Articles tagged with Hospitality
Free Online Food Safety Training Launched to Support NZ Food Businesses
1 hour ago | 30 viewsThe Government has launched a free online food safety training module to simplify and improve accessibility for food businesses, addressing previous challenges of cost and difficulty. Developed with industry input, this module is the first of six aimed at modernizing New Zealand’s food safety system to be fairer, more efficient, and responsive to business needs. Additional modules and initiatives are planned to further support the sector with appropriate, risk-based regulations and tools.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Government Food Safety Restaurant Association Hospitality NZ New Zealand Food Businesses Online Training Food Safety Module Home BakersGovernment Invests $800K to Repair NZ Great Ride Cycle Trails After Storms
1 week ago | 161 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing over $800,000 to repair storm damage on three Great Ride cycle trails and provide marketing funds to support regional tourism recovery. Significant repairs include $300,000 for the Hauraki Rail Trail, $110,000 for the Waikato River Trail, and nearly $427,000 for Tasman’s Great Taste Trail, which contributes $34 million annually to the local economy. Additionally, targeted marketing funding aims to rebuild visitor confidence following severe weather events, reinforcing the partnership between central and local governments and supporting ongoing tourism and economic benefits.
Tags: Louise Upston Hauraki Rail Trail Waikato River Trail Tasman’s Great Taste Trail Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Government Tourism and Hospitality Bay of Plenty Coromandel New Zealand Cycle TrailsNew Zealand Tourism Surges with Record International Visitors in 2026
2 weeks ago | 253 viewsNew Zealand’s international visitor numbers continue to rise, with strong growth from China during Chinese New Year and a total of over 408,000 visitors in February 2026, marking significant recovery towards pre-COVID levels. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlights that increased arrivals, including 1.54 million from Australia and a 214% rise in Chinese visitors due to eased travel requirements, support economic growth, jobs, and communities nationwide. The government’s ongoing support through promotional funding and partnerships aims to sustain this positive trend despite challenges like the fuel crisis.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand China Australia Stats NZ NZeTA Tourism Hospitality Government COVIDNew Zealand Cruise Forum 2026: Strengthening the Cruise Industry and Visitor Experience
3 weeks ago | 200 viewsThe second joint Government and industry Cruise Forum will be held to strengthen New Zealand’s position as a leading cruise destination by addressing challenges and fostering collaboration. The cruise sector significantly contributes $1.37 billion to the economy but faces volatility from global trends, prompting efforts in regulatory coordination, biofouling management, and port infrastructure investment. Additionally, Tourism Minister Louise Upston will promote New Zealand at the Seatrade Cruise Global event to enhance international engagement and showcase the country’s hospitality.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Cruise Forum Seatrade Cruise Global Wellington Government cruise sector industry representatives MiamiNZ Alcohol Regulation Bill Passes First Reading: Streamlining Licenses & Cutting Red Tape
3 weeks ago | 253 viewsThe Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill aims to reduce red tape, support economic growth in hospitality and events, and enhance fairness in licensing while maintaining public safety. Key changes include limiting objections to license applications to local residents, allowing clubs and certain restaurants more flexibility in alcohol sales, and streamlining special license requirements for events. The Justice Select Committee is inviting public submissions until 14 May 2026 to identify further low-risk regulatory improvements.
Tags: Nicole McKee Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act Justice Select Committee alcohol regulation licensing regime red tape hospitality sector alcohol harm reduction New Zealand Parliament Rugby World CupNew Alcohol Laws Allow Hospitality to Trade Normally on Easter and Anzac Days
1 month ago | 869 viewsA new member’s bill reforming alcohol laws, effective from midnight tonight, allows hospitality businesses in New Zealand to operate under normal licence conditions on restricted trading days such as Anzac Day morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day, removing outdated meal order requirements and midnight closing rules. The amendment, including a key change by ACT MP Cameron Luxton, ensures bars and pubs can remain open past midnight, benefiting events like the opening of Christchurch’s Te Kaha Stadium and improving public safety by preventing large crowds from leaving venues simultaneously. This reform provides clarity and regulatory relief for the hospitality sector, enabling businesses to operate confidently during important holidays while restoring consumer choice.
Tags: Nicole McKee Kieran McAnulty Cameron Luxton Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act Ministry of Justice ACT Party Te Kaha Stadium New Zealand Parliament hospitality sector alcohol laws reformNew Zealand Hosts International Football Festival Featuring Tottenham Hotspur at Eden Park
1 month ago | 234 viewsNew Zealand will host the inaugural International Football Festival, featuring Tottenham Hotspur playing Auckland FC at Eden Park on July 26, supported by the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. The event marks the first English top-flight men’s club match in New Zealand since 2014 and includes a week of immersive football experiences, boosting local tourism and the economy. Tickets start at $19 for children and $39 for adults, with the festival also aiming to showcase New Zealand as a premier global destination for sport and entertainment.
Tags: New Zealand Tottenham Hotspur Auckland FC Eden Park Louise Upston International Football Festival Major Events and Tourism Package Premier League Spurs Tourism and Hospitality MinisterShaping New Zealand Tourism 2050: Growth, Sustainability, and System Reform
1 month ago | 390 viewsThe speech highlights New Zealand's efforts to sustainably grow its tourism sector through initiatives like the Regional Events Promotion Fund, Major Events and Tourism Package, and investments in infrastructure such as cycle trails and the New Zealand International Convention Centre. It emphasizes the importance of coordinated national leadership, streamlined regional collaboration, and long-term investment to support tourism as a strategic national asset, culminating in the upcoming Tourism Policy Statement to provide clear direction and governance. The government aims to balance boosting visitor demand with enhancing supply capacity, ensuring growth benefits both visitors and New Zealand communities while protecting unique local experiences.
