Holiday Parks Annual Awards Celebrate Innovation And Industry Dedication To Quality Experiences
'Holiday parks are a quintessential part of making memories that last a lifetime, for Kiwis and visitors alike,' says Emily Byrne, Holiday Parks New Zealand Chief Executive.
'The awards are an opportunity to recognise the dedication of the individuals that keep our holiday parks not only humming, but continuously evolving and innovating, resulting in a positive impact to our local communities and carving out quality holiday experiences. A huge congratulations to all our finalists and winners!'
With a range of revitalised categories, the awards provided the opportunity to celebrate efforts across the industry from long-standing industry figures through to newer faces, as well as acknowledging commitment to sustainable tourism, engagement and development.
McHayla Brinkley, from Riverside Whakatane Holiday Park, was the recipient of the Emerging Star Award, recognising a holiday park professional that has worked in the industry for less than 10 years. A finalist for two years in a row, it was her 'exceptional leadership, operational excellence, strong community focus and significant ongoing progressional development' that was key to success this year.
The Industry Champion (Tonnie Spijkerbosch Memorial) Award went to Robert (Bob) Perriam, for his attitude, innovation and commitment to the wider industry over the last 22 years.
Barbara Faulls, co-owner of Smiths Farm Holiday Park, Marlborough District Councillor and previous Holiday Parks Board member, was awarded the 2025 Holiday Park Industry Outstanding Achievement Service Award, acknowledging her contribution to the holiday park sector, including her dedication to sustainable tourism, community leadership and regional development that has left a lasting impact on the Marlborough Sounds and beyond.
The Sustainable Commitment Award was won by Russell-Orongo Bay Holiday Park, for their Kiwi Encounter nighttime tours, with their award entry showcasing a combination of conservation, education and community engagement activities that align with the Tourism Industry Aotearoa's Tourism Sustainability Commitment.
And it was the heartwarming array of community focused initiatives, including hosting environmental summer programmes and an innovative off-season 'Park Passes' to provide affordable, safe recreational spaces for local families, that saw Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 receive the Community Engagement Award.
Investment to infrastructure and park development was acknowledged across small, medium and large park categories, in the Park Improvement Award, Park Development Award and Park of the Year Awards.
This year saw a number of new awards introduced alongside key changes to the awards criteria.
'The judging panels faced a challenging task this year, with a significant number of entrants across the new categories. In their own words, they remarked 'We were blown away by the submissions we received and are thrilled to have been able to recognise the outstanding efforts across the industry in this year's awards'.'
The awards were announced at the HPNZ Awards dinner in Whakatū Nelson last night, wrapping up the HPNZ Conference and & Expo which included a celebration of 70 years of Holiday Parks in New Zealand.
A list of award winners:
Emerging Star Award sponsored by Tasman Holiday Parks
McHayla (Mickey) Brinkley, Riverside Whakatane Holiday Park
Industry Champion (Tonnie Spijkerbosch Memorial) Award
Robert (Bob) Perriam, Golden Bay Holiday Park
Community Engagement Award sponsored by Big Save Commercial
Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Sustainable Commitment Award sponsored by Tourism Industry Aotearoa
Russell–Orongo Bay Holiday Park
Park Improvement Award
Small Park –Ross Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Medium Park –Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Large Park –Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park
Park Development Award
Small Park –Havelock North Holiday Park
Medium Park –Taupō TOP 10 Holiday Park
Large Park - Joint winners:North South Holiday Park for market development & growth| Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park for world class design
Park of the Year Award sponsored by RESCO
Small Park –Smiths Farm Holiday Park
Medium Park –Himatangi Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Large Park –Tasman Holiday Parks – Papamoa Beach
Holiday Park Supreme Industry Award - sponsored by Interislander
Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Holiday Park Industry Outstanding Service Award
Barbara Faulls - Smiths Farm Park Sponsored by TOP 10 Holiday Parks Group.
The list of finalists can be found here.
Notes:
Holiday Parks New Zealand (HPNZ) represents over 240 member parks across the motu, ranging from small family-run operations to large resort-style facilities. Collectively, our members:
Provide 9.2 million stay nights annually (as of April 2025).
Represent 24% of New Zealand's commercial accommodation sector.
Offer a wide range of accommodation, from unpowered and powered sites for campervans, tents and caravans, through cabins, geodomes, glamping to high end luxury apartments.
Operate in every region, supporting local economies and communities.
HPNZ provides a range of support and resources to its members, including training programmes, networking opportunities, and access to industry information and expertise.
HPNZ is a member of Tourism Industry Aotearoa and supports its broader advocacy.
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