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After leaving the corporate world, Quest Mt Maunganui owners Tere and Avelien Strickland have built one of the region’s premier accommodation destinations – with a little help from ServiceIQ. Avelien tells us more. 

After committing to the franchise in December 2019, Tere and Avelien navigated the significant delays and challenges caused by Covid, while managing the planning and preparation required for a new-build development, before successfully opening Quest Mt Maunganui in June 2023.

Thanks to a mix of exceptional leadership, a deep knowledge of the hospitality sector and world-class customer service, the business soared from day one and has an average occupancy of 93%.

“It’s phenomenal to be this busy. It’s a testament to the fact that the Mt Maunganui market needed more high-quality accommodation that fits with that corporate business traveller – which is who we cater to,” says Avelien.

Another reason for their success is a desire for wanting the best for their team. “I've always had a passion for people and helping them grow. Once Tere and I transitioned into hotel ownership, we had a chance to do all the things that we thought we would like to do if we were employers.

“It’s hospitality – it’s known as a transient industry with people who don't often commit to it as a career. It's hard to find and retain good people and so, with that mindset, we've put a lot of effort into the structure of what we offer here.”

Each new staff member benefits from personalised onsite induction and health and safety training, and further online training and a specialist one-day workshop with the wider Quest group. 

On completion, each permanent team member is required to enrol onto the New Zealand Certificate in Accommodation with strands – Level 3 in Reception or Housekeeping with ServiceIQ. 

Having held key account, franchise support and learning and development manager roles at Quest Apartment Hotels, Avelien has worked closely with us since 2017. “Naturally, when we became owners, ServiceIQ was at the top of our list for supporting our staff.”  

A culture of learning permeates throughout the business, and employees have further opportunities to do more upskilling. Since 2023, eight of the team have graduated with ServiceIQ qualifications and in mid-2026 a further nine were participating in either the Accommodation programmes or the New Zealand Certificate in Business (Introduction to Team Leadership) – Level 3, New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) – Level 4 and the New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management – Level 5.

“There’s an attitude, especially in New Zealand, that hospitality and customer service positions are almost seen as being junior or student roles. But we recognise the value in qualification porgrammes, that you need a unique set of skills to succeed, and that it can become a career if you choose it to be.

“It’s nice to tell my staff that ‘they're a great housekeeper’ or ‘a fantastic receptionist’, but it means something entirely different when it’s acknowledged by an external body like ServiceIQ, who assess the work that they do and can officially say ‘you're qualified. You're an expert in doing this.’ It's a national certificate, and the weight and recognition of that achievement holds a lot of respect and mana.

The team enjoys a genuine work/life balance through being paid ‘a living wage’, people-first rostering to avoid burnout, and qualification success is celebrated at the annual Quest Gala Dinner, held in 2025 in Christchurch. 

“We had our five ServiceIQ graduates with us. They went up on stage and got recognised in front of the network, and that’s important. It’s a chance for them to celebrate and be acknowledged and applauded for what they do.” 

Avelien also acknowledges the excellent working relationship the business has with us. “Pippa Saxon is the National Account Manager and Tracey Raj is our Service Sector Advisor, who is great at keeping us all in line! They’re both so supportive.

“ServiceIQ is a great asset to our business which provides opportunity for our people. I must be real as a business owner. Not everybody who works with us will stay with us forever. My goal is that when they leave us, they leave us better, and ServiceIQ presents an awesome way for us to help them to be better.”

 With the hotel winning the 2025 Quest Franchise of the Year at the Quest NZ & Fiji Annual Awards, the 2025 FANZ Franchisee Excellence in Customer Service award and finalists in the  2026 Tauranga Business Awards, the sky really is the limit – but always with team success in mind.

“Tere and I aspire to grow with the Quest brand, and if there's opportunity to do that within Tauranga, then we're really excited for that. Obviously, as we grow, our team grows, and the way that we've built our team and coached them and mentored them, is for them to have growth within our business, too.”

✨ What an incredible celebration of food, culture, and community! ✨

Check out the Flavours of Plenty highlights reel and join us in celebrating all the amazing participants, venues, producers, chefs, and organisers who helped bring this fantastic festival to life across the Bay of Plenty.

We were proud to support Flavours of Plenty as an accommodation partner and would like to extend a special thank you to Rae and the Tourism Bay of Plenty team for the opportunity to be involved. Events like these not only showcase the very best of our region but also provide valuable support to local businesses and the wider visitor economy.

