Fixing red tape to help hospitality grow
15 October 2025

The Ministry for Regulation has launched a Hospitality sector review to find and cut unnecessary red tape and modernise rules for the multibillion-dollar industry.
Hospitality in New Zealand generates $15.7 billion in sales and employs over 145,000 people.
Deputy Chief Executive Paul Delahunty says hospitality businesses have told Government they are hurting – overlapping, outdated and confusing rules are holding back growth.
“This review is about making sure the rules are fit for purpose. Hospitality needs regulation that supports, not hinders, the people and businesses that make up this vital sector.”
“We are inviting hospitality business owners, workers, regulators, and representative groups to tell us their stories by making a submission on this review. Your voices will help shape our priorities and recommendations,” Mr Delahunty said.
The Review will cover regulation affecting, restaurants, bars, cafés, food stalls at markets, food trucks, catering businesses and hotels. Gambling regulations are out of scope.
Find out more and provide a submission on the review.
Submissions close at 11:59pm on 12 November 2025.
The final report will be delivered to Ministers by April 2026.