Delaware North’s team at Wellington Airport (WLG) in New Zealand recently celebrated the graduation of 12 team members in National Workplace Qualifications at a fundraising lunch event — aptly named Celebration Day.
The qualifications were both National Certificate in Food & Beverage Level 3 and National Certificate in Frontline Management Level 4.
“Developing our people in preparation for career opportunities and growth within Delaware North is a no-brainer,” said Ron Cherian, Delaware North’s general manager at Wellington Airport. “Recruitment is becoming a bigger challenge every year, and we must be proactive and innovative in developing site-grown talent to increase retention.”
The site’s workplace development program was recognized as a finalist in the Hospitality New Zealand Award of Excellence in Training & Development, an award Delaware North earned in both 2015 and 2016. The Delaware North team was also a finalist in the Wellington Business Gold Awards in 2016. Additionally, Delaware North has three associates in the Level 5 Diploma in Hospitality Management program, a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management.
In addition to the qualifications, the following achievements were also announced:
- Chelsea Hill was named Delaware North’s WLG Barista of the Year.
- Peisi To’Oala was named Delaware North’s WLG Team Member of the Year.
“Rewards and recognition are a big part of our site culture,” Cherian added. “High-performance is loudly celebrated.”
Celebration Day — now in its fourth year and always a sellout event — also recognizes the amazing work done by self-funded organizations dedicated to making the lives of others better. The cause of choice at this year’s event was Mary Potter Hospice, which provides help for those in need of palliative care. All proceeds from lunch tickets and auctions of donated goods and services were given to the organization.
In attendance were CEOs and general managers of several organizations and businesses, suppliers, families and friends of the graduates, and a large contingent from the client, Wellington International Airport — a big supporter of the event.
PHOTO CAPTION: Ron Cherian (second from right in the back row), Delaware North’s general manager at Wellington Airport, strikes a pose with a group of associates who earned National Workplace Qualifications.