Wellington Hospital’s unofficial awards will ‘change the narrative’

Photo: LUIS ROBAYO

The organizer of Wellington’s unofficial hospitality awards says the sector needs to be celebrated now more than ever.

The just-announced awards night, which will take place in early December, comes after the annual Felix Wellington Hospitality Awards were postponed by a year.

Felix organizers said that after a difficult year at the hospital, they have made the sad and difficult decision to move the awards night to 2025.

Wellington restaurateur Dominic Fourie-McMillan said the Felix Awards were a “complete and utter celebration” of the industry and it was needed now more than ever.

“Given Wellington’s success, this is not the year to cancel our awards.”

She said the new Welly Hospitality Awards would give the sector what it deserves – recognition for all the good things “despite the doom and gloom”.

Fourie-McMillan said the group behind the Welly Hospitality Awards aims to hold the ceremony in early December, with voting and nominations to be held in a format similar to the traditional Felix Awards.

“The hospital industry can look forward to a night of pure celebration, camaraderie and community. A night they truly deserve.”

She said the industry response had been overwhelmingly positive, with people recognizing the symbolism of the industry awards night.

She said that without a gala night, the awards ceremony feels empty.

“So this will be that evening. It hasn’t been the easiest year for Wellington’s hospitality scene.

“We want to change the narrative, focus on what’s happening that’s truly amazing, rather than what’s happening… that’s sad and scary.”

Fourie-McMillan, co-owner of Floriditas and Loretta restaurants on Cuba Street, said as well as showcasing talent and hard work, the awards night raised the profile of the industry – something the New Zealand hospitality industry had historically struggled with.

She said it has been a challenge to retain talent in the hospitality industry.

“We always run the risk of this industry not being taken seriously as a career choice.

“If we can create an event that makes people want to dress up, want to come to the event and look forward to being nominated and voted out by their peers…

“It’s all these little things that make the industry more attractive to people.”

The New Zealand Restaurant Association said while it was aware of the unofficial awards, it did not have enough information to comment.

The association reiterated that the decision to postpone this year’s Felix Awards was difficult, but due to financial constraints, it was in the best interests of both sponsors and members of the hospitality industry.