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New Zealand’s largest two-day hospitality and accommodation conference is underway in Rotorua, with Hospitality New Zealand’s HNZ26 bringing together operators, suppliers and speakers from across the sector.
The event opened on June 23, 2026 at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre, with Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Kristy Phillips acknowledging the pressure many operators are still facing while highlighting the value of the conference as a forum for practical ideas and industry connection.
“Trading conditions remain challenging for a lot of operators – the cost pressures are real, margins are tight, and I don’t want to pretend otherwise,” Kristy says.
“But there are also good people in good businesses doing really good things, and this week is about both of these scenarios: acknowledging the difficulty and looking at what’s possible.”
The two-day programme features a mix of international and local speakers covering guest retention, staffing, wellbeing, low- and no-alcohol trends, technology, AI and sustainability.
Orange County entrepreneur Preston Lee opened the conference keynote programme with a presentation on guest retention and profitability, while Student Job Search chief executive Louise Saviker discussed early-career trends and the need to position hospitality as a viable long-term career.
Nutritionist Claire Turnbull also addressed the conference, alongside AF Drinks founder Lisa King and flavour researcher Atilla Bús, who joined remotely from Europe to discuss changing consumer demand for low- and no-alcohol beverages and flavour-led product development.
Tourism New Zealand general manager Bjoern Spreitzer spoke about the opportunity to capitalise on growing international interest in New Zealand’s food and hospitality offering, particularly in the lead-up to the country’s first Michelin Guide.
Alongside the conference sessions, attendees are taking part in the HNZ26 trade show, which features suppliers spanning technology, equipment, beverage distribution and sustainability services.
HNZ26 is being held in conjunction with the 2026 Lion Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence, with the People’s Awards presented on June 23 and the Business Awards to follow on June 24.
