James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor joins Living Wage movement

Wellington’s iconic James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor is joining the movement to pay the living wage to all their employees, one of the first non-MIQ hotels in New Zealand to do so.

From Wednesday 14 July 2021 the hotel will pay a Living Wage of $22.75 an hour to its employees (the current Living Wage sits at $22.10 moving to $22.75 on 1 September 2021). The majority of the hotel’s 140 staff will receive a pay increase and it is anticipated that the increase in wages will attract new staff particularly in housekeeping and food and beverage areas.

In recent the years the 269 room property has undertaken several major improvements including seismic strengthening to reach 100% NBS. In April a 2 ½ year project to refurbish 200 rooms in the City Wing was completed. Subsequently the demand for domestic travel for both business and leisure travellers has exceeded expectations.

The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor has long had a focus on sustainability and is proud to be Earth Check Gold certified, endorsed as Enviro Gold by Qualmark and part of Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s NZ Tourism Sustainability Commitment. TSC Commitment 7 is about being an Employer of Choice.

General Manager, Steve Martin, says: "Post the lockdown of last year we have been pleasantly surprised at how quickly business has recovered. We feel it is now timely to pay the Living Wage in support of our existing staff and to ensure that we are in the best position to attract the right calibre of candidates in the future."

The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor is located in the heart of Wellington City, conveniently situated between the leading retail district of Lambton Quay and the business hub of The Terrace. The 4 ½ star hotel features 269 accommodation rooms, 8 conference rooms, accommodating up to 240 delegates, two restaurants and bars, complimentary WiFi and fitness facilities.

Grand Chancellor Hotels are located throughout Australia and New Zealand in key destinations. The ten 4 – 4½ star properties feature well-appointed guest rooms, with five hotels providing event venues which cater to over 400 people. For more information please visit the Grand Chancellor Hotels website.