Hospo NZ calls for Minister of Hospitality

Hospitality NZ is calling for the appointment of a Minister of Hospitality from the incoming government following the October election, as well as changes to immigration and alcohol policies, tourism funding and industry training.

The new Ministerial role is one of seven requests from the industry body, which has released its election manifesto and is also asking political parties to commit to:

 ·       more support for industry training

·       changes to immigration policies

·       enduring funding for tourism

·       a handbrake on regulation

·       changes to alcohol policy

·       levelling the playing field with short-term rental accommodation.

Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Julie White says the industry’s demands are straightforward, easily achievable and will be felt beyond the immediate hospitality industry.

Hospitality NZ outlines its priorities each election cycle for ministers, MPs, and candidates. Julie White says that the 2023 election is more significant as the industry continues to struggle to recover from the impact of COVID and economic pressures, and as New Zealand heads into a recessionary period.

“Hospitality plays a very significant role in New Zealand’s economy, employing many thousands of people and their families, and helping to attract and take care of hundreds of thousands of tourists, so healthy hospitality means a healthier economy.

“If the next Government, whatever its makeup, is serious about returning the economy to where it was before COVID, it must pick up these seven asks.”

Hospitality NZ’s seven-point manifesto is:

A new Minister of Hospitality: Establish a Minister of Hospitality and a dedicated hospitality unit within MBIE to provide leadership, coherent policy direction, support, and development for the industry.

Support the hospitality workforce: Encourage hospitality career pathways and invest in training to get more Kiwis into hospitality.

Holistic approach immigration: Craft an holistic immigration approach, taking into account how immigration impacts other areas of both policy and the economy, and ensure the immigration system is fit-for-purpose for all parts of the economy. Median wage benchmarks for working visas should be removed and partnership work rights should be reinstated.

Enduring funding for tourism: Create an enduring fund for tourism and build a more competitive international business events package, including GST-free conference ticketing for international delegates.

A handbrake on regulation: Understand the cost pressures of the hospo sector and work with the industry to improve regulations and ease compliance.

Changes to alcohol policy: Abandon the Local Alcohol Policy process and default to national settings, as laid out in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.  The Duty Manager role and requirements should be eliminated, instead making Responsible Service of Alcohol training compulsory for all front-of-house staff.

Levelling the playing field with short-term rental accommodation (STRA): Implement a national register for STRA properties and assist with levelling the field for all commercial providers.

W: Find the full manifesto at hospitality.org.nz/s/advocacy