Mr Paul Hodge, MNZM, of Hamilton, for services to the hospitality industry
Paul Hodge trained as a Chef with the New Zealand Army. He founded Cater Plus, providing catering management solutions to New Zealand businesses, currently employing more than 400 staff. His Cater Plus Foundation assists individuals and organisations with education, training and research in the hospitality industry. Through the Foundation, he supports his employees and their families with interest-free loans for personal, education, sporting and cultural purposes. The Foundation sponsors and donates annually to a variety of national and international charities and organisations. Mr Hodge co-founded the annual Waikato Culinary Fair to inspire, celebrate and create opportunities for those training and working within the hospitality industry.