...by Averil Lark- General Manager

Averil Lark & PG Knight

The loyalty and dedication of these people along with several of our more recent team members and indeed all of our Latimer staff, has been a major contribution to the smooth running of the hotel, through out the redevelopment period to the bustling hotel it is today.

Back Row left to right: Lisa Holmes, Graham Knight, Jerry Barker, Peter King
Front Row left to right: PG Knight, Karen Lewis, Donna Mackay, Suzanne Rowe, Carolyn Markham, Averil Lark
( 3 missing in the photo) Pamela Smith, Kay Moody, Nicolas Flannigan  

These wonderful people are what keep the heart of the hotel beating and whom create the lasting image that our guests take away with them after experiencing true hospitality at the Latimer.

The prestigious Hospitality Association Awards of "Best Redeveloped Hotel" and "Best Accommodation Hotel" were presented to the Latimer in October 2007. At the same time, this Christchurch icon, still referred to by many as the Latimer Lodge, was upgraded by Qualmark to a 4 Star Hotel. We are delighted by what is now this magnificent accommodation and conference property.

The original Latimer was born from a vision, created and built by Peter's father and opened as 17 motels in 1969. This successful family business has continued to grow with the last stage of the redevelopment being designed and built by Peter, and opened as the new Latimer in October 2006 - an extended vision from father to son.

LATIMER SQUARE: The story behind it

Latimer Square was named after Bishop Latimer. He was a leading Protestant bishop in England who, because of his religious beliefs, was burned at the stake in 1555.

The Square was created in the early 1850’s and at the time was considered as the main sports and recreation ground in Christchurch. It was even known to host horse racing in the early years. The original design for the Square was of a single rectangular green. However, following the introduction of the tramline to the eastern part of Christchurch (1893), the Square was split in two to accommodate the tram tracks, which were located where Worcester Street is today. This essentially changed the Square, although some major events have occurred since.

In 1953, some 14,000 people gathered at the square on Coronation Day, the same day that Sir Edmund Hilary had climbed Mount Everest.

Today the park is used by the locals & tourists alike as a meeting place and a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful park-like setting.