Retro Vibes and Friendly Rivalry: Auckland’s First Inter-Hotel Ping-Pong Tournament
M Social Hotel Auckland proudly hosted the very first Inter-Hotel Ping-Pong Tournament, bringing together teams from M Social Hotel Auckland, Grand Millennium Auckland, Copthorne Hotel Auckland City, and the Millennium Hotels and Resorts New Zealand Corporate Office. The night was packed with friendly rivalry, team spirit, and plenty of laughs, all wrapped in a vibrant ’70s theme that took everyone back to the disco era.
It was a wonderful example of what happens when colleagues from across properties step away from daily operations and connect through light-hearted competition and shared fun.
A Night of Retro Style and Competitive Spirit
Every team arrived ready to impress, not just with their ping-pong skills, but with their bold retro outfits. Flared trousers, groovy prints, oversized sunglasses, and disco-era accessories filled the room with colour and creativity. The commitment to the theme was remarkable, and one standout participant stole the spotlight, earning the title of Best Dressed and taking home a fun surprise prize.
The ’70s theme added an extra layer of joy to the evening, transforming a simple ping-pong tournament into a full celebration of creativity, nostalgia, and team spirit.
Electric Atmosphere, Genuine Connection
The atmosphere throughout the evening was electric. Cheers echoed around the room as teams battled it out at the tables, whilst the sidelines were filled with laughter, support, and plenty of mid-winter warmth. Colleagues who might not usually work together found themselves cheering for the same team, celebrating great shots, and enjoying the energy of friendly competition.
For many participants, the tournament provided a rare opportunity to meet colleagues from other Auckland properties, build relationships across teams, and enjoy a relaxed setting where work titles and departments faded into the background.
Building Connections Across Properties
What made the Inter-Hotel Ping-Pong Tournament special was not just the competition, it was the connections it created. Colleagues from M Social Hotel Auckland, Grand Millennium Auckland, Copthorne Hotel Auckland City, and the Corporate Office came together, stepped away from their day-to-day roles, and enjoyed an evening of shared experience.
These cross-property connections strengthen the broader Millennium Hotels and Resorts community in Auckland. When team members from different properties know each other, collaborate, and support one another, it creates a network of relationships that benefits everyone. The tournament was a reminder that we are all part of the same family, working towards the same goals.
Setting the Tone for More to Come
The success of this inaugural event has set the tone for many more inter-hotel activities to come. The enthusiasm, creativity, and positive energy demonstrated by all participants show that there’s genuine appetite for these kinds of gatherings.
Future inter-hotel events will build on this foundation, creating more opportunities for colleagues across Auckland properties to connect, compete, and celebrate together. Whether through sports, themed competitions, or social gatherings, these events strengthen team spirit and foster a sense of belonging that extends beyond individual properties.
A Night to Remember
The first Inter-Hotel Ping-Pong Tournament was a resounding success: a night filled with retro style, friendly rivalry, genuine laughter, and meaningful connection. It demonstrated what’s possible when we create space for colleagues to come together, have fun, and build relationships that make our work more enjoyable and our community stronger.
As we celebrate 30 years of Millennium Hotels and Resorts and look to the future, events like this remind us that we’re stronger together. Thank you to everyone who participated, dressed up, competed, and brought their energy to the evening. Here’s to many more inter-hotel celebrations that bring our Auckland family closer together.
