Meet the Team

“I strongly believe that the team at the Ascot Park Hotel can consistently deliver on our performance promise because of the huge amount of experience that we have managing conferences and events. Understanding how people need to flow in and out of plenary sessions, meal breaks etc. throughout a conference is one of the key factors to success and is only gained through a solid understanding of the property. The best part about working at the Ascot is that our experience doesn’t stop here with me”.
– Peter Ridsdale.

Peter Ridsdale, Executive Manager: Peter’s hotel career has spanned 30 years, in such diverse environments as Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and throughout New Zealand. Peter is a practical manager who enjoys working in a team environment. “Peter Ridsdale take a bow. I have stayed at the Ascot a few times during Ridsdale's tenure and have never had reason to complain. But the important thing is that if I did have a moan I would know exactly where to direct it - and I would be confident that due attention would be paid to my concerns. I know that because Peter Ridsdale is a visible manager, not someone who sits behind a desk which in turn is behind a closed door.” - Stu Freeman of “Meeting Newz”

Bruce Berg, Assistant Manager With over 28 years experience at the Ascot Park Hotel, Bruce is a mine of knowledge about the Hotel and Southland. Unflappable under pressure Bruce is the gentleman of the Ascot Park Hotel and an extremely capable manager of conferences and events, ensuring that guests and event attendees find everything in the Hotel clean and in good working order. His leisure-time experience as an inventor, engineer, vintage car and motorcycle buff sees him come up with some excellent solutions when inventive ideas are needed for events setups.

Sue Cuckow, Duty Manager Sue has responsibility for the management of the front office and has been with the Hotel for some 25 years. With extensive experience in both Rooms and Food & Beverages management, Sue has an eye for detail that clients find reassuring and the manager a joy! Sue’s life experience makes her an outstanding resource when it comes to weddings, conferences and the management of functions from the floor.

Paul Nicholson, Duty Manager Is responsible for the Portering Team, and has been at the Ascot Park Hotel for seven years. Through the knowledge gained during his career at the hotel, originally starting as Porter, then Head Porter and now in his current role, Paul has a strong understanding of the capabilities of the conference area and the significant technical equipment on site. The part that the portering team play in the setting up and breaking down of functions, with the support of the entire management team, ensures the successful running of events and is pivotal to our ability not just to meet but to exceed the expectations of our clients.

Liz Hodgson, Functions Manager Liz has major event, functions and sales experience spanning 15 years in the hospitality industry with some 3 years experience at the Ascot. A straight shooter, Liz can give clear direction to those that need help - with a smile!

Courtney Kereopa, Assistant Functions Manager Courtney has been at the Ascot Park Hotel for some six years, and is a valuable asset to our team. Having worked in the Front Office and Reservations, Courtney has developed great computer skills and creates our menus and invitations. Her experience in the hotel has also made her an able assistant to the conference manager. Working in large scale events has given her a sound understanding of the detail required to put these together. Courtney’s spare-time interest is in the theatre.

Alan Dawkes, Executive Chef Alan has been with the Ascot Park Hotel for some 5 years, after many years gaining extensive experience and knowledge working all over the world. His even temperament is a blessing given the size and nature of functions that he is often asked to undertake. One of the most important aspects of the Ascot’s food product is the extent of preparation that takes place right here in the Hotel. Alan strongly believes that he can produce the best results when he controls the preparation of ingredients. His menus are only as limited as your imagination, because if our dedicated menus do not meet your expectations he will personalise them just for you!

Katie Robertson Reservations Manager Katie also fills the role of PA to the Manager. She is the second generation of her family to be directly involved in the hospitality industry in Southland. Katie’s role sees her active throughout the hotel on special projects and she is a valued member of our team. The attention to detail required to ensure that conference delegate’s needs are met is second nature to Katie.

Penny Smith, Front Office Manager Penny has been with the Hotel since it opened, and has become an Ascot icon. Penny plays an important role in ensuring that your accounts needs are met.

Aroha Patterson, Restaurant Manager Aroha just loves to make you feel welcome in the hotel’s restaurant. Featuring an extensive a la carte menu Emberz is Aroha’s home away from home. Between Alan and his team in the kitchen and Aroha and the restaurant team you can be guaranteed a great night out.

Denise Burgess, Tavern Manager Denise is typical of the hospitable Southland character, well-liked by the locals, while making hotel guests welcome to the tavern for an informal drink, game of pokies or a flutter on the horses. Many of her regulars are connected to the racing industry and some of the best tips in town come from her punters.