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Why Join?

Your link between good food and good business.


1. Support

Running a business is tricky. We’re here to help!

Helpline: Help is only a phone call away. The Restaurant Association ’s exclusive Helpline service is staffed by legally-trained experts who help members with everything from employment relations* to leases and liquor licensing regulations.

We hope our weekly mentoring service will help you steer clear of trouble, but our always-on hotline has your back just in case. Call us anytime at 0800 737 827.
*Services provided for any mediation or authority hearings are available for a small extra cost. 


We have used you on numerous occasions in regards to HR issues. I cannot fault this service. It is amazing to think that for a small fee, we get such great advice. Also, you’ve been a huge help with the employment contracts for our new staff.
– La Cigale, Auckland


Mentor Me:
 
Our resident mentor has been there. With advice from an experienced restaurant owner, this service is like a weekly health check for your business, whatever stage you’re at. The value of this service alone will pay back your membership fee in no time.


I feel you can’t be in this business without the back up from an organisation like the Restaurant Association. Government legislation is only making it harder every year. 
– Miss Clawdy, Auckland


Advocacy & representation:
 
We work hard to make sure your views and needs are at the table when important decisions are made. We work with a huge range of organisations – from government bodies to advisory groups. We build relationships, make submissions and lobby for change to make sure the industry’s voice is loud and clear. Find out more about our recent advocacy here.

Join now to access business services


2. Information & resources

Navigating regulation and legislation for the hospitality industry is a minefield.

We track the latest news and developments and feed them out to you in digestible chunks via regular newsletters and our industry publication, Savour and Inform, our e-newsletter.

Industry research and reports: The Restaurant Association’s Hospitality Industry Report brings together all the research, commentary and statistics you need to track the industry and spot trends. Free to members, our report provides information that isn’t available anywhere else. It’s particularly useful if you’re just starting out and building a business plan. Our Snapshot Surveys offer insights into a huge range of issues while our Survey of Remuneration will guide you on the latest industry rates of pay.


With national industry sales recovery in the hospitality industry, there is sustained economic growth giving hospitality operators the confidence to open new outlets.


Business Resources & Products: 
We’ve built a huge library of handbooks, guidelines and business templates to help you navigate the hospitality industry. You’ll find everything from sample leases to immigration guides – all designed to save you time when dealing with the day to challenges of running a business.

Join now to stay in the know


3. Exclusive discounts

As a member, you get access to exclusive discounts from our fantastic partners. These deals could save you thousands each year.

  • American Express

    American Express is backing the industry and the Association through support of industry events and consumer research. Get complimentary accessories like bill folders, pens, reserved signs and more.

    Read on
  • EFTPOS New Zealand

    Exclusive rates on the best range of payment solutions, including 20% off your terminal rental on a 36 month contract.

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  • Westpac

    You’ll get access to negotiated Merchant Service Fees (including differentiated contactless rates) and a range of personal banking benefits, including discounted home loans

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  • OfficeMax

    Restaurant Association members receive additional discounts off OfficeMax’s already low business accountholder pricing.

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  • Nova Energy

    Enjoy great value electricity, natural gas, broadband, mobile, and EV charging services along with special member offers when you switch over to Nova.

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  • Menulog

    Menulog is New Zealand’s original online food delivery service – providing increased benefits for customers and the 900 restaurants on its national platform.

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  • ServiceIQ

    ServiceIQ is the workplace training specialist for the aviation, hospitality, retail, travel, tourism and museums sectors. We help our customers succeed by growing their talent: Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai.

  • Maurice Trapp

    Exclusive medical insurance scheme, with coverage for pre-existing conditions.

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  • Noel Leeming

    Get great deals every day at Noel Leeming stores. They stock an extensive range from the leading brands with exclusive pricing for members.

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  • Bunnings Trade

    Join the Bunnings Trade PowerPass programme to access a range of exclusive benefits: customized pricing, account management tools, the PowerPass app and more.

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  • Gallagher Insurance (formerly Crombie Lockwood)

    It pays to be well insured. We’ve worked with Gallagher Insurance to create a package specific to the needs of restaurants and cafes.

    Read on
  • Barcats

    Barcats is a bespoke staffing solution designed to help venues save time and money without having to sacrifice on quality of applicants. No more expensive recruitment fees with exclusive pricing for members.

    Read on

Click here to check out how much you could be saving.

There’s also savings of up to 40% off bread, 3 months free Loaded Reports, up to 40% off custom furniture with Harrows, 10% discount with law firm Hesketh Henry should you need specialist legal advice, preferred rates with EAP counselling services, and much more!

Members also receive a free subscription to industry publications Restaurant & Cafe News and Hospitality Business magazine.

Join now to save more


4. Brand exposure

Getting yourself out there can be hard work. Let us give you a boost.

The public face of the Restaurant Association, Dinefind.co.nz helps diners find restaurants and cafe’s near them. It also hosts our Gift Voucher and Restaurant Gift Card programmes and provides other relevant content like recipes and news.

Join now to promote your business


5. Education and Training

Our industry is facing a huge skill shortage.

That’s why education and training are one of our biggest priorities. We’ve designed professional development short courses to help you upskill and to help you do better staff training.

Our programmes pack a lot in so you don’t waste time offsite. Sessions and workshops are livestreamed and recorded from our Auckland training facility, taste., which is also available for hire for the industry. We take our most popular courses across the country with our Professional Development Road Show and there are a series of Webinar recordings available on our website.

Our Hospo Start programme addresses the industry’s recruitment needs for entry level staff and Springboard is a training platform that gives members of the Association a jump-start towards training and retaining your team.

Join now & access training and upskilling opportunities


6. Celebrating, connecting and learning

Celebrating, connecting and learning. Our events keep your business moving.

Food Hui: Two days packed full of inspiration and advice from some of our finest hospitality leaders. Our annual Food Hui gives you the latest industry insights, packaged in quick-fire sessions designed to give you practical tools to take away and put to work in your own business.

Regional Hospitality Awards: Held in 10 regions around the country, our hospitality awards celebrate our decorated industry while giving recognition to excellence in each region for their distinctive differences.

Join our community now


7. Industry news & promotional opportunities

Associate members benefit too!

Industry suppliers get discounted advertising in Savour magazine and our e-newsletters and access to our community of members to showcase your products, plus opportunities to sponsor and attend all our key events. Find out more about Associate membership here or contact us about advertising and marketing opportunities.

Join now to promote your brand


8. Network

Our 12 regional branches host Member briefings – informal meetups twice a year.

You’ll hear from relevant speakers and have a chance to network and chat with other cafe and restaurant owners in your area. We think access to this community of business owners is one of our most underrated benefits. Find a regional member briefing event near you.

 
Join our community now

Mike Egan

Mike Egan

Owner/Operator

Monsoon Poon, Burger Liquor + More

Wellington

Joining the Restaurant Association is the best business decision you will make.

As a small business owner, we have to prioritise a multitude of tasks every day in order our to satisfy our customers and to also run the actual business in a professional way.

We need to have a complete understanding of the regulatory environment prescribed by local and central government. Failing to do this can have a significant economic impact on our viability.

Membership of the Restaurant Association is vital in helping us deal with all of this by keeping us up to date with new developments in “best practice” and providing vital guidance and support in all areas when needed.”