Restaurant Association of New Zealand

As we approach 2025, we want to take a moment to reflect on a challenging year for hospo. Customer downturn, rising costs, and economic uncertainty have tested the resilience of hospo in NZ. Yet, through it all, shown determination, innovation and a commitment to our industry!

The Restaurant Association welcomes the Commerce Commission’s draft decision to cap interchange fees for both in-person and online card transactions. This decision is a positive step for the hospitality industry, where businesses have long been burdened by high transaction fees. Read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/gY-RgRNv

As we reflect on the year that’s been, it’s hard to ignore the immense challenges we’ve faced in hospitality. An economic downturn has tested the resilience of businesses across the country, and our industry has found itself grappling with the realities of being an analogue sector in an increasingly digital world. These challenges have underscored a need for innovation, adaptability, and collaboration as we navigate our way forward. Read our CEO Marisa's latest opinion piece in Hospitality Business magazine below: https://lnkd.in/gmxq4w3d

The Restaurant Association welcomes today’s announcement from Minister Stanford on changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) process. “These changes reflect a positive step forward and address several concerns raised by our members, particularly around wage thresholds, engagement requirements with MSD, and interim work rights for visa applicants,” Marisa Bidois, CEO of the Restaurant Association. Read more here:

Today the Government has announced reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). The changes include removing the median wage threshold, reducing experience requirements to 2 years and introducing new seasonal visa pathways to support employers to fill skill gaps. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/g8cWqHrZ

Thanks to NBR - National Business Review for allowing Steve Armitage and Marisa Bidois to share an in-depth look at the key discussions and outcomes from the Hospitality Summit 2024 in Wellington, where industry leaders and government representatives came together to address the biggest challenges facing the hospitality sector. From workforce shortages and immigration policy to sustainability and regulatory reform, the Summit provided a platform for collaboration and actionable insights to guide the future of hospitality in New Zealand. This article dives into: ➡️ The Government’s commitment to co-fund a data project with Hospitality NZ and the Restaurant Association. ➡️ Key recommendations on easing compliance burdens, promoting training opportunities, and strengthening tourism connections. ➡️ Quick wins and long-term strategies that emerged from the discussions. 🎯 Read the full article to see how we’re working to build a thriving, sustainable future for hospitality Let’s keep the momentum going! #HospitalitySummit #FutureOfHospitality #Collaboration #RestaurantAssociationNZ #HospitalityNZ https://lnkd.in/ehRNdSNv

We’re excited to share the highlights from yesterday's inaugural Hospitality Summit in Wellington. The event brought together over 50 industry leaders and key government representatives to discuss challenges and opportunities in the hospitality sector. With discussions ranging from skill shortages to leveraging data, the Summit was a step toward shaping policies that will empower our industry to thrive. A Memorandum of Understanding has also been signed by Hospitality NZ and the Restaurant Association, marking a new era of collaboration! Stay tuned for the roadmap set to be published in early 2025, outlining the future of a thriving, sustainable hospitality industry. Read more about the Summit and its outcomes here: https://lnkd.in/g44AdXCX

The morning session at the inaugural Hospitality Summit was kicked off by an announcement from Minister Doocey of $3 million for essential research into tourism volumes and flows and insights into hospitality spending. Minister Doocey confirmed that Restaurant Association of New Zealand working in partnership with Hospitality New Zealand would receive funding from the Tourism Data Partnership Fund to develop hospitality and restaurant spending insights. https://lnkd.in/eaC3j5qn

Today’s the Day: Hospitality Summit 2024 We’re excited to kick off the inaugural Hospitality Summit today at Parliament Buildings in Wellington, together with Hospitality NZ and MBIE. This landmark event brings together hospitality leaders, business owners, and government representatives to discuss the biggest challenges facing our industry and, more importantly, collaborate on solutions for a brighter future. With key topics on the agenda—including workforce development, immigration policy, sustainability, and easing compliance burdens—this is a unique opportunity for the hospitality sector to have its voice heard and help shape the policies that impact us all. A big thank you to everyone who has helped make this day possible, from the planning stages to today’s participants. Your passion and commitment to the industry are what drive us forward. We’ll be sharing updates tomorrow, so stay tuned to follow the conversation and see how we’re working together to create a thriving, sustainable future for New Zealand’s hospitality industry. #HospitalitySummit #HospitalityIndustry #Collaboration #FutureFocused #RestaurantAssociationNZ #HospitalityNZ