Client News

Rainbow Pages General Manager James Bennett believes the partnership with one of Queenstown’s biggest and best festivals of the year is a “fantastic step” in uniting the LGBTTQI+ community.

“Partnering with Gay Ski Week QT means we can help to bring communities together, which is what Rainbow Pages is all about,” says James.

“We want to showcase the rainbow community, have a good time and give back to our supportive communities. Sadly, we’ve noticed an increase in homophobia in New Zealand, so it’s more important than ever to provide a safe space where people can be themselves.”

Gay Ski Week QT has been celebrating diversity since 2002. Since then, thousands have poured into Queenstown to attend the week-long festival, jam-packed with parties, cabarets, foam days, karaoke and much more.

This year, as well as its new partner Rainbow Pages, Gay Ski Week QT will launch its rebrand and new website on February 19, where all the dates, early bird tickets and discounted packages will be released.

If you’re interested in becoming a partner, sponsor or volunteer for the event, contact: [email protected]

Photo caption:

1/ Attendees of last year’s Onesie Day event at Cardrona ski field

“Coming back to Queenstown is like coming home for me,” she says. “I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with my team to drive results and deliver exceptional guest experiences.

“It’s exciting to work in a location that’s on the map internationally for its wine products, food offerings and hospitality scene.”

Her new role sees her managing day-to-day food and beverage operations, banquets for the conference and incentive market, and overseeing 20 staff.

Catherine is a graduate of the highly regarded IHG Future Leader Programme, an intensive management programme training candidates to acquire junior management roles in all operational departments.

The exclusive programme only accepts ten candidates each year throughout Australasia.

Over the past two years, Catherine’s broadened her management experience at Holiday Inn Auckland Airport as Banquets Operations Manager before she was promoted to Restaurant and Bar Manager.

Originally from Wellington, Catherine is no stranger to a Kiwi adventure.

In her spare time, she’s looking forward to re-acclimate her adventurous lifestyle to the outdoorsy atmosphere in Queenstown.

“I can’t wait to take advantage of the huge range of activities on offer!” she says.

“Soaking up the scenery on Central Otago’s bike trails, exploring the South Island’s idyllic surf spots, and skiing the local ski fields are all top of my list.”

Catherine’s passion for Queenstown and the industry has been welcomed by Crowne Plaza Queenstown’s acting general manager Sam Swaffield.

“Catherine’s enthusiasm is second to none and we look forward to supporting her in her first senior management role,” he says.

“At the age of just 25 she’s already got a huge range of experience under her belt.”

Click here to visit Crowne Plaza Queenstown’s website.

Photo caption:

1/ Crowne Plaza Queenstown’s new Food and Beverage Services Manager Catherine Bodnar