Kristy Phillips

  • National Committee
  • National Chair
  • kristy at edhospo dot co dot nz

Like many of our colleagues Kristy fell into the hospitality industry as a teenager and has loved being a part of it ever since. Postponing university studies to move to NZ, she worked in hospitality around the country while gaining a Diploma of Massage Therapy and owning her own neuro-muscular & rehabilitation massage clinic.  The next stage of the journey was owning and operating restaurants in Timaru for 14 years. This has given her an understanding of the challenges, issues and satisfaction that comes with growing a business hands-on and from the ground up.

After selling the businesses she was approached to take on leading the hospitality division of Barkers of Geraldine. Her current role is Business Manager for Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery with venues in Geraldine and Auckland.  The geographical differences of the locations give her a diverse view of operating in different markets and regions of Aotearoa.

As a longstanding member of HNZ South Canterbury Branch and holding the role of President for 5 years she has been, and continues to be involved with local advocacy, issues and wins for our industry. 

As a member of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce Board for 10 years, she has been able to see the symbiotic way all local industries must work together to help a region to thrive.

Kristy considers it a privilege to have served on the HNZ Board since 2018 and has learned a lot about all aspects of our membership and industry. Having sat on many working committees, taking on the role of Head of Finance Committee, and supporting the Board as Vice President she understands the commitment and effort involved to represent our members at all levels. In her own businesses she has always encouraged a culture of curiosity, driving to find new or better ways to serve her guests and teams better. She believes this is equally true for governance roles and as a member of the Institute of Directors keeps up to date with learning and development in the governance sphere.

Kristy is known to still love what she does every day and has a passion for growing and developing not only her people but the hospitality leaders of the future.  She looks forward to having a continuing role in representing our dynamic and vibrant industry of choice.