“I’ve been chasing it for a few years now, it’s quite surreal.
“In hospitality, it’s such a challenging industry with food and wage costs and gas prices at the moment, you’ve got to just keep picking away at what works.”
Originally from Canada, Alexander moved to Aotearoa in 2019, initially working as a bartender, waitress, and barista in the Coromandel region.
She moved to Paihia around 2020 to continue her work, and, after a trip back home, returned to begin working at the Tipsy Oyster Tapas and Bar and Bad Habits.
In 2024, she found herself at the Nauti Penguin which is run by the same owners.
“Hospitality has been my passion for more than 10 years … I love that every day brings the opportunity to create memorable experiences for people while building a workplace where others can learn and grow.”
Alexander was also recognised as the Restaurant Association of New Zealand’s Best Bartender of the Year in 2023.
Since becoming general manager of Nauti Penguin, she led the venue to national recognition, with nominations in the Top 50 New Zealand Gastropubs in 2024 and 2025.
She was named a finalist for Future Leader of the Year at the Hospitality New Zealand Awards of Excellence in 2024 and 2025.
Alexander said her latest achievement reflects “not only my journey but also the incredible support of my team, mentors and the wider Russell community”.
She is equally proud of her involvement in community initiatives.
Her team has raised and donated more than $10,465 to local charities and community organisations throughout the Bay of Islands through the Pints for Purpose initiative.
The initiative, adopted by breweries and pubs, sees customers buying a pint and rounding up their tab to support local charities and community groups.
She is also leading The Good Pour Initiative, a six-month partnership with Russell School that donates a portion of selected drink sales back to the school. Since launching, the initiative has raised more than $900.
Alexander said the initiatives “have allowed us to make a genuine difference in our community”.
“For me, hospitality has always been about people.
“Creating opportunities to give back, support local organisations and bring people together has become one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
“Whether it’s mentoring staff, creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, or finding new ways to support our local community, I believe great hospitality has the power to bring people together.”
Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.