Shaping The Future Of Hospitality: Industry Leaders Meet Government At Hospitality Summit

Hospitality industry leaders and Government representatives have gathered at Parliament this week for the 2026 Hospitality Summit to work together on solutions that will strengthen the future of the sector.

The Summit, hosted by Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon Louise Upston, in conjunction with Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) and the Restaurant Association of New Zealand (Restaurant Association), was held at Parliament buildings in Wellington yesterday - Thursday, 12 March 2026 - with more than 70 industry stakeholders and government officials in attendance.

The Summit is the second of its kind. The inaugural Hospitality Summit, held in December 2024, laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration between the industry and government, and provided an opportunity for the hospitality sector to help shape future government policies.

Priority areas for the hospitality industry were discussed and a comprehensive list of recommendations were developed, covering data, immigration, licensing and compliance, through to alcohol policy, employment, skills and training and the interaction between hospitality and tourism.

This year’s focus was to take a look at the recommendations put forward at the last summit, refresh and refine them and add any new priority areas the industry would like to see improvements in.

Some of the key areas the hospitality representatives identified included licensing & compliance, hospitality data and employment issues.

Speaking at the Summit, Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Hon. Louise Upston, acknowledged the hard work and dedication of those in the industry and thanked them for their collaboration.

Minister Upston says: “The hospitality industry is vital to New Zealand and brings significant vibrancy and value to New Zealand and, while distinct from tourism, also plays a key role in how visitors experience our cities and towns. Hospitality plays a crucial role in our economy and employment with 193,000 people directly employed in hospitality across New Zealand.

“It was a pleasure to host the industry at Parliament this week and make meaningful strides to set hospitality up for success into the future. It is encouraging to see the industry working together in such a collaborative way and I look forward to receiving the final recommendations report.”

Hospitality NZ Chief Executive, Kristy Phillips says the Hospitality Summit provides a significant opportunity for the hospitality industry.

“The Summit provides a platform for open dialogue between government officials and industry stakeholders to address challenges our sector is facing and discuss ways in which change can be made so hospitality can thrive, not just now, but in generations to come.

“It’s been great to problem-solve together and create actionable steps that will strengthen the future of the sector.”

Restaurant Association General Manager, Nicola Waldren says: “Working collaboratively with Government and Hospitality NZ to address the critical challenges facing our sector is crucial to its success.

“It’s excellent to have everyone in the room together, finding ways to build momentum and create meaningful impact for the hospitality industry.”

A recommendations report will be released in coming months, reflecting the discussions at Summit and providing some clear next steps for supporting the industry.

About the Hospitality Summit:

• The inaugural Hospitality Summit was held in December 2024.
• Industry bodies Hospitality New Zealand and the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, with input from the wider industry and other stakeholders, developed comprehensive draft recommendations that were presented and discussed at the 2024 Summit.
• These recommendations were developed using feedback from a survey and direct engagement with hospitality representatives, with participants invited to share their insights, experiences, and opinions on various aspects of the sector.
• 63 recommendations were identified following the inaugural summit. 24 of these recommendations have been completed or are in progress. The current concerns for the industry remain largely the same from the 2024 edition.

About Hospitality NZ:

• Hospitality NZ supports thousands of hospitality and accommodation businesses of all sizes across the motu, to deliver the world-famous manaakitanga (hospitality) which New Zealand is renowned for.
• We provide the hospitality sector with the tools, resources, partnerships and knowledge to maximise their success and add value to their businesses.
• We also advocate for what our members need to succeed, making sure decision-makers are focused on addressing their most pressing issues to create a positive business environment for hospitality.
• To find out more visit hospitality.org.nz.

About the Restaurant Association of New Zealand:

• Established in 1972, the Restaurant Association of New Zealand is a not-for-profit organisation and provides the link between good food and good business, representing more than 2,500 cafés, restaurants and hospitality venues across the motu.
• We support our members to thrive by providing expert advice, practical tools, training programmes, partnerships and industry insights that help hospitality businesses deliver great experiences to diners.
• The Association represents, advocates and cheerleads for what our members need to succeed, working with industry and government to strengthen and support the future of hospitality in Aotearoa.
• To find out more visit restaurantnz.co.nz.

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