scott awarded a Highly Commended in the Hotel Chef category.
Paul Bristow from Rydges Latimer Christchurch was awarded a Highly Commended in the Hotel Engineer category, and QT Queenstown’s Emilia Blaszkiewicz was recognised with a Highly Commended in the Rising Star category.
Simon White, EVT General Manager for New Zealand Operations, says the HM awards are always a fantastic opportunity to celebrate industry excellence. “We are thrilled to see so many of our hotels and colleagues celebrated at the HM Awards this year. We see each and every day how dedicated the EVT team is to providing the best hospitality experience for guests, but this is a wonderful opportunity for the teams to be celebrated publicly. Everyone – from front and back of house, to F&B and corporate – is on a mission to make people’s day when they step into our spaces, and these awards are a reflection of the effort that goes in every day of the year.”
QT has four General Managers up for the New Zealand General Manager Award, which will be announced in Sydney on 21 November; Jeff Hermes – GM Rydges Wellington Airport, Jeremy Black – GM QT Queenstown & Sherwood Queenstown, Colin McClean – GM QT Wellington & Museum Apartment Hotel and Kent Breeze – GM Rydges Rotorua.