Hooray for the Hurunui Hotel

It’s been a two-year hiatus, but the Hurunui Hotel is up and running again.

The new publicans and lessees are young couple Sourav Sharma and Aliyah Hyslop, who opened the doors of the 150 year-old establishment last November.

Sharma said the summer has been a good one, “since day one.”

“It’s a lovely community here in Hurunui, everyone is so welcoming.”

Sharma, 27 years-old, embraces the flavour that younger staff members bring to this historic hotel which sits on State Highway 7.

With his business about to open, Sharma immediately recognised the Hurunui District Council’s Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) Community Employment Programme as a valuable way to support new employees — not only through training, but also through the pastoral care offered once they were in work.

Before long, he welcomed a full‑time front‑of‑house staff member who received intensive barista training and gained her LCQ certification through MTFJ.

“Through a combination of developing her job seeking skills, alongside her own motivation to secure employment, this jobseeker earned her role and is now a welcoming face in a fantastic local establishment,” said MTFJ co‑ordinator Anna Scott.

The partnership between MTFJ and Ministry of Social Development, , gives power to the local networking of mayors, councils and workplaces - collectively focussing on getting young people who are not currently in education, employment or training into jobs.

Originally from India, Sharma has been in New Zealand for eight years, spending the majority of this time managing the Rakaia Hotel in Mid Canterbury.

He knows his way around what makes a rural hotel tick.

The clientele at Hurunui Hotel is a mix of commuters and locals, who all appreciate the energy behind the bar and what is produced in the kitchen.

“A young team brings a different kind of energy to the place.”

Business is going well, but Sharma is still on the lookout for a full-time chef, with an option for them to live onsite.

He conceded finding staff has been a challenge, mainly due to its fairly isolated location.

There are currently four full time staff including Sharma, open seven days a week -

Monday to Thursday 11am to late, Friday to Sunday 8am to late.

“It’s about finding the right person, because they become a face of the business.”

Sharma said they have big plans for their new business venture, envisioning a location for weddings, birthday parties, functions, accommodation in the upstairs’ bedrooms, and there is camping too.

“We have the opportunity to do hospitality right.”

Mayor Marie Black grew up next to the Hurunui Hotel, and has plenty of fond childhood memories as her parents were local musicians who used to play there regularly.

“Seeing an historical institution of this district like the Hurunui Hotel benefit from youth involvement, is just great to see.”

She is delighted to see the historic hotel open again and gets much joy seeing locals and passers-by enjoying its hospitality.

“It’s a great thrill to see one of the most photographed buildings in the district open for business. It’s so important that people share the news about this wonderful place,” said Mayor Black.

About MTFJ

The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) is a nationwide movement of mayors championing locally-led solutions to youth employment. Through its partnership with Ministry of Social Development Industry Partnerships the Community Employment Programme (CEP) supports councils, businesses, and communities to connect young people into meaningful jobs. Since 2020, CEP has placed thousands of young people into work across rural and provincial New Zealand.

More information: www.mtfj.co.nz