The Restaurant Association of New Zealand has welcomed the Government’s announcement to reform health and safety laws, easing compliance burden for small, low-risk businesses.
“Hospitality businesses are some of the most fast-paced, dynamic working environments in the country,” said Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois.
“Our members take the health and safety of their teams and customers seriously, with strong practices in place across training, equipment maintenance, hazard identification, and regular staff discussions.
However, Bidois added that members consistently reported that some current compliance requirements, particularly for owner-operators, were too complex, time-consuming, and not always proportionate to the level of risk involved.
For many, the cost of consultants, excessive paperwork, and ambiguity in the law made it difficult to know what was truly necessary versus simply bureaucratic.
She said that the Association supported the Government’s move to sharpen the focus of the Health and Safety at Work Act and reduce tick-box activities that do little to prevent harm.
Ensuring the system targets critical risks rather than requiring businesses to jump through hoops for every possible hazard would free up valuable time and resources.
“Our recent member feedback highlights that while health and safety is a key priority, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Simplifying expectations and enabling business owners to tailor their approach to the unique risks of their workplace is a step in the right direction,” added Bidois.
“We look forward to continuing to engage with the Minister and officials on the next stages of reform to ensure the health and safety system is fit for purpose—protecting workers while allowing small businesses to thrive.”
The Restaurant Association also offers a comprehensive Health and Safety Programme to support hospitality businesses in meeting their obligations under the Act and its recent amendments.
Developed with industry-specific guidance, the programme includes practical tools, templates, and policies to help businesses navigate compliance more easily. It's a valuable resource for members looking to strengthen their health and safety practices without being overwhelmed.
