Hospitality Summit: Data, workforce, regulations key issues for industry

13th March 2026 By Staff Reporter | news@propertyticker.co.nz | @propertyticker

Tackling workforce pressures, improving regulatory settings, and better industry data were among the key industry priorities canvassed at the 2026 Hospitality Summit.

The event at Parliament yesterday, hosted by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston and organised with Hospitality New Zealand and the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, brought together more than 70 industry and government stakeholders in Wellington.

Upston said hospitality was “a huge contributor” to New Zealand’s economy, helping to drive over $9bn in GDP.

“Since the inaugural Hospitality Summit in 2024, we’ve worked constructively with industry, responding to issues they’ve raised,” she said.

“We’ve brought the Michelin Guide to New Zealand, invested in regional tourism promotions, supported more major events across the country, and are assessing the regulatory environment through the Hospitality Sector Review.

“This year’s summit was a chance for industry and government to reflect on progress to date and focus on practical next steps that support a strong, resilient hospitality sector.”

Priority issues discussed included licensing and compliance settings, labour and immigration settings, employment and skills development, and improving the availability of data on the hospitality sector. 

Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Kristy Phillips said the summit provided “a platform for open dialogue between government officials and industry stakeholders to address challenges our sector is facing”.

“It’s been great to problem-solve together and create actionable steps that will strengthen the future of the sector,” Phillips said.

RANZ general manager Nicola Waldren said it was important to have everyone in the room “finding ways to build momentum and create meaningful impact for the hospitality industry”.

“Working collaboratively with government and Hospitality NZ to address the critical challenges facing our sector is crucial to its success,” Waldren said.

A recommendations report from the summit is expected in the coming months.