Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa appoints key leadership team appointments

February 16, 2023

As it approaches completion, Belgravia Leisure has announced the appointment of three female leaders with Māori genealogy in key management roles at the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa development in Rotorua.

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.

Rotorua raised Rania Sears will take the helm as General Manager, bringing with experience from a diverse background in business and project/event management as well as tourism/hospitality.

Sears, who built a high performing real estate company in Australia, believes “success is not the work of one, but the work of many”.

Jeanette Haua will bring 27 years of working and leading some of the most luxurious spas around the world, as well as at sea, to her role as Spa Manager at the attraction.

She 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.

Haua brings a solid background in tourism, health and fitness, massage therapy, wellness and more recently became a practitioner of meditation and mindfulness.

Miri Morrison-Hare will join Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa as Cultural and Guest Experience Manager.

Recognised for her cultural achievements in Te Ao Haka, she brings with her experience as a cultural ambassador, a teacher in Māori performing arts as well as a beauty and massage therapist.

Announcing the appointments, Karen Golden, Belgravia General Manager of Destination, Wellness and Spa stated “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 utilise 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.”

The trio are commencing their roles this month.

The Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is owned and is being developed by Pukeroa Oruawhata Group (Ngāti Whakaue), and is managed by Belgravia Leisure. will del

Images, top, from left: Jeanette Haua, Spa Manager; Rania Sears, General Manager and Miri Morrison-Hare, Cultural and Guest Experience Manager and an artist's concept for the Wai Ariki Hot Spings and Spa (below).

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30th October 2018 - NZRA recognises Belgravia Leisure with double Industry Awards for Excellence

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24th September 2017 - Maori legends aim to bring Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa to life

9th August 2017 - Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort wins at local business awards

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