JW Marriott Auckland executive chef Wallace Mua has been named Chef of the Year at the prestigious LION Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.
Mua’s work has helped position JW Marriott Auckland as one Auckland’s most exciting luxury dining destinations where contemporary Aotearoa flavours meet world-class hospitality, since it opened two years ago.
Trivet restaurant offers a bold, contemporary interpretation of Aotearoa and Pasifika cuisine which has set it apart in Auckland’s dining landscape with Mua’s menus championing local producers, seasonal ingredients and cultural storytelling.
Kristy Phillips, Hospitality NZ’s chief executive, says the People’s Awards for Excellence, sponsored by DB, recognise the people behind some of New Zealand’s best hospitality and accommodation businesses.
“The People’s Awards are all about celebrating the people who are helping shape the future of hospitality,” Phillips said. “Wallace’s work at Trivet at JW Marriott Auckland is a great example of that, combining creativity, skill and dedication to delivering outstanding hospitality.”
The award further reinforces JW Marriott Auckland’s growing reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading luxury hospitality destinations, recognised for both exceptional guest experiences and culinary excellence.
“Chef Wallace embodies everything JW Marriott stands for – craftsmanship, generosity, curiosity and care,” JW Marriott Auckland general manager Girish Talreja said.
“His leadership inspires our culinary team every day, and this award is richly deserved. We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate this achievement with him and the wider hospitality community.”
New hotel manager
In other news, JW Marriott Auckland has announced the appointment of Payal Kulkarni as Hotel Manager.
Payal has more than 20 years of international hospitality experience across South Asia, the UAE and New Zealand – including a decade with Marriott International. Her career spans landmark pre openings such as Marriott’s 500th hotel globally and Marriott’s 100th hotel in India, alongside senior HR leadership roles with Ritz Carlton, JW Marriott, Park Hyatt and regional HR role with Hyatt International.
Since joining JW Marriott Auckland in 2023, Payal has been a key member of the Executive Committee, guiding the hotel through its conversion journey and championing women’s leadership as Chair of the Women Associate Resource Group for New Zealand.
Her impact has been recognised through multiple accolades, including 2024 APEC HR Leader of the Year – Marriott International, 2025 HR Director of the Year – Awardee Excellence by HRD New Zealand, and leading the team to the 2025 APEC HR Team Excellence Award – Marriott International.
