AUT Hospitality and Tourism

📚✨Celebrating Academic Excellence: Four Major Book Launches

Last week, we hosted a wonderful evening to celebrate a significant milestone: the launch of four major publications by our esteemed AUT Hospitality and Tourism faculty. These works are at the forefront of the industry, advancing inclusive, equitable, and transformative practices across the global tourism and hospitality landscape.

✨Congratulations to our authors and editors:
Alison McIntosh & Brielle Gillovic - The Dis/abled Tourist
Tracy Harkison (Co-editor) - Rethinking Hospitality and Tourism Education
Shelagh Mooney - Intersectionality in the Hospitality and Tourism Sectors
Heike Schänzel (Co-editor) - Handbook on Children and Family Tourism

These publications reflect our dedication to research that actively shapes a more accessible and thoughtful future for our sectors. A proud moment for our staff and the wider academic community!

📖From Theory to Luxury: Redefining the Postgraduate Classroom

It has been an exceptional start to the semester for students of our 'Managing Luxury' course, who have been bridging the gap between academic theory and world-class industry practice.

🤝 Industry Immersion: Hilton Auckland, New Zealand 🏨
Our students were treated to a truly immersive experience, starting with an insightful presentation from Claire Colehouse, Director of Human Resources. The learning continued with seven other Heads of Departments, who provided a deep dive into the operational and strategic nuances of managing a luxury property. We are incredibly grateful to the Hilton Auckland team for providing such a transformative experience for our students.

📜The Symposium: Students successfully delivered a mini-symposium, exploring luxury through historical and contemporary lenses. Every student earned a Certificate of Achievement for this rigorous first assessment. 🏆

This interplay between rigorous research and industry engagement ensures our graduates are prepared to lead in the global luxury landscape. ✨

Celebrating Excellence: Jointly Ranked #1 in New Zealand 🎓✨

We are immensely proud to share that AUT Hospitality and Tourism has placed equal first in New Zealand for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject. This milestone, coupled with AUT - Auckland University of Technology’s entry into the global top 25 for sports-related subjects, is a testament to the passion and excellence of our entire community.

“It is a fantastic outcome and a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our team. In a dynamic hospitality and tourism landscape, AUT continues to lead by ensuring our students graduate with the skills, experience, knowledge, professionalism and industry connections they need to succeed.”

Reflecting on this achievement, Dr Warren Goodsir, Head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism, notes that the result highlights deep-rooted commitment to excellence in hospitality, tourism and event management education, research, and professional practice.

We look forward to continuing this momentum and shaping the future of the global hospitality, tourism and events sectors together. 🤝🌏

The 2026 edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject provides independent comparative analysis on the performance of more than 18,300 individual university programmes.

Building Careers, One Loaf at a Time 🎓🍞✨
Sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity to change a life. Founded by Ana Djokovic, The Bread Collective is a transformative programme proudly hosted by AUT Hospitality and Tourism at our AUT - Auckland University of Technology City Campus, supporting former refugees into employment through the universal craft of bread baking.

By combining professional baking skills with holistic support - including language lessons and industry networking - this initiative removes barriers to employment and creates real-world pathways for its students.

The project grew from a shared vision between Ana and Senior Lecturer Arno Sturny, proving that when we back potential early, the impact is profound. With recent support from Foundation North and successful alumni placements at top bakeries like Daily Bread, The Bread Collective continues to turn potential into employment.

We are proud to support an initiative that fosters belonging, one loaf at a time. 🎓🤝

Read more about this initiative here: https://lnkd.in/eATh8Qdj

We’re proud to celebrate our AUT Hospitality and Tourism community representing Aotearoa New Zealand on the international stage 🇳🇿

Leading the team is Kenji Yosh*tsuka, Head Pastry Chef at the InterContinental Auckland, alongside commis Sam Gradowski-Smith. Joining them as second commis is Olly Papaconstantinou, a current Bachelor of Culinary Arts student.

The team is coached by Jean Wan, lecturer on the Diploma in Patisserie, bringing a wealth of industry and mentoring experience to their preparation. We are also proud to acknowledge Ken O’Connell, President of Bocuse d’Or NZ, who will serve as the New Zealand representative on the international tasting jury.

Currently in training for the upcoming Bocuse d'Or Asia-Pacific selections (dates to be confirmed) as Bocuse d'Or Team New Zealand, the team has its sights firmly set on qualifying for the Grand Final in Lyon in January 2027.

Please join us in wishing Jean, Olly, and the entire team every success as they showcase the future of New Zealand’s culinary excellence.