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.

Kristy Phillips

Media Release: Hospitality New Zealand announces appointment of new Chief Executive

Kristy Phillips has been appointed by Hospitality New Zealand as the next Chief Executive of the association. Troy Clarry, Vice Chair and Chair of the National Committee’s recruitment panel, said…

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Media Release: Hospitality powers New Zealand’s economy, jobs, and productivity growth

The importance of New Zealand’s hospitality sector has been reinforced by a new report commissioned by Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ), which highlights the industry’s scale, resilience, and…

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Concert

Media Release: Hospitality New Zealand welcomes Major Events and Tourism Announcement

Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) has today welcomed the announcement by Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon Louise Upston, that the Government will be investing $70 million into tourism…

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Alcohol Reforms are a Significant Win for Hospitality

Hospitality New Zealand was proud to welcome announcements by Hon Nicole McKee last week, proposing changes to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act. These changes are the result of Hospitality NZ…

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Automating Cash Management: How Hospitality Venues are Driving Efficiency, Security, and ROI with Next Payments’ Cash Recycler (TCR)

Cash is Still King - But Smarter Management is Now a Must Cash remains central to many retail and hospitality venues across New Zealand. From the gaming floor to the bar, it’s still the preferred…

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Media Release: Hospitality NZ acknowledges reforms, but more certainty needed for licence renewals

Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) acknowledges the Government’s targeted reforms to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, saying they go some way to improving fairness in the licensing…

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MEDIA RELEASE: BYATA and Hospitality New Zealand Join Forces to Champion Working Holiday Visas

The Backpacker Youth and Adventure Tourism Association (BYATA) and Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) have joined forces to push for stronger action to attract Working Holiday Visa (WHV…

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The Family Endeavour that Built an Iconic Christchurch Hotel

What does it take to become a true icon of genuine Kiwi Hospitality? From humble beginnings to one of the most recognised hotels in Christchurch, the Commodore Hotel is a story of family grit, guest…

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Local Government Positions Document

Hospitality is a cornerstone of community life, a major employer, and a key part of local economies. Yet our sector continues to face some significant challenges, from funding shortfalls to…

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Thistle Inn embarks on their winning trip to Taste Port Douglas

We still can’t quite believe it — we were lucky enough to win a trip to Taste Port Douglas through the Estrella Damm Top 50 New Zealand Gastropub Awards, thanks to our dish perfectly matching with…

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Future Leaders

Media Release: NCEA reform presents opportunity for Hospitality

Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) acknowledges the Government’s proposal to replace the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) with a new set of national qualifications…

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Media release: Surcharge ban may shift costs rather than eliminate them

Hospitality NZ supports the Government’s proposal to ban surcharges on card payments, but cautions the move could result in increased costs being absorbed into general pricing for many hospitality…

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MEDIA RELEASE: HOSPITALITY NZ SUPPORTS STRONGER TRESPASS LAWS TO PROTECT BUSINESSES

Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) supports the Government’s proposed changes to the Trespass Act, and believes they will help protect hospitality venues, staff, and patrons from repeat…

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Leadership Transition at Hospitality New Zealand

On behalf of Kristy Phillips, National President, Hospitality New Zealand: Steve Armitage, our Chief Executive, has made the decision to step down from his role and will be leaving Hospitality New…

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Media release: NEW ZEALAND’S BEST HOSPITALITY AND ACCOMMODATION BUSINESSES RECOGNISED

The winners of the 2025 Lion Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards for Excellence were announced last night at a sold-out black-tie event held at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre…

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Kristy Phillips

MEDIA RELEASE: Hospitality New Zealand Acknowledges Outgoing President, Welcomes New Leadership of Association

Hospitality New Zealand is acknowledging the contribution of outgoing president, Nick Keene, and welcoming new president, Kristy Phillips, a change of leadership confirmed at today’s Annual General…

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MEDIA RELEASE: Hospitality New Zealand Acknowledges Release of Tourism Roadmap

Hospitality New Zealand is today acknowledging the release of the Government’s Tourism Roadmap. Steve Armitage, Chief Executive of Hospitality NZ, says “We’re pleased to see the Government’s intent…

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MEDIA RELEASE: INDUSTRY LEADERS RECOGNISED AT THE 2025 PEOPLE’S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Key people from across New Zealand’s hospitality and accommodation sectors have been recognised this evening at the 2025 People’s Awards for Excellence, held as part of the 2025 Lion Hospitality New…

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