The Restaurant Association of New Zealand is calling on Kiwis to support their local hospitality industry during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Our industry has been hurting over the last two months but we’re a passionate bunch and those that are reopening are looking forward to serving their local communities again,” said Restaurant Association Chief Executive Marisa Bidois.
"Our restaurants and cafes are a much loved part of our communities. We know that diners have their favourite places so for anyone now sick of their own cooking, this is the perfect opportunity to get out and revisit your local eateries.”
Bidois explained that Kiwi restaurateurs are an innovative and collaborative lot and that many of them have adapted their offering to cater to changing needs. This includes take out options, home delivery and gift vouchers for use at a later date.
“The opportunity to reopen for takeaway at Alert Level 3 and then reopening of shop fronts at Alert Level 2 offers a tiny glimmer of hope for our businesses to live another day,” commented Bidois. “But we can only do this with the support of the NZ public who we are confident will want to see their favourite establishments stay afloat.”
The Association has urged people to deal directly with their local restaurants and cafes where they can. Third party delivery apps charge the restaurants commissions on orders and whilst some have adjusted these to lower commission rates others such as Uber Eats are still charging 35 percent in some cases.
The hospitality industry employs 130,000 people across the country meaning thousands of livelihoods are at risk.
“We enjoy a vibrant and diverse dining scene in New Zealand and we want to see that
continue so we are calling on Kiwis to continue to support their local establishments,” concluded Bidois.
“Our message is clear, deal directly where you can!”
The Association has joined forces with local tourism RTO’s around the country to urge Kiwis to continue to take out. It is giving away $200 of dining vouchers every week for six weeks to Kiwi diners.
Kiwis should follow the #TakeOutNZ and head to dineouttakeout.co.nz to find out more.
What Kiwis can do:
- Contact your local eatery directly in the first instance and find out what they have in place
- Check out the Restaurant Association Dine Find Website to see which establishments are operating in your area - dinefind.co.nz
- Buy a dining voucher for use at a later date. See if your local establishment is offering any specials on dining voucher.
- Share your experiences online using the #TakeoutNZ to encourage others to do the same.
To check out some great local spots offering takeaway click here.
