This short snapshot survey, conducted in March 2025 by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, gathered insights from hospitality businesses on how their summer trade performed compared to previous years.
Overview:
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Mixed results across the sector, with some regions experiencing stronger summer trade while others reported a decline compared to previous years.
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Weather had a noticeable impact on business, with prolonged wet or unsettled conditions dampening customer turnout in some areas.
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Staffing remained a major challenge during the busy period, with many operators noting difficulty in finding and retaining summer staff.
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Cost of living pressures and reduced discretionary spending were frequently cited as reasons for softer trade.
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Events and tourism were key drivers of success in areas that performed well, particularly in destinations with strong visitor numbers.
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Operators are continuing to adapt trading hours, menus, and promotions in response to changing customer behaviours and spending patterns.
MEMBER FEEDBACK:
“Overall, our position is better than many in our region and for that I am eternally grateful. We have great staff and food options and our location makes it easy for customers to park and come in.”
“The rising cost of doing business is becoming a critical issue. Generally speaking we need to increase our prices by 4-6% but these costs are a fairly significant impact to the consumer who are already feeling the pinch. The difficulties are that every single cost is going up annually.”
“This would have to be the most difficult time in my 11 years of business ownership to make it work. The economy is clearly impaired quite significantly and it is quite desperate times.”
Download the Viewpoints on Summer trading – March 2025
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