The excitement throughout the region was undeniable, with many events selling out and creating a real buzz across the Bay. It was fantastic to see visitors and locals alike embracing everything the festival had to offer.

A huge congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in delivering such a successful event. We can't wait to see what's next!

What does an apartment hotel chain and an A-League football team have in common?
They’re both on a Quest to be the best.

One gives you a place to belong; the other gives you a team to belong to.
One takes you on a journey across the country; the other takes you on a journey every match day.
Both are built on spirit, commitment, and the feeling of being ‘home away from home’.

Quest Apartment Hotels is proud to announce a new three-year partnership with Auckland Football Club (ACFC) — becoming a Premium Partner in a deal designed to strengthen Quest’s brand presence nationwide and connect with one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing sporting communities.

A place to belong — on and off the field

Under the partnership, Quest becomes the Official Accommodation Partner for Auckland FC and a Founding Partner of the Auckland FC Women’s team, supporting the club’s mission to grow participation and passion for the game among women and girls.

The agreement includes Quest-branded goal nets, LED stadium signage, and title partner status for a major ACFC home match featuring fan activations and halftime competitions — putting Quest in front of one of New Zealand’s most passionate and fast-growing supporter bases.

Driving engagement and loyalty across Aotearoa

Quest New Zealand Chief Operating Officer Adrian Turner says the partnership is a natural fit between two organisations focused on growth, connection, and community.

“Football is New Zealand’s biggest and fastest-growing sport, and Auckland FC has quickly built an incredibly engaged fan base,” says Turner.

“This partnership allows Quest to align with that momentum while delivering real value for our franchisees, corporate guests, and travelling fans nationwide.”

With 43 locations across Aotearoa and Fiji, the partnership will help drive brand engagement and loyalty, giving Auckland FC fans a trusted place to stay — wherever the game takes them.

Shared goals and growing communities

Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker says the partnership represents shared ambition and a strong alignment of values.

“We’re delighted to welcome Quest as a Premium Partner. They’re a trusted brand with a reputation for quality and reach across New Zealand, Fiji, and Australia,” says Becker.

“With two derby matches against Wellington, we’ll be encouraging our travelling fans to stay with Quest — our preferred accommodation partner — and we look forward to developing positive, long-term relationships with the wider Quest network.”

A partnership built on pride, belonging, and ambition

The partnership highlights Quest’s ongoing investment in its franchise network and its commitment to connecting with communities in meaningful, memorable ways.

“This is more than football — and more than accommodation,” Turner adds.
“It’s a partnership built on pride, belonging, and the Quest to go further.”

Quest Mt Maunganui has been honoured with a Certificate of Appreciation from Wayne Naylor, Chief Executive Officer of Hospice New Zealand, in October 2025. The award recognises the team’s outstanding generosity, compassion, and ongoing support of Waipuna Hospice, serving the Tauranga and Mt Maunganui community.

Presented during the 2025 Quest Apartment Hotels’ national conference, the Certificate of Appreciation acknowledges the meaningful and consistent efforts of the Quest Mt Maunganui team in raising vital funds and awareness for hospice care. This recognition reflects not only a strong organisational commitment, but also a deeply personal connection to the importance of palliative care within the local community.

Quest Mt Maunganui’s contribution forms part of a wider partnership between Quest Apartment Hotels - New Zealand & Fiji and Hospice New Zealand, which has been in place since 2014. Through the “Quest for a Cause” programme, Quest properties across New Zealand provide discounted, high-quality accommodation to hospice organisations, while also actively supporting fundraising initiatives such as events, raffles, and auctions.

Since 2019, Quest Apartment Hotels has donated more than $27,000 to Hospice New Zealand, helping to ensure individuals with life-limiting illnesses receive the care they need, at no cost to them or their whānau. Hospice care extends beyond medical support, encompassing emotional, spiritual, and social wellbeing, while also providing guidance and care to families before and after loss.

Quest Apartment Hotels has also been recognised with a Bronze Medal of Recognition from Hospice New Zealand, further highlighting its long-standing commitment to the hospice movement across Aotearoa.

Wayne Naylor acknowledged Quest Mt Maunganui’s exceptional contribution, noting the team continues to go above and beyond in supporting their local hospice and community.

Quest Mt Maunganui remains proud to stand alongside Waipuna Hospice and Hospice New Zealand, reinforcing its commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

For more information or to support hospice care, visit Waipuna Hospice.