Future Leadership in Hospitality Celebrated

Future leadership in hospitality was put in the spot-light at the Savoy on Sunday night.

Otago Polytechnic National Diploma in Hospitality Management student Peter Barton was awarded The Hospitality Association New Zealand and Crombie Lockwood Scholarship worth $4500.

Mr Barton said: “It’s a big morale-booster. It definitely makes you feel a lot better about yourself and more confident in your skills. Also, it’s something really good to have to show potential employers.

“I really want to do the nitty-gritty on the food and beverage side of things and try and make a name for myself.”

Otago HANZ  branch President Mark Scully said: “Something we’ve recognised in conjunction with Crombie Lockwood is that we need good hospitality graduates coming out of the likes of Otago Polytechnic to keep them in and round the Otago region. In hospitality, we rely heavily on good people and providing this scholarship is just one of the ways we led our support.”

The scholarship has to be used for educational purposes such as course fees.

Programme Manager in Hospitality Management Dion Hyde said: “Peter is a dedicated hospitality student who is fast on his way to becoming a leading professional.  The recognition of this award only qualifies this further. Peter commits not only to his studies but also keeps current with part time employment and competes in hospitality competitions at all levels. His commitment and drive to succeed is what has made this achievement possible.”

Mr Barton works part-time as the head barman at the Kingsgate Hotel. He believes his experience there gave him an edge over the other scholarship applicants.

“They are really great employers. They give me lots of opportunities to show my flair running the bar and organising events.”

Two weeks ago, Mr Barton’s ‘flair’ was recognised at the annual Otago Polytechnic Hospitality Showcase, the ‘Southern Light Salon Culinaire’. He was awarded with two golds, a silver and bronze across a range of hospitality disciplines.