With 23 businesses including restaurants, bars and New Zealand’s newest hotel, there’s loads of variety and opportunities for you. From hospo to head office, restaurants to retail (and everything in between) career opportunities abound.
We are focused on building the capabilities of our 650 strong team through on-the-job training support, internship opportunities and educational assistance.
The best part is that the profits generated from all of our diverse parts are returned to the community of Invercargill. That means this is more than just a job; it’s a unique form of social enterprise where everyone plays their part in creating a vibrant Invercargill.
You could say a love of hospitality runs in Hank’s blood, he grew up helping his parents at the family restaurant in his home country of China. He loved watching his Dad in the kitchen, although was never allowed to try his hand at it.
“My parents are the reason I got into restaurants, I was basically born into the hospitality industry in China,” said Hank.
In 2016, Hank arrived in Invercargill to study at SIT to become a qualified chef. After three years of culinary training, he graduated top of the class with a Diploma in Cookery. Throughout his studies, he also worked part time in the kitchen at the Foundry restaurant.
Hank credits Colin, The Foundry’s head chef, for much of his success.
“I have a great Head Chef, Colin, he is amazing. I have learnt so much and I’ve grown in confidence, not only with my culinary skills but also my English.”
“In a kitchen, it’s far more challenging than in a classroom, there is added pressure to have a smooth service, but I love it!”
During his time at SIT Hank got more than an education, he also meet his Korean-born wife Angela, a fellow international student. The couple headed back to Korea to get married however, the global pandemic put a stop to them returning to their adopted home.
Luckily for them, there was another family connection to hospitality and Hank joined his wife’s family business helping to run their restaurant in Korea. This was an eye opening experience for him and gave him a new appreciation for the working environment at the Foundry.
Finally, in late 2022, ILT and Invercargill welcomed the family back.
“We always planned to come back to Invercargill. We want to raise our daughter Crystal here because of the clean living and great lifestyle.”
“Invercargill is such a family friendly place, there’s so much space and plenty to do. My Daughter is happy here and so are we,” said Hank.
Hank is excited to be back in the kitchen at the Foundry but is even more excited to welcome the newest addition to his family later this year.
Mary Ellen is known for her lively chat on Facebook, but even she was surprised when one of her posts made national headlines. Her fond farewell to Bernadino a long-standing product, went viral when her followers expressed their sadness about it being discontinued. But it wasn’t just South City customers who were upset about this, it was their friends and their friends’ friends.
Mary Ellen is the manager of South City Liquorland, she’s a familiar face to many as she has been part of the team for over 20 years. Starting out as a casual she worked her way to Assistant Manager and finally taking over as Manager 6 years ago.
Learn more about Mary Ellen here.
Candice Scarlett is one of ILT’s rising hospitality stars, bringing enthusiasm and professionalism to her role as Assistant Manager at Meld. A Bachelor of Hotel Management graduate from SIT, Candice gained hands-on experience across several ILT hotels, starting at the Kelvin Hotel before joining The Langlands team in 2022.
After initially serving as Function Supervisor, Candice stepped into her current management role at the start of 2025. She thrives on the variety Meld offers and enjoys building connections with returning guests a reflection of the restaurant’s growing reputation for quality service and modern dining.
“We’ve got some wonderful regulars now and seeing them come back tells us we’re doing something right,” she says.
Candice credits Meld’s team for the energy behind its success. “We’ve got a young team, but they’re motivated and really work together to deliver top-notch service every single day.”
Earlier this year, Candice received the Scott Richardson Memorial Trust Scholarship, awarded to promising young hospitality professionals. With guidance from mentors Ethan Flack chairman of the trust and Wellington on a Plate founder Sarah Meikle, she seized the opportunity to head abroad, joining Marina Bay Sands in Singapore during the Formula One racing season.
Read more about Candice’s time in Singapore here.
