Dignitaries and company representatives gathered at NZ Bloodstock Karaka’s head-quarters on July 11 to officially commemorate the beginning of a major new investment on-site, with world renowned hotel chain Hilton, announcing the details of the new DoubleTree Hilton Karaka.
Due to open in 2021, the 120 room hotel will provide the first luxury accommodation in the South Auckland Papakura – Franklin region, with a range of innovative high tech specifications designed to ensure ease and comfort for their clients, such as Digital Key entry, via the Hilton Honours App, which allows guests to bypass the Front Desk and head straight to their rooms.
Officially cutting the commencement ribbon, Papakura electorate National MP, Hon. Judith Collins told attendees she was delighted that discussions and negotiations with NZ Bloodstock doyen, Sir Peter Vela regarding the provision of a luxury hotel, held over five years, had led to the investment in the electorate coming to fruition with Hilton.
“The new Doubletree Hilton reflects the importance of the bloodstock industry’s impact on the New Zealand economy, and the hotel will provide both very much needed jobs for the Papakura community now and in the future, and a high calibre destination hotel for tourists and the bi-annual yearling and horse sales for which NZ Bloodstock is world renowned,” said Collins.
Heidi Kunkel, Hilton’s Vice President of Operations for Australasia, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Karaka Hotel Limited to bring our DoubleTree by Hilton signature welcome to Karaka,”
“DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka will certainly be a wonderful addition to our current portfolio of hotels across New Zealand, of which, we currently have six hotels operating.
“From a design perspective the hotel look and feel will be very elegant with subtle country tones and textures, aligning beautifully with the surrounding environment in which the hotel sits. Our lobby restaurant and bar will be rustic, warm and inviting, focusing on seasonal ingredients and locally sourced craft beers and spirits.
“At Hilton , our team members are our greatest asset and we will be hiring approximately 40 people to provide our hospitality to travellers visiting Karaka.”
Andrew Seabrook, Managing Director of NZ Bloodstock, described the project in detail. The hotel will offer 120 stylish guest rooms designed by Pacific Architecture, including four suites, a restaurant and bar, along with conference facilities set amongst the picturesque sales centre at Karaka.
“We’re thrilled to get construction underway,” said Seabrook.
“This hotel will not only be appealing to our international thoroughbred and standard bred clients but also to tourists, business operators and event organisers alike.”
The hotel is being built by New Zealand construction company, Watts and Hughes, and is supported by the Westpac Bank.
