The Hospitality Dashboard is a quarterly snapshot of the industry, covering key data, industry-led initiatives, member commentary, future considerations and common business pressures.
In the 3rd Quarter of 2026:
Most regular feedback:
- Customer spending remains constrained — Reduced customer demand and spending was the most commonly identified challenge, as pressure on household budgets continued to affect hospitality trade.
- Operating costs continue to squeeze margins — Wage costs, food costs, consumables and fixed operating costs remain significant pressures. Half of survey respondents said their business was less profitable than a year earlier.
- Keeping costs under control — Members are reviewing costs and improving business systems to protect margins. Even where sales have increased, higher operating costs are limiting the benefit.
- Health and wellbeing — Among survey respondents, 28 per cent rated their wellbeing poor or very poor, while 43 per cent rated it fair.
- Recruitment pressures easing — Junior recruitment was considerably easier, although experienced chefs and front-of-house staff remained harder to find. Quieter winter trading and lean staffing structures also influenced staffing needs.
Association activity over the quarter:
- Advocacy
www.restaurantnz.co.nz/advocacy
The Association provided feedback on interchange fees on commercial cards, AEWV labour market testing requirements and food safety verification processes. - Hospitality Summit Report
The Association and Hospitality New Zealand released Serving Success: Hospitality Summit Report 2026, setting out industry priorities across employment and immigration, alcohol policy, tourism, regulatory compliance, and skills and training. - Hospitality Sector Regulatory Review
The Ministry for Regulation released its final review following extensive Association input. Its 24 recommendations propose changes to food safety, alcohol licensing and wider regulatory processes. - Election Manifesto
We released our 2026 Election Manifesto, outlining practical priorities across workforce, tourism, regulation, business capability and safer hospitality precincts. - Secondary school pathways
The Association continued contributing to the consultation group developing the new secondary school hospitality subject, helping ensure it reflects industry needs and supports pathways into hospitality careers. - Member support and professional development
Our Helpline received 944 member enquiries during Q3, and the Association delivered 14 workshops and webinars, including first aid, immigration, food safety and management training. - Workforce development
HospoStart delivery continued in Auckland, alongside confirmation of a new Bay of Plenty contract for up to 96 participants annually. Seventeen students also took part in the Canterbury ServiceStart programme in September. - Kai Keepers national expansion
Government funding was secured to extend Kai Keepers nationwide. Preparation progressed for the expanded programme, which aims to recruit 200 hospitality businesses to reduce food waste and associated costs. - Member spotlight: Helen Turnbull
The owner and chef of 50-50 shares her approach to teamwork, developing people and building a community around her Kāpiti Coast restaurant.
Download the Q3 2026 – Restaurant Association Quarterly Hospitality Dashboard