In 2010, DINE was created by Sonia Tiatia as a voluntary part time initiative to connect and prepare senior high school students into opportunities within the hospitality industry. The idea was embraced by industry employers and has now become embedded into the busy corporate stadium environments at Westpac Stadium Wellington since 2010, Auckland’s Eden Park in 2014, Mt Smart Stadium in 2017 and Christchurch’s AMI Stadium in 2017 as well as a number of cafes, hotels and restaurants from across the sector. 

 

“At a time when domestic and international visitor numbers are increasing, the quality and availability of our hospitality and tourism product is vital and a key ingredient is good staff.” Hospitality New Zealand - October 2016. “We have many talented young people in New Zealand who with the right support can take their aspirations to the next level. It’s great that we have so many partners who also see the value in investing in our youth, and are passionate about working with the Government to grow the number of youth development opportunities.” - Nikki Kaye, Youth Minister 2017 (New partnerships to deliver 620 new youth development opportunities press-release, August 2017).

 

As a result of the DINE Academy bootcamps and the partnerships the academy has made with employers in the hospitality/tourism industry DINE students are now becoming well recognised as employable work-ready youth and DINE graduates are becoming future leaders, managers and entrepreneurs for Aotearoa’s booming Tourism and Hospitality industries.