Riverside Whakatāne Holiday Park is celebrating national recognition after taking home the Emerging Star Award at the 2025 Holiday Parks New Zealand (HPNZ) Conference.
The award was presented to McHayla Brinkley, Riverside Holiday Park Team Leader, who was recognised as one of the country’s brightest up-and-coming professionals in the holiday park sector. The Emerging Star Award celebrates individuals who have been in the industry for fewer than 10 years, and who have made a standout contribution through dedication, growth, and service excellence.
“Winning this award truly means the world to me,” says McHayla. “It’s something I’ve dreamed about ever since I first heard about it at the HPNZ conferences. I’m incredibly proud of the service I provide and everything I’ve achieved at Riverside, so to be recognised like this on a national stage is honestly overwhelming. The other finalists were all amazing, which makes this even more special. I’m still a little lost for words — just incredibly grateful and humbled.”
McHayla was selected from four national finalists and is the first winner from Riverside Holiday Park, which had previously been a finalist for the same award.
The HPNZ Awards celebrate excellence across New Zealand’s holiday park sector and are a highlight of the annual Holiday Parks New Zealand Conference.