News | Dunedin Customer Service Stars Recognised

13/12/2011
KiaOraMai graduates and employers, with Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull (centre front)
KiaOraMai graduates and employers, with Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull (centre front)

Delivering lost property to people all over Dunedin is just part of the service for 68-year-old Dunedin International Airport customer service officer Gordon McDonald.

Gordon’s dedication to his airport customers was recognised at a special event for Dunedin’s KiaOraMai graduates at the Forsyth Barr Stadium yesterday (12 December).

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull awarded Gordon a special KiaOraMai Awesome Service Award, acknowledging the difference he makes for the 770,000 passengers who pass through Dunedin International Airport each year.

“Along with all of the other graduates here today, Gordon seized the opportunity to complete the KiaOraMai  training programme and took on the challenge with passion and enthusiasm. Gordon’s attitude sets the bar for the kind of welcome we want to give every single visitor to Dunedin,” said the Mayor.

The Awesome Service Awards recognise New Zealanders who deliver great service, as nominated by their clients and customers. Gordon was nominated last month by his manager Richard Roberts, which meant he was not technically eligible for an award, but his nomination impressed awards organiser Grant Woolliams so much that a special award was arranged.

Awesome Service Awards 2011 sponsor KiaOraMai is a customer service training programme for frontline service industry staff, administered by ATTTO. It helps people develop a sense of pride in being a New Zealander, which gives them the confidence to deliver uniquely Kiwi customer service.

ATTTO Chief Executive Kathy Wolfe says the programme’s Dunedin graduates – including Gordon – were valuable ambassadors for the region, helping give a warm Kiwi welcome to visitors and locals alike.

“Like all destinations, Dunedin’s tourism brand is built on the experiences the city delivers its visitors. Offering a consistently high-quality service experience can help set Dunedin apart, making sure visitors come back and send others, as well as making the city a great place to live,” said Kathy.

Kathy Wolfe said ATTTO will continue to offer KiaOraMai training to businesses wanting to register groups of trainees: “The World Cup may be over but it’s as important as ever to ensure our visitors are well looked after.”

Grant Woolliams said there had been relatively few Awesome Service Awards nominations from the Otago region since the awards began three years ago. “I am sure the region has plenty of positive customer service stories to tell, so go to www.awesomeservice.co.nz and share your story. It’s a neat way to say thanks.”