Entries open for 2026 LION Hospitality NZ Awards for Excellence

The LION Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence has opened for 2026 entries.

Regarded as the country’s premier hospitality awards programme, it celebrates excellence across the hospitality and accommodation sectors, recognising outstanding businesses and individuals.

Entries close on 31 March, and businesses are encouraged to enter multiple categories to showcase their achievements.

Finalists will be announced in late April with winners revealed over a two-night awards programme to be held as part of the #HNZ26 Hospitality New Zealand Conference in Rotorua on 23 and 24 June.

The programme’s highest honour, the Supreme Award, will be selected by independent judges from the category winners, recognising the pinnacle of excellence in New Zealand hospitality.

A leading industry figure will also be chosen by the Hospitality New Zealand Board and inducted into the Hospitality Hall of Fame.

Last year’s Supreme Champion, Peekaboo Backyard Eatery in Kaitaia, saw an immediate lift in business and owner Daniel Fasnacht says engagement online and with diners has stayed strong. “Weekends are busier with out-of-town visitors, and locals continue to pop in to celebrate with us, and we’ve hired additional staff to support the demand. For a regional business like ours this steady uplift makes a real difference.”

W: Entry information at hospitality.org.nz