Three female leaders with Māori whakapapa (genealogy) have been appointed by Belgravia Leisure in key management roles at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa in Rotorua, Aotearoa as the unique development edges closer to its launch.

 After an extensive recruitment process, the three key leadership appointments mark a significant milestone for the development, with the much-anticipated luxury wellness spa set to open on the newly transformed Rotorua lakefront later this year.

Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, developed and owned by Pukeroa Oruawhata Group (Ngāti Whakaue), will be managed by Belgravia Leisure, an acclaimed Australasian spa and wellness provider with more than 30 years of experience in the industry.

The spa's authentic wellness and spa experience combines the region's healing geothermal waters with the centuries-old legacy of Ngāti Whakaue culture, healing practices and manaakitanga (caring hospitality).

Rotorua raised Rania Sears (Ngāti Whakaue / Ngāti Pikiao / Tainui / Taranaki) will take the helm as General Manager and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience from her diverse background in business and project/event management as well as tourism/hospitality. A proven entrepreneur, Rania has built a high performing real estate company in Australia and believes “success is not the work of one, but the work of many”.

Jeanette Haua (Ngāti Ranginui / Ngāi Te Rangi / Ngāti Pūkenga) will bring 27 years of working and leading some of the most luxurious spas around the world, and at sea, to her role as Spa Manager at the unique development.

Jeanette brings extensive leadership experience and expertise from 5-star luxury hotel brands such as the Ritz Carlton, Ritz Carlton Reserve and Shangri-La; known globally for their exceptionally high standards for guest service. Jeanette boasts a solid background in travel and tourism, health and fitness, massage therapy, wellness and more recently became a practitioner of meditation and mindfulness. 

Miri Morrison-Hare (Ngāti Whakaue / Tūhoe / Ngāti Manipoto) will join Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa with over 15 years' Executive Officer experience as the Cultural and Guest Experience Manager. Miri's strong values align with her passion and love for Te Ao Māori, and is recognised for her cultural achievements in Te Ao Haka. Miri also brings with her experience as a cultural ambassador, a teacher in Māori performing arts as well as a Beauty and Massage Therapist.

Karen Golden, Belgravia General Manager of destination, wellness and spa said: “Rania's strong leadership ability will bring together a dynamic Belgravia team to lead our unique and iconic development, whilst Jeanette's assignment will not only enable her to return to her cultural roots, but to fully utilize her diverse skill set and knowledge to make an enormous contribution to Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa's ongoing success.

“There is also no doubt that Miri's true passion for and experience with Māori culture as our Cultural and Guest Experience Manager will underpin the authenticity of Wai Ariki Hot Springs, which is grounded in te ao Māori (the Māori world view), as a development unlike anything else in the world.

“I congratulate Rania, Jeanette and Miri and I look forward to working with them as we continue on our journey towards launching a development which will firmly position Rotorua in the global wellness and spa market”.

The trio commenced with Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa in February 2023.

ENDS

About Belgravia Leisure

Belgravia Leisure is an acclaimed spa and wellness provider, offering award-winning spa and wellness management services, feasibility studies, spa design, operational design and consultancy services. Dedicated to providing authentic, world class luxury wellness experiences, Belgravia Leisure manages existing spa and wellness properties and co-develops new projects in partnership with client partners, offering a portfolio of innovative experiences such as thermal /mineral springs and spas, destination wellness retreats and boutique accommodation. Belgravia Leisure employs more than 5,500 staff across NZ and Australia in 220+ swim, sports, fitness, health and wellness and leisure facilities, and is part of Australian company, Belgravia Group, which also owns Genesis Fitness Clubs, Jump Swim School, Belgravia Kids, Coaching Zone and Ninja Parc.