Carolina Front, Bar Manager at Sherwood Hotel overlooking Queenstown’s picturesque Lake Wakatipu, is the 2024 winner of the $30,000 Visa New Zealand Hospitality Scholarship.
The scholarship, open to New Zealand residents aged 22 to 35 years with a minimum of two years’ industry experience, recognises Carolina’s commitment to making hospitality more environmentally sustainable.
Industry stars Chef Michael Meredith (Auckland), Master of Wine Stephen Wong (Wellington) and GM Sherwood Group, Hayley Scott (Queenstown) formed the judging panel and were supported by the Visa Wellington On a Plate team.
The judges made special mention of the two other finalists, Carlita Campbell of Cellar 495 in Hastings and Shuchi Bhardwaj of Le Ciel in Wellington.
Green Hospitality
They were impressed by the talent, ambition and passion demonstrated by the applicants, with Stephen Wong commenting: “All three finalists impressed us with their goals of bringing something new and interesting to the New Zealand hospitality industry, and their commitment to their values.
“Carolina’s dedication to green hospitality, her ability to inspire her colleagues, and her focus on creating exceptional experiences for customers shone through.”
Commenting on the recognition, Carolina says “Every drink tells the story of our land and our commitment to ecological responsibility”.
At Sherwood, Carolina says she focuses on using only local products in the cocktail menu, and the wine list has an emphasis on natural and organic wines. Carolina encourages the bar team to continue innovating in waste reduction, and to engage suppliers who can support Sherwood’s commitment to sustainability principles. The hotel has been recognised internationally for its zero-waste practices in the kitchen and bar.
Learn From Mentors
The Visa New Zealand Hospitality Scholarship, valued at NZD $30,000, was launched in 2023 to inspire more young people to pursue a long-term career in the hospitality industry. The scholarship prize includes a five-day placement at a top international hospitality venue, professional development, a one-year mentorship, business training, and future participation in Visa Wellington On a Plate.
Carolina says she is thrilled to win the scholarship and is particularly excited about the opportunity to learn from mentors and industry leaders working in sustainable hospitality.
“I am incredibly honoured to receive the Visa NZ Hospitality Scholarship. This opportunity not only allows me to continue my passion for supporting local and small independent producers but also empowers me to drive sustainable practices within an industry I love so much.
“I would like to thank the amazing people I have had the privilege to work and learn with, especially the managers and owners of Sherwood, who have always trusted me and encouraged my creativity. A special thank you to Visa for providing the platform to expand my knowledge on sustainable hospitality and helping me make impactful choices for a greener future.”
Country Manager, Visa New Zealand and South Pacific, Anthony Watson says, “Initiatives like the Visa New Zealand Hospitality Scholarship are critical in supporting and nurturing local industry talent. Emerging leaders like Carolina have an important role in driving a sustainable and innovative future for the hospitality industry in New Zealand and we are excited to support this journey.”
The Visa New Zealand Hospitality Scholarship is supported by the Hospitality Training Trust and Chef Joshua Ross of Bellamy’s and Twenty Eight was the first winner of the scholarship in 2023.
