2degrees Auckland Business Awards

Waipuna Hotel wins the Customer Service Delivery Award at the 2degrees Auckland Business Awards!

We are thrilled to announce that Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre has been awarded the Excellence in Customer Service Delivery at the prestigious 2degrees Auckland Business Awards 2024 South and East Regional Gala Dinner, held in December 2024. Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson, this award is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our incredible team, who live and breathe our values of Welcome Home, We’ve Got This, and Better Never Stops.

When asked how we would describe the customer service philosphy of the business, this is what we had to say;

Celebrating Over 50 Years of Warmth and Community: For more than half a century, Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre has been a cherished destination, creating lasting memories for guests who return year after year. Many of our visitors fondly recall their childhood enjoying a meal in our Restaurant , now returning as adults to attend conferences and events, a testament to the enduring legacy of our hospitality.

A Philosophy Rooted in Warmth of Spirit: At the heart of Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre is a deeply held customer service philosophy that has remained steadfast over the years. Our commitment is not just to our guests but also to the community we serve. This philosophy is beautifully encapsulated by a Māori proverb: “He aha te mea nui? Māku e kii atu he tāngata he tāngata he tāngata” (“What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people”). This guiding principle shapes every aspect of our operations, emphasizing that both our guests and our staff are paramount to our success.

Key Aspects of Our Philosophy

1. Community Commitment: As a Trust Hotel, Waipuna Hotel is dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of our community. Our staff take pride in knowing that their work has a broader, positive impact on the local area, which benefits from our success.
2. Respectful Caring and Hospitality: Guided by the value of Manaakitanga, we emphasize respectful caring, generosity, and hospitality. Kindness and connection are at the heart of our service, ensuring every guest feels valued and welcomed.
3. Strong Values System: Our core values guide our behaviours and interactions, ensuring we look after and respect our customers and each other. This strong values system fosters an environment of mutual respect and care. Our values are: Welcome Home, We’ve Got This and Better Never Stops.
4. Staff Wellbeing: We recognise that the wellbeing of our staff is crucial for genuine customer care. We support and value our employees, reflecting the same Manaakitanga internally. This includes offering above-average pay, complimentary hot meals, and various perks that benefit both individual staff members and their families.

Our People Make Waipuna Special

At Waipuna, it’s all about the people—our guests, our staff, our community.

He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata. It is people, it is people, it is people.

Quote from guests:

The best part of the hotel is the staff. They are truly so kind and go above and beyond to be accommodating! Great food, nice quiet area, & a beautiful view. Can’t wait to come back.

Great place to stay, staff were excellent, so willing to assist in every area, very pleasantly surprised at cleanliness, room size, dining area and loved all staff we came in contact with, will not hesitate to stay again, we actually look forward to the opportunity of being able to stay again

General Manager Daron Gray summed up the achievement perfectly, stating, “The hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing a quality service experience is testimony to our incredible team. We’ve built something special, a family environment where we genuinely care for one another. That connection is what makes us strong, what helps us rise to meet every challenge.”

This recognition is a proud moment for all of us at Waipuna, and we’re excited to continue delivering exceptional service to our guests every day.