Why join the Restaurant Association? We support over 2,500 restaurants, cafés, bars, caterers, food and hospitality businesses nationwide.
We’re passionate about fueling success in the hospitality industry, providing expert advice, training, resources and member discounts – everything you need to start, run and grow a thriving hospitality business. From employment and compliance support, to advocacy for better industry outcomes, we’re here to help you navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Join a connected community of hospitality professionals and take your business to the next level.
1. Exclusive partner programmes
The bottom line is important.
Saving you money is what we do best.
Unlock exclusive discounts from our partners and save thousands each year on the products and services you already use.
American Express
Westpac
EFTPOS New Zealand
OfficeMax
Noel Leeming
The Utility Company
Bunnings Trade
Gallagher Insurance
Loaded
MunaHR
Harrows
Barcats
Eat Choice
Check out how much you could be saving
+ Much, much more
“Joining the Restaurant Association gave us access to advice, training and a community that actually understands the challenges of running a café. Before joining, we were trying to navigate the ups and downs of hospitality on our own, especially during COVID when everything was uncertain. They’ve helped us with compliance, HR, and just keeping up with changes. The RA are the people who help hospo people stay in business; they really care. It’s reassuring to know there’s always someone on your side.”
2. Support
Running a business is tricky. We’re here to help.
Mentor Me
Like a health check for your business, our experienced business mentor provides tailored advice, whatever stage your business is at. The value of this service alone will pay back your membership fee in no time.
Expert Helpline support
Help is only a phone call away. Our legally-trained experts are our secret weapon, with key industry-specific knowledge providing guidance on everything you need to keep your business running smoothly.
* Services provided for any mediation or authority hearings are available for a small extra cost
Advocacy & representation
Advocacy is at the heart of what we do – ensuring hospitality’s voice is heard. We provide leadership for members on key issues, including employment law, immigration, health & safety, food safety, alcohol licensing, and more.
Join now to access our support services
3. Boosting sales and visibility
Getting yourself out there can be hard work. Let us give you a boost.
With $2.4+ million in annual sales, our Voucher and Restaurant Gift Card programmes are proven
revenue boosters for members. Plus, the public face of the Restaurant Association, Dinefind.co.nz, helps diners find eateries near them, attracting new customers and driving business through your doors.3.
4. Industry intelligence
Navigating regulation and legislation for the hospitality industry is a minefield.
We track the latest news and developments and feed them to you in digestible chunks via regular newsletters and our industry publication, Savour online.
Industry research and the Hospitality Report
Our widely-referenced reports – Hospitality Report, Remuneration Survey, Consumer Insights Report, along with industry polls and surveys – keep you informed and up to date, helping you benchmark your business and make informed decisions.
Business Resources
We’ve developed hundreds of essential resources to help you manage your business – ER guides and templates, emergency and security hubs, costing templates, Health & Safety programmes, and more.
5. Network
Our 15 regional branches host informal meetups through the year.
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, our regional member briefings are your chance to connect. You’ll hear from relevant speakers and have a chance to network and chat with others in our hospitality community.
6. Education & Training
Our industry is facing a skill shortage. That’s why education and training are some of our biggest priorities.
Our professional development programme delivers industry-focused live and streamed workshops, webinars, and first aid courses weekly. Plus, access our on-demand training library across hundreds of topics, allowing learning at
your pace.
Our Hospo Start programme addresses the industry’s recruitment needs for entry level staff, while our cookery and f&b traineeship programme, Te Tupu Tahi helps support members in Te Tai Tokerau / Northland. As a member, you can also access the New Zealand Apprenticeship programme, run by ServiceIQ.
Join now to access training and upskilling
7. More deals!
Associate members benefit too!
Industry suppliers (associates) get discounted advertising in Savour online and our many other channels (find out more here) 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.
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“Owning and running a restaurant is full-on, and sometimes you just need people who truly understand what you’re dealing with. The Restaurant Association has been that for us — a community of like-minded business owners who share ideas, challenges, and support. Their guidance through some tough employment situations has been invaluable and has given me real peace of mind.
The team are knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in helping our industry thrive. It’s reassuring to know that whenever an issue comes up, there’s someone I can reach out to who not only gets it but has the expertise to help. Being part of the RA means you’re never running your business alone.”