John Hellebrekers

  • National Committee , Committee Nominees
  • Chair | Nominee - Chair 2026/2027
  • president at hospitality dot org dot nz

John Hellebrekers has been involved in the Hospitality Industry for the past 40 years. 

Most recent he was Chair of Star Group. Previously before Star, for 15 years he held the position of Managing Director/Shareholder of Joylab/Barwork’s. When Joylab sold in 2023 to Heineken it had a portfolio of 22 pubs, bars and restaurants.

He has experience as employee and an owner in most hospitality operations covering; cafes, restaurants, accommodation hotels, bars, city and provincial pubs. His first establishment he developed and owned /managed in Auckland was Degree Gastrobar established in 1998 which was successful for 20 years.

For 5 years he had the privilege of serving on the HNZ National Board.

 It is industry he is very passionate about, supporting the people that work in it and he looks forward to the opportunity to continue giving back to the industry that he loves.