The winners of the 2025 Lion Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards for Excellence were announced last night at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Peekaboo Backyard Eatery took home the Supreme Award and The People’s Choice Award was won once again by the Richmond Club.
The Best Local Award went to Hamilton’s The Keg Room and the Best Bar was Mount Maunganui’s The Freeport with Cleaver & Co.
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Armitage said the awards recognise businesses that have demonstrated passion, innovation, and leadership in a challenging environment.
“These awards come at an important time for hospitality in New Zealand,” he says. “Operators up and down the country are working incredibly hard day-to-day and week-to-week – the businesses honoured tonight encapsulate this work ethic, reflecting the strength and creativity that is helping the sector move forward.”
Craig Baldie, Managing Director of Lion New Zealand, reflected on the important role hospitality plays in New Zealand’s economy and communities.
“The hospitality sector is constantly evolving, and these awards highlight the passion and dedication of the businesses at the heart of it,” he says.
“Lion is proud to support the Business Awards for Excellence and to celebrate the contributions these operators make in their regions. Even in a tough economy, the innovation and commitment we see here tonight are reasons to be optimistic about the future of hospitality in New Zealand.”
The Business Awards for Excellence close out the two-day HNZ25 Conference, held 10 – 11 June in Wellington.
For the full list of winners, click here.
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