Winners in 2025 Lion Hospitality NZ Awards for Excellence

Key figures and leading businesses from across New Zealand’s hospitality and accommodation sectors have been recognised at the 2025 Lion Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.  

Held across two nights in Wellington during HNZ25, Hospitality New Zealand’s annual conference, the awards are divided into the People’s Awards for Excellence and the Business Awards for Excellence.

This year’s winners in the People’s Awards for Excellence are:

·       Accommodation Industry Leader of the Year – Rajeev Sharma, Sarin Hotels

·       Hospitality Industry Leader of the Year – Emma Faith, Toastie Lords

·       Chef of the Year – Cam Davies, The Fat Duck

·       Michael Friend Supplier of the Year – Jill Polson, Lion

·       Future Leader of the Year – Taylor Hamilton, Toastie Lords

The winners of the Business Awards for Excellence were announced at a sold-out black-tie event held at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Peekaboo Backyard Eatery in Kaitāia was the night’s standout winner, taking home the Supreme Award as well as Best Café and the Sustainability Champion Award.

Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Armitage said the awards recognise businesses that have demonstrated passion, innovation, and leadership in a challenging environment.

He added that recognising venues like Peekaboo Eatery highlight a growing trend in the industry towards more sustainable and customer-centric business practices.

Daniel Fasnacht of Peekaboo Eatery (left) accepts the Supreme Winner Award.

Daniel Fasnacht, Peekaboo Eatery owner, said the recognition was especially meaningful because it reflects the experience they aim to create for their customers. “It’s about making sure everything we do contributes in a positive way to our isolated Kaitāia community, and creates a healthier environment. Knowing our efforts are appreciated motivates us to keep doing more for the people who support us,” he said. “Kaitaia has had a hard time for the last few years, so to be recognised at a national level is such an honour.”

This year’s winners in the Business  Awards for Excellence are:

·       Best Destination Venue – Schnappa Rock Restaurant

·       Best Local – The Keg Room

·       Best Gaming Venue – The Tote

·       Best Entertainment Venue – Wynyard Pavilion

·       Best Bar – The Freeport with Cleaver & Co

·       Best Café – Peekaboo Backyard Eatery

·       Best Restaurant – Sherwood Queenstown

·       Best Hotel – QT Auckland

·       Best Motel – Whangaparaoa Lodge

·       Best Accommodation Provider (non hotel/motel) – Craggy Range

·       Sustainability Champion Award – Peekaboo Backyard Eatery

·       Supreme Winner – Peekaboo Backyard Eatery

·       People’s Choice Award – Richmond Club

·       Hall of Fame Inductee – Reg Hennessy