Second Hospo Summit Report released
A report setting out further recommendations to strengthen the future of New Zealand’s hospitality industry has been released, following the 2026 Hospitality Summit.
The Summit, hosted by Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon Louise Upston in conjunction with Hospitality New Zealand and the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, was held at Parliament in March 2026.
It involved more than 70 industry stakeholders and government officials who discussed a range of issues, including employment and immigration, alcohol policy, the intersection between tourism and hospitality, data, licensing and regulatory compliance, and skills and training.
It built on the inaugural 2024 event, where 63 recommendations were made. Of those, Hospitality NZ says that 21 have either been completed or are nearing completion, and work remains underway across those priorities that remain outstanding.
The 2026 Summit Report contains a further 13 recommendations for Government and industry action.
These include placing greater weight on industry experience and career progression in employment-based immigration pathways, and reframing the object of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.
Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Kristy Phillips says the 2026 recommendations report provides a clear roadmap for where the hospitality and accommodation industry believes further progress can be made.
“The first Hospitality Summit showed what’s possible when our industry and Government work together, sharing perspectives and insights, and we’ve made strong progress on the recommendations that came out of that process.
“This second report builds on that work, outlining where we’ve taken steps forward while also identifying where longstanding issues remain, and where new challenges have emerged.”
Restaurant Association General Manager Nicola Waldren says the report reflects the priorities raised directly by hospitality businesses and industry representatives.
“These recommendations are practical and focused on creating the conditions hospitality businesses need to invest, grow and create rewarding careers.
“What matters now is continuing to turn that collaboration into changes that operators can see and feel in their day-to-day businesses.”
