The death of American-born hotel operator Earl Hagaman in 2017 appears to have had no impact on the Scenic Hotel Group, which is now under the control of his widow and business partner, Lani, who continues his legacy of providing family friendship and genuine hospitality.
Founded in 1980 by Hagaman and his late business partner Ralph Brown, Scenic Hotels consists of a stable of 18 properties across some of New Zealand’s most pristine and scenic areas as well as being in the major cities and on two Pacific Islands.
In late 2017, Hagaman was recognised posthumously at the annual Tourism Awards with the prestigious Crowne Howarth International Sir Jack Newman award as an ‘Outstanding Industry Leader.’ Receiving the award on behalf of her husband, Lani spoke of his passion for New Zealand and the great outdoors.
Since his death, Scenic Hotels has announced a major refurbishment of its nine-storey Auckland hotel, which will see its 100 rooms upgraded floor by floor over the next two years to minimise guest disruption.
Survived by seven children from two marriages, Hagaman’s trustees continue to fight a protracted property claim by his ex-wife Barbara which has seen bequests to the children frozen. However, another legal dispute involving the defamation claim against Labour MP Andrew Little was finally lost after the Supreme Court refused to reopen the case.
Made a Companion of the Order of Merit in recognition of his services to business, tourism and philanthropy, Earl and his family have gifted more than $10m over the past 20 years to numerous schools, sports clubs, individuals and charities.