Organised by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, the Remarkable Awards will celebrate excellency in the hospitality industry from Invercargill to Te Anau, Queenstown, Wanaka and Central Otago.
Nominations from people and businesses in the hospitality industry opened for 12 category awards on the awards' website on Friday.
They had to nominate winners for eight out of 12 categories but could only nominate themselves in two, he said.
Association chief executive Steve MacKenzie said the awards were a chance for the industry to celebrate their colleagues.
"We are very excited to be bringing these awards to the Southern Lakes region.
"It is a powerhouse for the wider New Zealand tourism sector, with a discerning and demanding international clientele, so we expect the competition to be fierce," he said.
The awards would be voted on by the finalists' peers, so brought the industry closer and raised the aspirations and performance of staff.
The categories are outstanding bartender, bar, restaurant, wine list, vineyard, waiter, restaurant food, chef, supplier, maitre d' and hospitality personality of the year.
Nominations close on August 5, with the top four nominations in each category making the final round of voting announced on August 16.
Hospitality workers, owners, suppliers, sales representatives and vineyard workers could then vote for one of the four finalists in each category.
The person or establishment with the most votes would be announced as the winner at a ceremony at the Memorial Hall on September 12.
An industry after-party would be held at The Revolver Club.
To make a nomination, go to www.theremarableawards.co.nz
