To identify and support better ways of meeting needs, and considering issues, initiatives and future skills needed across the hospitality industry, the Restaurant Association has established industry advisory groups.

The advisory groups have been established with the support of Restaurant Association partner, Gilmours.

The overarching purpose of the advisory group is to facilitate regular dialogue about hospitality needs that builds more cohesive, coordinated insights and decision making.

The groups engaged include a diverse group of 8-10 Restaurant Association members from across the industry and around the country who will meet quarterly in a think tank style online meeting, to discuss issues/ideas and initiatives to support the industry development and growth. 

There are four advisory groups:

Immigration & Employment Relations industry advisory group:

This group’s key objectives include facilitating discussions on immigration policies, regulations, and their impact on the labour market, including any challenges created by current policy. The group will provide insights and recommendations for improving employment relations and employment practices for both domestic and migrant workers. Further development of the industry accreditation programme, Hospo Cred, will be part of the group’s discussions. One outcome will be to look at how the RA can foster collaboration between government agencies, employers, and relevant stakeholders to address immigration and labour-related challenges – particularly around balancing government’s objectives around immigration policy with the needs of employers.

Economic Development industry advisory group:

This group is dedicated to addressing how we can enhance regional, national, and economic growth: identifying opportunities for the industry’s economic expansion and ideas around how we get there, promoting hospitality entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, and telling people about the industry’s successes. The group will provide insights on how to stimulate our industry’s economic prosperity and promote resilience in times of economic challenges.  Also the economic development group will consider other policy, including manager’s licensing and local/central regional development.

Environmental Practice & Sustainability industry advisory group:

What do we need to do to advance environmentally responsible practices and promote sustainability across the industry? Are best practice guidelines already in place to reduce environmental impact and enhance sustainability for hospitality, or is further development needed? What connections need to be developed between industry, suppliers, local and national government and other stakeholders? The expertise of the group members will provide insights on green technologies and how we can help members integrate eco-friendly practices into their operations. The Association’s food waste reduction pilot scheme – Kai Keepers – will be tested and discussed amongst the group (some of whom may be pilot participants). Ultimately, the RA seeks to drive long-term environmental stewardship and mitigate our industry’s environment footprint and this group will be a driving force to help us achieve those goals.

Training & Development Skills industry advisory group:

The Training & Development Skills advisory group will be convened to address the evolving needs of the workforce and ensuring that operators and their employees are equipped with the right skills and knowledge. Its primary purpose is to consider our industry’s relevant training gaps with a view to development by the RA to fill those gaps, or collaborations with other partners. The RA’s professional development programmes, Hospo Start, Te Tupu Tahi, and other training initiatives are existing ways we are addressing industry needs and we will utilise the group’s knowledge of these programmes, as well as others, to ensure we remain aligned with industry needs and demands. Through this group we will be striving to enhance employment outcomes and retention, foster career growth, and maintain a skilled and adaptable workforce.

Rangatahi Advisory Group

The Restaurant Association is dedicated to ensuring a thriving a diverse hospitality industry and building a future for the next generation of hospitality professionals has never been more important. As part of the Engaging Rangatahi initiative the Restaurant Association has established the Rangatahi Advisory Group which is made up of 14 talented under 30 year old members, (including two co-chair people).  Group members have been identified from across the country and are working in various roles and sectors within the industry including owners of establishments, chefs, front of house, mixologists, assistant managers and operations managers across the sectors of hospitality.

The Core Pillars of the Rangatahi Advisory Group include:

• Career development and career enhancement
• Empowering Young Entrepreneurs
• Authentic and Engaging Communication
• Celebrating and Elevating Rangatahi in Hospo
• To support Rangatahi in business