Aug 12, 2005
Another award for Grange

Manukau moteliers GRANGE LODGE take home top award!
WINNER  AA TOURISM NZ SUPREME HOST OF THE YEAR 2005

For the second year running, local moteliers Pat and Bernie Taylor of the Grange Lodge in Manukau have won the coveted AA Tourism Supreme Host of the Year Award.

The Motel Association of New Zealand (MANZ) awards were held at the annual Gala Awards Dinner in Christchurch at the end of July.
 
The Award  was established in 2003 by AA Tourism in conjunction with MANZ and is eagerly sought  by all 1028 MANZ members. The award recognises the operators of a MANZ motel who have consistently provided high standards of quality customer service and excellent facilities. Judging is based on nominations received from members of the public who have stayed at these motels.

Pat and Bernie were thrilled to repeat their 2004 success which came on the back of being runner up for the inaugural award in 2003 and report "This is the first time the award has been won by the same motel twice and the fact that we have been finalists every year since its inception shows a consistency of service that we provide our valued guests".

The Taylors purchased the Motel in 1995 and both agree that it was an inspired decision giving them a wonderful lifestyle and an ability to meet people from all over the world. They are very proud of the upgrades and improvements they have made over the past ten years which has seen the Motel achieve a 3 Star Plus Qualmark rating and comment "The investment in our customer care and  facility upgrades will continue".

For more information go to:
www.nzmotels.co.nz/grange

Submitted by Enterprising Manukau.

Coralee talked to Bernie Taylor to ask her what she thought the point of difference is between Grange Lodge Motel and other motels.  

Bernie told her that all their guests are treated just how they would like to be treated themselves when they arrive at their destination often travel weary and ready for a cup of tea.  Guests of Grange Lodge are greeted with a warm handshake and a couple of 'still warm from the oven' muffins. 

When they make their way to bed they will find a Teddy Bear on their bed.  This idea originated from a couple of reps who stayed a few years ago and mentioned how they missed having their wives to cuddle up to in bed.  Bernie's idea of the Teddy Bears has been a hit.

There is no doubt that both Pat and Bernie know exactly how to be great hosts and the accolades they have recieved over recent years have illustrated rewarded them for their efforts.  So much so, that they have been told they are not allowed to enter this award next year.

Oct 18, 2004
Blues No Blues For Local Photographer

East Tamaki based professional photography firm and foundation member of GETBA, Farrelly Photos has recently been awarded the contract to photograph the Auckland Rugby Union Representative Teams during this 2004 Season.

Liz Fletcher, Disciplinary Case Flow Manager of the Auckland Rugby Union, says of Farrelly Photos "I must commend Farrelly Photos for their professionalism and expertise. It's been a pleasure working with Mike Farrelly. I thank Mike so much for his excellent service. We have received great feedback from the representative team managers. Farrelly Photos are our third supplier and the best we've had."

Long time suppliers of formal sports team photography to clubs and associations throughout the greater Auckland area, Mike Farrelly, proprietor of Farrelly Photos, is proud to add the Auckland Rugby Union to an ever growing list of National and Provincial Associations who seek-out his services for the quality and service provided when it comes time for the annual team photo. Many sportsmen and women would recognise Mike as supplier also to their club sides, over many sporting codes.

Already preferred supplier to the Auckland Rugby League, Auckland Netball Association, Auckland Softball Association, New Zealand Boxing Association and supplier to the Auckland Cricket Association, Rugby League New Zealand, New Zealand Cricket, amongst many; Mike annually photographs in excess of 800 teams from sporting codes as diverse as Outrigging to Marching; as well as groups such as Volunteer Fire-fighters, Kohanga Reo and the Auckland School of Medicine.

With over seventeen years in business, Mike was preceded by his father who was a well-known personality in supplying formal sports team photography over many decades before. Together that equates to over sixty years of continuous supply from one firm with a family dedication to a high-level of service.

Mar 10, 2004
Spicers Pakuranga Office of the Year

Pakuranga was chosen as the Spicers Office of the Year for 2003 by the National Office and was awarded the Cup at the national conference mid February in Napier. Although the exact criteria to select the winner is a closely guarded secret, it is understood that all offices were judged on sales, client service, competency in the annual internal exam and general contribution to the company – suggestions, writing articles, promotion, community involvement, etc. A different weighting is given to each of these aspects.

All three Pakuranga are fully qualified in this discipline, have individual qualifications gained before joining Spicers and were in the top ten (out of sixty-seven) nation-wide advisers for the year. They obviously work very well together as a team.

Congratulations Spicers Pakuranga!