Stay ahead in the hospitality and accommodation sector with the latest updates from Hospitality New Zealand.

Our News & Media section offers a comprehensive view of industry developments, including our latest media releases, member updates and stories, expert opinions, and emerging trends.

Keep informed and connected with valuable insights that impact your business and the broader industry.

For all media enquiries, please email media@hospitality.org.nz.

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Media Release: 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…

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Media Release: Global experts serving up new ideas at HNZ26 Conference

A pair of international hospitality experts are amongst the keynote speakers confirmed for the Hospitality New Zealand Conference and Trade Show, HNZ26 , New Zealand’s largest hospitality and…

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Explainer: Employment Relations Amendment Act 2025

The Employment Relations Amendment Bill passed its third reading on 17 February 2026 and received Royal assent on 20 February. It is now law (as of 21 February 2026). Workplace Relations Minister…

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Media Release: The rise of the culinary cocktail and what we’re drinking in 2026

Capsicum, vegemite, cacao butter and beetroot might not be the first ingredients that spring to mind when we think about cocktails — but as we celebrate World Bartender Day today, these are just some…

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Media Release: Hospitality New Zealand Urges Passing of Restricted Trading Days Bill

Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) is calling on members of parliament across the house to vote in favour of Hon Kieran McAnulty’s member’s bill proposing to remove trading restrictions over…

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Media Release: Award-winning Kaitaia eatery thriving as 2026 awards open

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE WITH LION Business is booming for Kaitaia-based Peekaboo Backyard Eatery, with the owner crediting much of its success to the LION Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence…

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Media Release: Events and holidays set to drive big month for Auckland hospitality

Auckland hospitality businesses are looking forward to a big month ahead, starting with Sail GP and Valentine’s Day this weekend which are set to draw thousands of people into the region’s many food…

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Media Release: Australian beer tax a step ahead

The Brewers Association of New Zealand, the Brewers Guild of New Zealand and Hospitality New Zealand say the latest move by Australia to freeze draught beer excise should prompt a serious look at how…

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Media Release: Hospitality New Zealand Welcomes World Surf League Announcement

Hospitality New Zealand is welcoming today’s announcement that Raglan will host the fourth stop on the 2026 World Surf League Championship Tour, funded through the Government’s Events Attraction…

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PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS WITH DATA BACK UPS

Imagine this: a disaster strikes, and your hard drive malfunctions, or someone accidentally deletes crucial files. It happens more often than you might think. How would you recover that data? Could…

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Minister visits Placard as Kiwi Access moves into digital era

The Kiwi Access Card, a physical identification card which has helped hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders prove their age for more than 20 years, is gearing up for a major digital upgrade. That…

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Koha Gift Card Winding Down – What This Means for You

The KOHA Digital Gift Card, launched by Hospitality New Zealand in October 2021, was created to encourage spending within our hospitality sector - allowing people to purchase and redeem a digital…

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Media Release: Hospitality venues chocka as visitors flock to Canterbury for Cup and Show Week

Hospitality venues across Christchurch are reporting increased trade this week, with more than 29,000 visitors flocking to the region for New Zealand Cup and Show Week. Cup Day, which was held on…

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Media Release: Michelin Guide’s arrival in New Zealand “a milestone moment” – Hospitality NZ

Confirmation that the Michelin Guide for restaurants will launch in New Zealand for the first time is a milestone moment for the country’s hospitality and tourism sectors, says Hospitality New…

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MEDIA RELEASE: Kiwi Access Card goes digital in new Hospitality New Zealand and NEC partnership

The iconic Kiwi Access Card (formerly 18+ Card) is going digital. Hospitality New Zealand has partnered with NEC New Zealand, a leader in biometrics and digital identity, to deliver a secure new way…

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MEDIA RELEASE: HOSPITALITY NZ WELCOMES SELECT COMMITTEE REPORT ON EASTER TRADING

Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) is pleased that the Justice Select Committee has recommended Hon Kieran McAnulty’s member’s bill proposing to remove trading restrictions over Easter weekend…

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Media Release: Queenstown Hospitality Leaders Unite to Strengthen Collaboration and Community Safety

Queenstown’s hospitality leaders are working together to make sure the town’s famous nightlife continues to shine, safely, responsibly, and with the spirit that makes Queenstown unique. This week, 14…

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Media Release: Hospitality industry bodies welcome regulatory review

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE WITH THE RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) and the Restaurant Association welcome the Government’s announcement that the hospitality industry will be…

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