The Restaurant Association’s Chevrons – Best of Aotearoa Hospitality Awards are searching for the ‘best of the best’, where winners will ‘earn their stripes’ – a coveted Chevron award.

These awards put recognition in the hands of the hospitality industry itself. No panels, no judges – just you, the people who know hospo best, celebrating excellence across Aotearoa.

From the best dining destinations to the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, our six award categories celebrate the diverse excellence that makes our industry extraordinary.

• Best Restaurant
• Best Café
• Best Bar
• Newcomer Award (Rising Star)
• Hidden Gem
• Service Excellence

What’s next? Find out more here. Voting is open until 19 November, so when you are ready check out the FAQ’s and vote!

We’re excited to see who the industry crowns its champions in 2025. Who will earn their stripes this year?

Following on from the workshop last month on addressing absenteeism in your workforce, this update provides a simplified overview of key tips you should know about absenteeism.

Absenteeism is defined as an employee’s continuous, ongoing absence from work during a regularly planned work period without cause or explanation. Join us as we discuss how to manage employee absenteeism the right way in our webinar.

Stay  informed with the Restaurant Association’s Monthly Helpline Update! Join our helpline advisors for an overview of the latest legal and employment-related developments impacting New Zealand hospitality businesses. Don’t miss out on crucial insights to keep your establishment thriving. Register now

Mark Your Calendar for our upcoming RA Southern Lakes member briefing: Wednesday 15 October, 2025

Southern Lakes Member Briefing – Queenstown

Date: Wednesday 15 October, 2025 @ 2.30pm
Hosted by: Restaurant Association Southern Lakes Branch at Pavilion Bar & Kitchens

Embracing dietary diversity for a competitive edge

Join us in Queenstown in October for an engaging regional gathering with industry expert insights to help your business thrive. Guest speaker, Tammara Lowdell, founder of Eat Choice, will talk to us about the growing number of customers that want, or need, special dietary requirements when eating out. She’ll talk about:

• Dietary requirement statistics that will surprise you
• Emerging trends heading our way
• Real financial data showing how niche dining drives premium pricing
• Simple strategies to turn dietary accommodations into profit drivers

This is your chance to step away from the daily grind, share a laugh, and learn something new. Come for the insights, stay for the connections, leave feeling energized about what’s ahead. 

What’s on the menu:

• Guest Speaker – Tammara Lowdell, Eat Choice
• Meet and connect with our Southern Lakes Branch Presidents, Sam & PJ
• Get the inside scoop on what’s happening across the sector, from you local RA rep, Michelle

Plus, indulge in delicious complimentary food, courtesy of Kapiti Cheese and Barkers. All hosted by the fantastic team at The Pavilion.

RSVP today!

Our regional member briefings are presented with the support of American Express 

View other upcoming events here.

Mark Your Calendar for our upcoming RA Waikato member briefing: Tuesday 16 September, 2025

Ready to mix business with pleasure? Join your hospitality community for an afternoon that’s equal parts insights and good vibes!

Whether you’re looking to catch up on the latest industry buzz, swap war stories with fellow operators, or simply enjoy great company after a busy day, this is your chance to connect.

What’s on the menu:

• Meet Branch President Lisa Quarrie – your local champion in the industry
• Get the inside scoop on what’s happening across the sector, from the RA
• Network with your peers (because who else understands the controlled chaos of hospitality like we do?)
• Indulge in delicious complimentary food and drinks, courtesy of Kapiti Cheese, Barkers and Indevin

All hosted by Lisa and the fantastic team at Hayes Common.

The RA Waikato member briefing isn’t just another industry meeting – it’s your chance to step away from the daily grind, share a laugh, and learn something new. Come for the insights, stay for the connections, leave feeling energized about what’s ahead.

See you there – because great hospitality deserves great company!

Our regional member briefings are presented with the support of American Express 

View other upcoming member briefings here.

Hawkes Bay Member Briefing -Harnessing AI for Hospitality Success

Date: Wednesday September 17th, 2025
Hosted by: Restaurant Association with support from American Express

Join us in Napier for an engaging regional gathering with industry expert insights to help your business thrive.

Matt Crowther and Mell Anderson of Centaur AI will share how harnessing AI can save you valuable time, streamline repetitive tasks, and unlock smarter ways of running your hospo business.

From automating admin and rostering to improving customer engagement and forecasting trends, discover how AI tools can give you back hours in your week and help you focus on what matters most — creating great hospitality experiences.

Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and walk away with actionable strategies for your hospitality business.

What to Expect:

• Guest Speakers – Matt Crowther and Mell Anderson of Centaur AI
• Meet and connect with our Hawke’s Bay Branch President, Prue Barton
• Connect and share insights with your industry colleagues

Enjoy complimentary food and beverages provided by Kapiti Cheese, Barkers and Indevin while networking with fellow local operators and your Restaurant Association representative.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and connected with your hospitality community!

RSVP today!

Our regional member briefings are presented with the support of American Express 

View other upcoming member briefings here.

Restaurant Association Member Briefing – Auckland

Date: Tuesday 9th September
Hosted by: Restaurant Association

Join us at the SKYCITY venue, The Terrace, Level 7 @ The Grand Hotel for an engaging gathering of Restaurant Association members, with expert insights to help your business thrive.  

Roimata Wilkey of Burst Digital will share practical social media tips and hacks to boost your online presence, while Greer Davies, Director at OneMusic, will share insights around the impact of music in hospo businesses.

Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and walk away with actionable strategies for your hospitality business.

