Margaret Grant

  • Hall of Fame
  • 2012

Margaret Grant began a career in Hospitality over twenty years ago when, along with her husband Denis she took over ownership of the Westport Motor Hotel. For over two decades this successful venture was a large part of Margaret’s life until she and Denis’ recent retirement.

With a reputation for ensuring the finer details of her client's needs were always met, Margaret was known as the "go to" person for any big functions in Westport. In addition to catering for functions in the hotel, she catered at other venues including on the beachfronts, mountains or in paddocks. Each venue was always a success. Weddings were a specialty and Margaret put much effort into each person’s special day.

Margaret is well known for being a great host especially to big groups and visiting rugby teams. Margaret acted as a “mother” to all the visiting Heartland Rugby Teams. Margaret hosted two Prime Ministers, the Governor General, Leaders of the Opposition and many others. She has recently been asked to host and co-ordinate the function for all dignitaries attending during Prince Charles visit to Westport.

Margaret believes in giving back to the community and has been involved in many organisations as well as serving as a board member on Buller Rugby Union, Tourism West Coast, and more recently Sports Tasman.

Professional isolation can be a challenge in smaller regions. Margaret addressed this by ensuring that she regularly travelled to other areas to keep up to date with modern trends, attending many courses and expos. Looking back from 2015, Margaret has attended nearly every Hospitality New Zealand Conference during the last twenty years and served as the Buller Branch President of eight years. In 2012 Margaret was presented with a Life Membership of the Buller Branch.

Margaret has always been very passionate about the hospitality industry and she was a strong advocate for our organisation. In particular, Margaret has been active in ensuring the National Board and Chief Executive understood the issues impacting on rural areas.