A LEGACY OF HOSPITALITY, INNOVATION, AND HEARTFELT IMPACT
From humble beginnings to national leadership in hospitality, Sudima Hotels is celebrating 25 years of redefining what it means to operate a hotel in New Zealand. The brand has built a legacy where innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability are valued just as highly as guest comfort. Founded by visionary entrepreneur Sudesh Jhunjhnuwala, Sudima Hotels now operates 7 iconic properties across the country.
And to mark its 25 years, Sudima Hotels is offering 100 rooms for just $25 between 26 August and 1 September (or until sold out if earlier) and 25% off other rooms, a gesture that reflects its ethos of fun and generosity. See www.sudimahotels.com/25-years
From its origi
ns with a single hotel, Sudima Hotels has grown into one of New Zealand’s most respected hospitality groups. It now boasts 7 hotels throughout the country in prime Auckland, Rotorua, Kaikōura, Christchurch and Queenstown locations and over the years, has further diversified its offerings to include premium wellness experiences with Moss Spa, and award-winning dining venues including East, Sunset, and Hiku. It also manages properties under international brands, including Novotel Christchurch Airport.
While it has invested in infrastructure, created jobs, supported local suppliers, and helped stimulate regional economies, Sudima Hotels is also known for the long tenure of many staff. John Baine began his journey as a porter in 1984 at Sudima Lake Rotorua, which was the Travel Lodge and Lake Plaza before Sudima Hotels took over the property 25 years ago. Mr Baine says, “When Sudima Hotels came along, the difference was huge. The amount of investment they made into the hotel and into its people were astounding at the time.”
Ropati Fiaola joined Sudima Hotels around the time of its founding, in 2000. “You can’t remain in one company for this duration without having support both professionally and personally, and I can’t thank the Sudima Hotels family enough. I have lost count of all the amazing courses and conferences I have been able to attend to better myself not just in the hospitality industry but as a person – I truly feel I am a better human being” say Mr Fiaola.
Les Morgan, COO of Sudima Hotels and Hind Management, says, “Philanthropy and community support are in our DNA. As our founder Mr Jhunjhnuwala says, ‘We should leave the world in a better place than we found it.’ We keep this in mind all the time as we consider innovations and practical and operational improvements that will benefit our staff, guests, and the communities in which we operate. Our approach to people, guests, community and environment, while creating welcoming spaces while innovating and being inventive about what is possible in hotels and hospitality, all underpin our 25 years of success and growth.”
Mr Jhunjhnuwala says of the company’s milestone, “It is an achievement for any business to be operating and serving people for 25 years, and I think we have done it by always emphasising integrity, innovation, and investment in our people, guests, communities and environment. Every founder has their own idea of how they want to do things, and our way is not the only way – but our approach is holistic and consistent with our values. In our next 25 years we look forward to welcoming many more visitors, to greeting them with the warm hospitality that is our trademark, and to finding more and more ways to make a difference.”
For his services to the hotel industry and philanthropy, Mr Jhunjhnuwala, who also serves as CEO of Sudima Hotels and Hind Management, was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List.-TIN Bureau