The Government's plan to reduce red tape and simplify food regulations has reflected concerns within the industry.
The Restaurant Association has welcomed the Government’s ongoing work to reduce red tape and simplify food regulations, having outlined that it reflected the concerns and priorities raised directly by hospitality operators.
CEO Marisa Bidois said it was encouraging to see the Government responding to the issues identified through recent consultation with the sector.
“Hospitality business owners are deeply committed to food safety, but the current system can be overly complex, inconsistent, and costly to navigate,” said Bidois.
“We’re pleased to see steps being taken to create a more balanced and supportive framework that enables innovation and removes unnecessary
barriers to operating a food business in New Zealand.”
Earlier this year, the Restaurant Association organised a series of discussions across the country between local operators and the Minister for Food Safety, Hon Andrew Hoggard, to help inform what changes needed to be made to the Food Act.
Bidois says the proposed reforms signal a shift towards a more practical and enabling system, one that recognises the realities of running a modern food business while maintaining the highest food safety standards.
“Simplifying compliance, improving consistency across local authorities, and ensuring fair application of rules will make a tangible difference for hospitality operators,” she said.
“Reducing compliance costs and red tape not only frees up time and resources for businesses but also encourages innovation and job creation across the sector.”
The Association added that it will continue to work closely with Ministers to ensure the next phase of reform delivers real benefits to hospitality businesses and creates a level playing field across the food sector.
Recently, the Restaurant Association’s latest Hospitality Report outlined a significant climb for businesses despite the industry’s dull economic outlook. It reported that New Zealand’s hospitality industry has posted record annual sales of NZD 15.99 billion in the year ending June 2025.
Food price inflation rose 4.6 percent in the year to June 2025, nearly double the general inflation rate of 2.7 percent. Meanwhile, households are still grappling with rising rates, insurance, rents, and everyday living costs, with dining out often one of the first expenses to be cut.
“Every dollar of the 1.4 percent sales growth over the past year has been earned against substantial cost increases that continue to pressure margins across the sector.”
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