Kia ora Koutou, your hosts Anne & Dion Ngatai would like to introduce themselves and to present the Anndion Lodge to you all.

The Anndion Lodge (as the name says) is an owner operated business and is a mix of both backgrounds with Dion’s family being from Jerusalem, a village on the Whanganui River and Anne growing up in the local hospitality industry.

The lodge offers a unique hospitality experience for guests young (but not too young) and old alike, with in-house licensed facilities offered in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

Brief History

In April 2004 Anne and Dion Ngatai set their personal dream in motion with the purchase of a rundown building at 143 Anzac Parade in Wanganui. They sold everything they had, a home, three rental properties and their beloved Harley Davidson motorcycles and undertook this major renovation project.

The name "Anndion" was inspired, which helps keep the passion and focus on providing something special in the industry.

"Anndion Lodge", was set to make a unique mark in hospitality: a boutique lodge and suites in the mid-range where a touch of luxury was available to free independent travellers, families, individuals, corporate and groups without compromising the very genuine warmth they feel in extending a welcome to visitors from around the globe.

Anndion offers a spa and tonic experience to travellers and visitors, between the coast and the volcanic plateau where no one remains a stranger for long.

The complex now spreads across three properties, offering 21 accommodation rooms, a conference centre, function facilities, the licensed Anndionce Restaurant and the Harley Bar.

Gaining a dual Qualmark rating was another achievement, with 10 Boutique King Suites awarded a "4.5 star" Self-contained and Serviced and the 11 Lodge Rooms awarded a "5 star" Backpacker and lodges Qualmark rating.

“Amazing place the hospitality just outstanding”
Kenny Hughes – Wales.

“Special place, special people”
Faye Jackson – Taupo.

“Lovely stay with delightful hosts”
A Mackenzie – Zimbabwe.

Anndion Lodge Winner of the 2011  Wanganui Incorporated – Hospitality and Tourism Achievement Award

Comments from the judges:

In 2004 Anne and Dion Ngatai bought their first accommodation premises at 143 Anzac Parade.  Since then they have pursued an opportunistic strategy of growth, and a deliberate strategy of excellence.

Now, a mere seven years later, Anndion Lodge provides 4 plus star rating accommodation for 54 guests; conference facilities for 60 ; a restaurant and bar; and, is increasingly sought after as a wedding and special function venue for up to 130 guests.  Quite how they maintained this energy and commitment, at a time when others would have failed, is known only to themselves.

They enjoyed a first holiday last year, and have recently made fulltime appointments to the front of house and restaurant and bar.  Despite this rapid growth they have maintained their core values of relaxation, inclusion, and friendship, being named by Lonely Planet as the pick of accommodation in the area.

Anndion Lodge – Winner of the 2010 Massey University Wanganui Business Awards  "Action Coach - Hospitality Award"

Script from Dr James Lockhart:

Anne and Dion have picked up the City’s hospitality award.  Over the last three years Anndion Lodge has been progressively developed to now include a lodge, apartments, conference centre and  hospitality venue. 

The tireless devotion of the owners towards their guests, and now customers, and commitment to creating a very well presented venue is faultless.  They fill a much needed position in the market, and provide a style of service with ‘family-like’ familiarity and warmth seldom found in the mainstream."

Anndion Lodge – Winner of the 2009 Wanganui INC. Wanganui Business Awards
"Wanganui INC. - Leisure and Tourism Award"

Comments from the judges: "Anndion Lodge's continued growth, which now incorporates conference facilities, has brought new capability to the City with their well defined model of relaxation and inclusion.

Over the last twelve months their premises have nearly doubled in size, reflecting a commitment to growth..."

Winner of the 2008 ABN.AMBRO Craigs Wanganui Business Awards
"Genesis Energy - Innovative Award"

Comments from the judges: "Innovation and technology, coupled with well-trained and dedicated people, is the driving force behind Anndion Lodge. We typically associate innovation with technology, however, this year, the judges were impressed by the range of innovative accommodation solutions being provided by Anndion Lodge.

Within the same premises, travellers and guests can experience everything from Five Star Backpackers to genuine Four Star 1/2 Motelier style accommodation – all with the same central model of relaxation, inclusion and friendship."