Riverside Holiday Park Celebrates National Recognition

Riverside Whakatāne Holiday Park has taken home the 2025 Emerging Star Award at the Holiday Parks New Zealand (HPNZ) Conference, a key event celebrating excellence in the country’s holiday park sector.

McHayla Brinkley, Team Leader at Riverside, accepted the award as she is recognised as one of New Zealand’s brightest up-and-coming professionals in the industry.

The Emerging Star Award honours individuals with fewer than 10 years in the holiday park sector who have made standout contributions through dedication, professional growth, and service excellence.

“Winning this award truly means the world to me,” said 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."

McHayla was one of four national finalists and is the first-ever winner from Riverside Holiday Park.

"I’m still a little lost for words, just incredibly grateful and humbled.”