Both Brains named a finalist for the Hospitality New Zealand Supplier of the Year 2026
We are proud to share that Both Brains has been named a finalist for the People's Awards for Excellence, Michael Friend Supplier of the Year 2026, at the Hospitality New Zealand Awards. As IT support and managed services providers working with hospitality businesses across the country, it is a genuine honour to be recognised by the industry we are here to support.
The Michael Friend Supplier of the Year award celebrates suppliers who have backed New Zealand hospitality for three years or more. Michael Friend was a true great of New Zealand hospitality, and to be named a finalist for an award that carries his name means a great deal to our team.
Why this matters for hospitality
Hospitality runs on technology that simply has to work. Reliable connectivity, secure systems, and fast fixes are the difference between a smooth service and a room full of guests left waiting. That is where Both Brains comes in. We keep hospitality businesses connected, keep their people working, and keep their customers served, so the team can focus on what they do best.
Over the past year, our work with hospitality clients has centred on the things that matter most to them:
- Reliable connectivity, so internet outages do not stop service
- Secure systems and cybersecurity, protecting guest data and payments
- Fast, responsive IT support when something goes wrong
- Smooth onboarding for new staff through a busy season
As award winning IT providers, we know hospitality does not keep office hours, and neither does good IT support.
“Hospitality cannot afford downtime. Reliable connectivity, secure systems, fast fixes. We like keeping businesses running.” Ryan Howard, Managing Director, Both Brains
Proud to sponsor Best Accommodation Provider
Alongside being a finalist, we are proud to sponsor the Business Awards for Excellence, Best Accommodation Provider (Non-Hotel/Motel). This category celebrates the accommodation providers who go above and beyond for their guests, and we are delighted to back them.
Congratulations to the 2026 finalists in this category:
- Castaways Resort
- Delamore Lodge
- Drifter Christchurch
- LyLo
- Wilderness Lodge Arthurs Pass
“It is a privilege to support the hospitality industry, both as a finalist and as a sponsor. Our team works hard every day to make technology simple, secure, and reliable for our clients, so they can get on with looking after their guests. Being recognised by the industry we serve is something we are all very proud of.” Jenni Powell, General Manager, Both Brains
Come and see us at HNZ26
The Hospitality New Zealand Conference 2026 is being held at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua on 23 and 24 June, with the theme Manaakitanga in Motion. The People's Awards for Excellence are on Tuesday and the Business Awards for Excellence on Wednesday.
You will find us at stand 36. As IT support and managed services providers, we will be offering:
- Free 30 minute IT consultations for all HNZ members
- Exclusive conference only deals for HNZ member
It is a chance to sit down with us, talk through your setup, and get practical advice on connectivity, cybersecurity, and managed IT services that take the stress out of your technology.
Thank you
To our hospitality clients, partners, and the wider hospitality community, thank you. Your trust and collaboration are the reason we are here, and we are looking forward to celebrating with you at HNZ26.
The full list of finalists can be found here: 2026 LION Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence
If you would like to talk to a managed service provider that understands hospitality, contact Both Brains today. Internet down? Call us. New team member starting? Call us. Want to check your systems are working for you? Call us.