Hospitality & Retail

The Restaurant Association says that 85% of respondents in a survey of its members have been impacted by Auckland’s downpour on Friday and ongoing weather disruption. 

Spending in the hospitality industry increased by 24% or $261m in December 2022 when compared with the same month the previous year, according to Stats NZ.

Salaries in the hospitality and tourism sector have risen 9% year-on-year, according to new data from Trade Me Jobs.

The $1bn mixed-use Lakeview – Taumata project at Queenstown has secured fast-track resource consent.

Hospitality sales growth has bucked the trend against a slowdown in New Zealand’s small business sector in November.

There has been a strong start to the summer tourist season but capacity constraints are dragging the industry, according to ANZ.

The government has approved a loan of up to $1.25m to hospitality software company Loaded Reports.

The Restaurant Association, HCA, and Bus and Coach say their sectors need an estimated 33k workers to meet demand this summer.

Labour’s inaction has left the tourism and hospitality sectors facing a critical shortage of workers and risks leaving struggling business poorer, McClay says.

But the recovery could be stymied by labour shortages and increased costs putting pressure on businesses.

Hospitality pioneer Michael Friend has passed away.

The people have spoken and the official list of 100 Iconic Auckland Eats is now live.

Go To Collection hospitality group has been put into voluntary administration and will be restructured to ensure the most successful parts of the business can continue.

Hospitality New Zealand has given the government’s pokie venue regulation changes the thumbs up if they help reduce harm.

The agreement is “scarily complex” due to the number of jobs and businesses it must cover, says White.

Strandbags has been ordered to pay a $780,000 fine after it was found to be misleading consumers with discounting and sales practices.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is seeking permanent, fixed term and casual staff at some of Northland’s premium heritage places over summer.

Online job advertisements for hospitality roles are growing faster than any other sector as demand for labour remains high.

Plans by Kiwis to spend on both domestic and international travel remain firm but hospitality is suffering.

Hospitality New Zealand and Hotel Council Aotearoa have welcomed changes to immigration settings that will enable unqualified chefs to work in New Zealand.

Hospitality New Zealand is anticipating a move to relax immigration requirements for skilled chefs wanting to come and work in the country.

There are just two days left until nominations close for the annual Iconic Auckland Eats programme.

Proposed legislation to allow cellar doors to charge for samples will help boost New Zealand’s wine tourism, say its advocates.

Tony Howlett has been promoted to chief executive at hospitality software provider STAAH.

Nominations are open for the best food experiences in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, from restaurants and cafés to markets, takeaways and food trucks.

Operators can now make their own health and safety decisions for staff and customers.

A one-off public holiday to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II has been welcomed by Hospitality New Zealand, even though it may come with a cost for operators.

Actual spending in the hospitality industry reached $1.15bn in August 2022, up 78.2% from $646m the same month last year, according to Stats NZ.

The Restaurant Association is calling the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Better Work Action Plan a ‘duplication’ of work it completed in its own roadmap more than a year ago.

The easing of border restrictions have accounted for more than $77.3m in the food and beverages sector and almost $71.3m in accommodation.

Kiwi tourists are not the only ones being lured across the ditch, with tourism and hospo staff sought to plug Australian labour gaps.

Electronic card spending in the hospitality industry reached $1.9bn during July, up from almost $1.1bn the previous month.

Wellington’s Peter Norrie has welcomed his induction into the Hospitality New Zealand Hall of Fame by reflecting on the opportunities in the industry over more than 40 years.

The average sale price for hospitality businesses has increased 40% to 284,050 in the 12 months to June 2022.

QT Wellington won Best Luxury Accommodation, and its executive chef Jiwon Doo also won 2022 Chef of the Year.

Fable Dunedin won the best hotel with lodges and holiday parks also among the winners.

Hospitality New Zealand will launch a new programme to develop future leaders and provide access to career pathways within the industry.

The accreditation is for businesses that seek to promote an efficient, productive and harmonious workplace culture.

Mānawa Bay has been selected as the name of the $200m premium outlet shopping centre near Auckland Airport.

The online course aims to educate staff on how to minimise harm in environments where alcohol is served.

The network drops to 59 locations, prompting Tourism NZ to take a closer look at how i-SITEs can evolve.

After a two-year hiatus, the New Zealand Hospitality Conference is back taking place at the Grand Millennium in Auckland starting today.

Hundreds of accommodation and hospitality professionals are expected in Auckland tomorrow for the start of the Maximum Occupancy and Hospitality New Zealand conferences.

Hospitality and retail businesses in the Wellington central business district have received an extension on their rates payments under the $2.3m pandemic response package released by Wellington City Council.

KMD Brands Group’s chief executive of its Kathmandu brand, Reuben Casey, has resigned after 12 years with the outdoor retailer.

KMD Brands says its total sales are expected to be in the range of $955m – $965m for the year ending 31 July 2022.

Electronic card spending in the hospitality industry fell $6.0m between June 2021 and June 2022, a 0.6% decrease, according to data from Statistics New Zealand.

Let’s Get Wellington Moving is asking Wellingtonians to provide their feedback on a redesign of the Golden Mile.

The first Matariki long weekend provided a welcome lift for the hospitality sector, according to Worldline data.

Around three quarters of tourism operators are trying to recruit and the immigration minister’s latest comments are not helpful.