Tags: John Glover Susan Houge Mackenzie Otago Tourism Policy School New Zealand Tourism Growth Roadmap Tourism System Review Tourism Policy Statement Michelin Guide Regional Events Promotion Fund 2026 Hospitality SummitGovt.nz App Update: New Digital Wallet and Secure Messaging Features Coming Soon
1 month ago | 318 viewsThe Govt. nz app will soon offer new digital features, including a digital wallet for storing accredited credentials from government and private sectors, supported by the Government Credential Issuance Platform. Hospitality New Zealand is collaborating to introduce a digital Kiwi Access Card for age verification, enhancing convenience and security without physical cards. By July 2026, secure messaging will enable direct communication from government agencies, while app use remains voluntary alongside existing service channels.
Tags: Govt. nz app Judith Collins digital identity digital wallet Government Credential Issuance Platform Hospitality New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act Kiwi Access Card New Zealand government servicesNew Bill to Reform NZ Alcohol Laws Boosts Hospitality and Reduces Red Tape
1 month ago | 289 viewsA new Bill has been introduced in New Zealand to simplify and reform alcohol laws, reducing bureaucratic red tape and supporting economic growth, particularly benefiting the hospitality sector. Key changes include streamlining licensing processes, allowing extended hours for major events, permitting clubs and certain restaurants to serve alcohol more flexibly, and exempting hairdressers and barbers from onerous licensing requirements. The reforms aim to balance responsible adult choice with harm reduction, with further improvements expected following ongoing sector consultations and regulatory reviews.
Tags: Nicole McKee David Seymour New Zealand Sale and Supply of Alcohol Amendment Bill alcohol laws reform hospitality sector Ministry for Regulation Rugby World Cup hairdressing and barbering licensed premisesNZ Hospitality Summit 2026: Boosting Economy and Supporting Industry Growth
1 month ago | 358 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasized the hospitality industry's significant contribution to New Zealand’s economy, generating over $9 billion in GDP and shaping visitor experiences. Since the first Hospitality Summit in 2024, the government has collaborated with the industry by introducing the Michelin Guide, investing in regional tourism, supporting major events, and reviewing regulations. The 2026 Summit focused on reflecting progress and planning practical steps to build a strong, resilient hospitality sector through continued partnership between government and industry.
Tags: Louise Upston Tourism and Hospitality Minister Hospitality Summit 2026 New Zealand economy Hospitality New Zealand Restaurant Association Michelin Guide Hospitality Sector Review Regional tourism Hospitality industryInternational Visitors Boost New Zealand Tourism with $12.5B Spend in 2025
2 months ago | 426 viewsInternational visitors to New Zealand are rapidly returning, with tourism contributing $12.5 billion to the economy for the year ending December 2025, a 3% increase from the previous year. Visitor numbers have reached 90% of 2019 levels, with spending per visitor and daily spending both rising, boosting local businesses and jobs. The government aims to double the value of tourism exports by 2034, highlighting the sector’s importance as New Zealand’s second-largest export earner.
Tags: New Zealand international visitors tourism visitor spend Louise Upston Australia United States hospitality MBIE tourism exportsNew Zealand Tourism Hits $46.6B in Spending, Boosts Jobs and Economy
2 months ago | 435 viewsNew Zealand’s tourism sector continues to grow, with total expenditure reaching $46.6 billion for the year ending March 2025, driven by a 7% increase in overseas visitor spending and arrivals. Tourism employment rose by 2.8% to 327,888 people, representing one in nine jobs, and tourism contributes 7.7% of GDP as the country's second highest export. The Government supports this growth through initiatives like the $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package and easing visitor visa requirements, aiming to boost regional economies and sustain long-term development.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Stats NZ Tourism Satellite Account NZeTA Government Tourism and Hospitality Minister Tourism sector Overseas visitors Major Events and Tourism PackageGovernment Invests $200K to Boost Waimate Trail Tourism and Local Growth
2 months ago | 448 viewsThe Government is investing $200,000 to complete stage one of the 67km Waimate Trail, a project that highlights South Canterbury's unique landscapes and supports local tourism. This funding, part of a $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package, will finish the 13km stretch from Waimate to Waihao Forks, with the local community having already raised 80% of the needed funds. The trail aims to boost regional economic growth by attracting visitors and connecting with existing track networks, with completion expected by late April or May.
Tags: Louise Upston Waimate Trail South Canterbury Tourism Government Waihao Forks Major Events and Tourism Package Local Tourism Economic Growth Hospitality MinisterNew Insights Reveal Why and How New Zealanders Travel Domestically in 2025
2 months ago | 463 viewsThe new Domestic Visitor Survey, conducted in late 2025, reveals that three in five New Zealanders took overnight trips and nearly half took day trips in the previous six months, with main motivations being visiting family and relaxation. Domestic tourism accounts for about 60% of New Zealand's tourism expenditure, making these insights crucial for industry planning and responding to travel trends, especially as international visitor numbers recover post-COVID. The survey highlights high trip satisfaction, common planning methods, and barriers like cost and weather, with further data releases planned to support ongoing tourism development.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Domestic Visitor Survey Tourism Hospitality Verian Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Tourism Evidence and Insights Centre Covid Census