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Hospitality NZ and the Restaurant Association have released their Hospitality Summit Report: Serving Success 2026 Revision.
Here’s what’s inside.
Of the 63 recommendations proposed at the inaugural 2024 Summit, 21 are done or nearly there leaving 42 unfinished. The 2026 report doesn’t just carry those 42 forward: it forms a new list of 48 recommendations across five subject areas- a mix of new asks and ones carried over from 2024 put back to Parliament under Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston.
The wins so far include pro-rata sick leave legislation and the establishment of a Michelin Guide in New Zealand, backed by a three-year funding commitment. Progress, but the report is clear this is still a check-in.
Visas
Immigration settings still need addressing. The industry wants practical experience recognised alongside formal qualifications, chefs and managers added to the Green List, industry-specific immigration officers reinstated, and working holiday visa work periods stretched to 6–12 months across the board. It’s the same battle the sector has been fighting over for years, and the report frames it as the single biggest constraint on the workforce.
Alcohol law
The report pushes for the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act to be reframed around hospitality’s social contribution, not just harm minimisation. In addition: lower keg excise, and more consistency in how licensing decisions get made from one council to the next.
Filling the gaps
On the tourism side, the ask is an international culinary brand for New Zealand, tighter regulation of short-term rental accommodation to level the competitive field, and government funding for business events to fill the gaps in the off-season.
Compliance
Operators want relief from a double up of compliance paperwork – a tiered Food Levy and digital systems are on the list – plus reverse sensitivity protections for venues when residents move in next door and then complain about the noise. On skills, the report calls for stable secondary school pathways into hospitality, continued funding for Year 11 hospitality courses, and a proper consultation loop between educators and operators.
Read the 2026 Hospitality Summit recommendations here and the 2024 report here
