Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland is proud to announce it has been awarded both a prestigious Qualmark 4+ Star Hotel grading and Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award, recognising the hotel as one of New Zealand’s leading accommodation providers championing a sustainable visitor experience.
The Qualmark recognition follows the hotel’s significant investment in sustainability and guest experience, including its multi award-winning green wall and green infrastructure project. The large-scale biophilic installation has transformed the hotel into a tranquil urban oasis, earning the 2024 Interior Plantscape Association Award for Large Installation and both the Gold Award and Innovation Award at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards.
“We are incredibly proud to receive both the 4+ Star Hotel Qualmark grading and the Gold Sustainability Award,” said Steve Martin, Hotel Grand Chancellor Area General Manager. “These achievements reflect our team’s dedication to delivering outstanding guest experiences while taking meaningful steps to reduce our environmental impact. From our award-winning green wall to our conservation partnerships, sustainability is woven into everything we do.”
A range of sustainability initiatives contributed to the hotel’s Gold status, from replacing single-use plastics with refillable Antipodes and O&M amenities, and proceeds from glass water bottles going to charity Planet Water. The hotel’s Green Room Service programme also rewards guests who opt out of daily room servicing with a discount on meals and beverages at Forester Bar and Grill, Nine Birds Café, and room service.
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At the heart of the hotel’s community engagement is its partnership with Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society where two dollars from every night booked through the hotel’s website go towards conservation efforts at Shakespear Regional Park. Each guest stay helps protect this stunning coastal sanctuary at the tip of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, home to native forest, sheltered bays, wetlands, and unforgettable views.
The Qualmark sustainability achievement in Auckland mirrors a growing commitment across the Grand Chancellor portfolio in New Zealand. Sister property James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington has also earned Qualmark recognition, holding a 4-Star+ grading with a Silver Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award.
The Wellington property has similarly embedded sustainability and conservation into its guest offering through a partnership with Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne Ecosanctuary. Guests of the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor can present their room key card to receive a complimentary tea or coffee and 5% off purchases at the gift shop, while two dollars from every night booked direct supports Zealandia’s conservation efforts.
Both Grand Chancellor properties offer Green Room Service programmes and have transitioned away from single-use plastics, reflecting a consistent brand-wide approach to responsible hospitality.
“From Auckland’s Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society to Wellington’s Zealandia, our hotels are committed to giving back to the communities and natural environments that make New Zealand such a special destination for visitors,” added Steve.
The Qualmark Gold award represents a significant achievement, with only a select number of accommodation providers across New Zealand meeting the rigorous assessment criteria. The Qualmark assessment process evaluated Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland across numerous areas, recognising excellence in guest services, accommodation, facilities, food and beverage operations, sustainability practices, staff development, and overall customer experience.
Guest Contributor
2026-02-24 00:48:00