What to Expect:

• Social media tips and insights from our guest presenter, Roimata Wilkey from Burst Digital
• Guest Speaker – Greer Davies from OneMusic
• Connect and share insights with your industry colleagues
• Take away actions designed to help your business grow!

Enjoy complimentary food and beverages provided by Kapiti Cheese, Barkers and Indevin, while networking with fellow local operators and your Restaurant Association representative.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and connected with your hospitality community!

RSVP today!

Our regional member briefings are presented with the support of American Express 

Building Business Success

Date: 8 September, 2025
Hosted by: Restaurant Association Northland Branch

Join the RA and fellow Northland hospitality professionals for practical insights that can help grow your business.

What to Expect:

• Update from Branch President Penny Campbell (Sabio)
• Industry & training insights from your Restaurant Association representative, Stuart
• Expert advice on business growth and maximization strategies
• Connect with other Northland hospitality business owners

Come along for an afternoon of practical advice and local connections that can make a real difference to your business.

RSVP today!

From Good to Great: Building Brand Success That Lasts

Date: Wednesday, 27 August, 2025
Hosted by: Restaurant Association Canterbury Branch

Join us for this regional gathering connecting Canterbury members with industry experts on topics crucial to your business success. Join guest presenter, Dean Percy, Managing Director of The Mark, as he reveals the strategic secrets behind transforming good businesses into great ones. Discover how to build your brand into one that delivers both immediate wins and lasting success, while creating experiences that turn customers into loyal advocates—essential insights for any Canterbury business ready to elevate their market presence.

What to Expect:

• Expert marketing and brand insights from our guest presenter
• Meet and connect with our Branch President, Lisa Levy
• A comprehensive industry update from your local RA representative, Michelle
• Connect and share insights with your industry colleagues
• Actionable strategies to help your business grow!

Plus, enjoy complimentary food and beverages provided by Kapiti Cheese and Barkers, hosted by Emma and the team at Twenty Seven Steps.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and connected with your hospitality community!

RSVP today!

Following on from the workshop this month on legal considerations & actions on medical incapacity, this update provides a simplified overview of key tips you should know about medical incapacity.

In New Zealand employment law, medical incapacity refers to a situation where an employee is unable to perform the duties of their role due to illness or injury, and that incapacity is either ongoing or unlikely to resolve within a reasonable timeframe. Employers have a legal obligation to act in good faith and follow a fair and reasonable process before considering termination on medical grounds. Dismissal for medical incapacity may only be lawful if, after proper consultation and assessment, it is determined that the employee is no longer able to carry out the inherent requirements of their role and no reasonable accommodations are possible. Join us for this webinar as we discuss how to go about this process.

Stay  informed with the Restaurant Association’s Monthly Helpline Update! Join our helpline advisors for an overview of the latest legal and employment-related developments impacting New Zealand hospitality businesses. Don’t miss out on crucial insights to keep your establishment thriving. Register now!

Creating a Safer Workplace: Bullying & Harassment Workshop
Join us for an empowering workshop designed to tackle bullying and harassment in the workplace. This session will provide practical strategies to foster a respectful and inclusive environment, equipping participants with the tools to identify, prevent, and address harmful behaviours. Learn how to build a positive workplace culture, understand your rights and responsibilities, and support staff in creating a safe and supportive space for all.

This workshop is designed to be informal and interactive, encouraging employers to share their experiences as well as answer any questions they might have.

This workshop won’t be recorded.

Restaurant Association Speaker Series: 5 Part Hospitality Webinar Package

Join us for a dynamic series of one-hour online sessions designed specifically for hospitality business owners and operators. Each session brings together inspiring and insightful speakers who dive into key topics shaping the future of hospitality. From emerging trends and leadership strategies to operational innovations and guest experience essentials, these conversations are built to provoke fresh thinking and add practical tools to your business toolkit. Tune in, get inspired, and walk away ready to elevate your business. 

Get the full experience
Purchase the complete 5-webinar package and enjoy access to all sessions at a discounted rate. This option gives you the full suite of content — a perfect opportunity to stay ahead, energise your team, and implement fresh ideas across your business.

Session 1 –  Revenue Reimagined: Discovering and Developing New Income Streams 

Presented by Debbie Humphrey 

Session 2 – Navigating Failure: From Closed Kitchens to Bottled Success

Presented by Luis Cabrera

Session 3 – Thriving at Work: Improving Mental Health and Resilience in Hospo.

Presented by Tim Read

Session 4 – Stop Serving Meals—Start Creating Experiences: How to Stand Out & Keep Diners Coming Back

Presented by Stacey Jones

Session 5 – TBC 

Why buy the full series?

• Access to all 5 expert-led webinars

• Save with a bundled discount

• Best value for ongoing professional development

Prefer to pick and choose?
No problem — each webinar is also available for individual purchase if you’d like to select specific sessions. Click here to find them

Restaurant Association Member Briefing – Taranaki

Date: April 9, 2025
Hosted by: Restaurant Association with American Express

Join us for this regional gathering connecting Taranaki members with industry experts on topics crucial to your business success.

What to Expect:

• Comprehensive industry updates from the Restaurant Association
• Preview of upcoming events and initiatives
• Briefing on recent developments affecting hospitality businesses
• Presentation by Alastair, your local Restaurant Association representative, on the latest consumer dining research

Enjoy complimentary food and beverages provided by Kapiti Cheese and Barkers while networking with fellow local operators and your Restaurant Association representative.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and connected with your hospitality community!

RSVP today!

Our MeetMe member briefings are presented with the support of American Express