With an escalation in crime and aggressive behaviour incidents being reported around the country, we know that for many hospitality business owners, safety and security is top of mind.

We strongly believe that no one should feel afraid to commute to and from their workplace, or feel unsafe at work. To combat this issue, we’re advocating for increased social investment to address the root causes of crime, as well as direct investment in crime prevention.

The Restaurant Association is also committed to providing you with the support you need. Some of the areas where we can support you include:

1. Safety & Security portal: The Association’s Safety & Security portal provides guidance and links for business owners to help keep you, your teams and your business safe. You can also find out more below about the Crowded Places strategy, which provides guidance around protecting our crowded places from threats or attack.
2. De-escalation Training: Our recently launched programme will equip you and your teams with the skills to manage aggressive behaviour and potentially dangerous situations. We have in-person training which we can arrange to be delivered to your teams. Contact us for more information.
3. Crowded Places Strategy:  The Association is involved in the Crowded Places strategy steering group. This strategy helps owners and operators of crowded places protect the lives of people working in, using and visiting their crowded place. There are a range of resources and guidance – find out more below.
4. Advice: For any concerns, we can connect you with experts who can provide you with the necessary  guidance – our team can also  assist with creating policy etc. Get in touch on 0800 737 827.
5. Crisis Support and Training: We can also provide assistance in times of crisis, including guidance on how to communicate with authorities, media, and your own teams in the aftermath of an incident.
6. Mental Health Support: RA members can access mental health support services. This includesresources and tools to help you and your employees cope with stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
7. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Members can access EAP support through our assistance programme. EAP can provide your team with a range of services such as counselling, mental health support, and stress management. These programmess are designed to help people handle personal problems that might adversely impact their work performance, health, and well-being.
8. Financial Planning Resources: For those facing financial difficulties as a result of these challenges, we have resources available to help you plan and navigate these issues.
9. Health and Safety Plan Review: We offer services to review your existing Health and Safety plans and provide expert advice on how to improve these, ensuring they align with current best practices and are well-equipped to handle the changing dynamics of crime and violence.
10. Security Consultation: For businesses looking to enhance their security, we can arrange  a consultation service to guide you through best practices in crime prevention.

Remember, we are here to help you navigate these challenging times. If you need additional support or resources not listed here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team directly.

Useful information:

• jump to the Restaurant Association Safety & Security Portal here.
• find out more about Crowded Places on the NZ Police website here.