Kia Ora, welcome and thank you for visiting our website.

The Hotel Concierge Society, Les Clefs d’Or New Zealand had the honour and privilege of hosting the 60th UICH International Congress in stunning Queenstown.

The Congress, held in early April was attended by 300 Les Clefs d’Or Concierge representing 36 countries, was extra special being that it was the “diamond anniversary” of the Congress. It was also the first time that New Zealand has hosted this event, and was a once in a lifetime event for us. It was great to see so many old and new friends coming together to share stories, ideas and camaraderie in our country.

I am pleased to say that our Congress Organising Committee and the New Zealand Members that attended the Congress did New Zealand proud by being truly accommodating hosts and putting on a memorable Congress that will be remembered fondly for years to come. I have received many positive remarks from Congress delegates raving about their time in New Zealand, which is just fantastic. Thank you to all the delegates that travelled from far and wide to attend. Your presence in Queenstown was appreciated and I trust that you will hold onto the great memories from our time together.

I cannot say thank you enough to our Honourary Members from New Zealand who helped us put on a stunning Congress. We needed every bit of assistance and are eternally grateful for the time and energy that you put forward to help.

We would have been totally lost without our 2 conference organisers Graeme and Jochen. A big thank you, to you both for your guidance and catalyst ways prior to and during the Congress.

There were so many sponsors that helped and without them our delegates would not have had the ultimate experience in New Zealand. Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors; American Express, Sofitel, Forbes, Startle.com, Starwood, Fairmont, InterContinental Hotel Group & International Herald Tribune.

During the General Assembly at the 60th Congress it was also announced that I will be taking on the role of Oceania Zone Director. The Zone Director Role has a 2 year mandate and will enable me to work closely with our Australian Les Clefs d’Or Concierges as well as the New Zealand members.

Taking on the Zone Director role will enable me to step aside from the LCD New Zealand Executive Committee. Having been on the Executive Committee for 14 years (10 as Secretary, 4 as President) it is time for our up and coming Executive Committee Members to grow in the Committee and show fresh new ideas and enthusiasm. I will of course be on hand in an advisory role and look forward to assisting where required and guiding the next generation of Committee members.

Les Clefs d’Or New Zealand will celebrate its 19th Annual General Meeting on Saturday the 29th of June. At this years AGM we will hold elections for a new Executive Committee as well as a new Director of Membership, South Island Delegate, Director of Public Relations and Assistant Secretary. The AGM will not only be a chance for members to present ideas on how they can better our society, but to come together in friendship as a collective and further strengthen and increase or network.

The 5th edition of our trade show - “Meet the Region” will be held the day prior to our AGM, on Friday the 28th of June. This will be another great opportunity for hotel suppliers and tour operators to showcase their products to the local Concierge from Auckland and Les Clefs d’Or Concierges from around New Zealand. I look forward to meeting the suppliers and new and up and coming Concierges who will be attending.

I wish you all the best for the remainder of 2013, and look forward to the challenges that the rest of the year will bring.

If at any time you think that I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours always in friendship

Franz Staufer - President of Les Clefs d’Or New Zealand
Group Executive Concierge - The BlackStone Group

H.C.S.N.Z. Hotel Concierge Society Les Clefs D’Or New Zealand

PO Box 7617
Wellesley Street
Auckland
New Zealand

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