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The Restaurant Association is evolving the way regional hospitality awards are organised, introducing a new model that empowers local hospitality leaders to take ownership of their region’s awards. Moving forward, hospitality professionals in each area will take the lead in organising and managing their own awards, while the Restaurant Association continues as a lead sponsor and supporter.
For years, the Restaurant Association has successfully led and hosted regional hospitality awards, celebrating excellence and recognising the outstanding contributions of those in the industry. Now, to further enhance local engagement and industry leadership, the Association is transitioning to a model where awards will be led by groups of local hospitality operators, ensuring they reflect the unique identity, challenges, and successes of each region.
“This evolution is about strengthening the connection between hospitality awards and the communities they celebrate,” says Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois. “By shifting to a locally owned and operated model, we’re ensuring these awards continue to grow, thrive, and remain deeply relevant to the industry in each region, while we provide support and guidance.”
Under this new model, local industry-led groups will take responsibility for securing sponsors, managing nominations, and organising the awards events, while the Restaurant Association remains a key sponsor and promotional partner. This shift allows for more tailored and locally relevant events while ensuring the prestige and credibility of the awards continue.
Both the Restaurant Association and the local awards teams share a commitment to uplifting and celebrating the hospitality industry. This transition ensures that future awards across the country will continue to highlight the outstanding talent, hard work, and innovation within New Zealand’s vibrant hospitality sector.
