Source: New Zealand Government
Good morning,
Thank you for inviting me to address the Hospitality Conference 2025 right here in Wellington today. I would like to begin by acknowledging:
- Nick Keene, National President of Hospitality New Zealand,
- Steve Armitage, Chief Executive of Hospitality New Zealand,
- members of your Board, and
- the members of your team who keep it all running.
Thank you for the opportunity to be with you here today, to celebrate your success as an industry, and to share what has come through strongly – about how I – and the Government – can support you, our hard-working hospitality industry.
The last time I saw some of you, I was impressed by the ideas for reform coming from the inaugural Hospitality Summit – that was hosted at Parliament – in December. You made clear your calls for levelling the playing field with off-licences – simplifying the complexities of licensing – and ensuring we support hospitality businesses to innovate and grow.
You’ve also made your opinions clear – through other channels – in conversations directly with me – in submissions to Councils – and in your submissions on central government law reform. You have spoken – a lot – and I have been and still am – listening.
This conference is another opportunity for our nation’s hospitality leaders, innovators, and operators to come together. It is therefore an honour as the Minister responsible for alcohol policy, to outline some of the Government’s work for the sector. I am here to reflect back what you have shared – and to talk about how we intend to respond.
As you heard earlier from my ministerial colleague, Hon Louise Upston – Minister for Tourism and Hospitality – this Government is focused on growth. The hospitality and events sector contributes billions to our economy every year. We know that tourism and hospitality are areas where there is potential to grow our economy and increase employment.
You’ve made it clear that smart changes to our current settings could make it easier to do business – run events – and drink responsibly. I share your views that supporting a safe consumption environment brings both social and commercial benefits.
We know that most New Zealanders do drink responsibly, that going out for dinner with a friend, going to a festival, or getting a bottle of wine to enjoy at home – that is part of Kiwi culture, and rightly so. That demand is great for business, great for our culture sector, and great for fostering innovation.
I am cognisant of the fact that – at the same time – we need to keep New Zealanders safe. You will have seen that this government is committed to reducing violent crime. On this front, the Hon Paul Goldsmith and I announced a Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime last year. That group has already come back to us with a package of reforms which will give Kiwi businesses additional tools to deal with those who are robbing them of their livelihood and economic growth.
We know that your industry has felt the effects of crime – that crime is bad for business and that it’s bad for the people making their way to and from your business.
With this in mind, I’m carefully considering what would make the alcohol space safe for everybody. However, crafting a considered – coordinated approach takes work – and I am still working through that – but I want to outline a few key themes that have emerged from our ongoing dialogue:
First, we need to provide more consistency and certainty for events.
Events are also a big part of the hospitality sector with huge benefits to your businesses – the economy at large – and to the people attending them.
You’ve raised concerns that special licensing can be inconsistent, and that it’s not always transparent to you why some conditions are required or not. I am considering a better approach in this area, one that could recognise the range of events and their characteristics.
Variation will always be a part of this landscape, but I have asked for advice about how to be more consistent and transparent. You’ve told us that dealing with multiple local Councils provides extra complexity – especially when touring an event or artist in multiple towns around the country – so I’m thinking about that too.
You’ve also expressed frustration – about the time-consuming process that central Government takes to pass licence exemptions for televised events like the Rugby World Cup. These are exciting events where we want to host both tourists and encourage New Zealanders to come out and celebrate together. I’m looking at how we can streamline the process to make that happen without the usual rigmarole around getting an exemption.
Secondly, the process of getting and keeping a liquor licence should be easier.
Getting an alcohol licence is an important step obviously – for you, but it contributes to the outcomes we all want – everyone enjoying their night out, drinking responsibly – with you. But I am aware that there are frustrations with the process, and I’m working on clearing the path and making it fairer for all.
You need a licensing process that is balanced – that can hear the right voices and take into account what the community wants. That includes the business community – especially small businesses.
Keeping your licences – is just as important as getting them. I have heard your concerns that changes in the way local councils considers alcohol policy can create uncertainty for you. However, we also recognise that it’s important for local communities to make the rules for their communities and not central government – but the rules must be fair, and evidence based if it is to quell harm. I’m thinking about how we can find solutions that work for everyone, I expect we will need to meet in the middle on some things – but certainty for businesses and safe communities are a goal.
Third, we need to keep everyone safe.
The hospitality industry is about people, and ensuring people are welcome and safe is what you do for a living. I know that the safety of your patrons, and your staff, is paramount. If it wasn’t your businesses would fail.
Crime and harm will ruin a good night, and even a life, whether it’s out on Courtney Place, K-Road, or in their own homes. Our festivals and events aren’t fun – if people get hurt. A safe society is a prosperous society.
I’m thinking about that too in our alcohol policy, about whether I need to change anything to drive down the violent crime which is causing harm in our communities.
Lastly, innovation should be supported.
Operating in a regulatory regime can mean that the law isn’t keeping up with the innovative practice shown by business. The country needs businesses which use new ideas, knowledge and technology to develop better ways of doing things to help the New Zealand economy grow.
Reducing the regulatory burden on you means you can invest more in technology and innovation to diversify the economy – and, more importantly – give your customers a good time. You’ve made it clear that you want to do things differently – that there are products and ways of working that you want to try. And I reckon that consumers want that too!
For example, you will see today the work that the Department of Internal Affairs has done to get a framework for digital identity credentials up and running.
Five years ago we were only dreaming about the possibility of digital ID – but we are starting to see a shift to embracing technological solutions – and this government is serious about using these technologies. It’s important our regulatory systems keep up with this kind of innovation and encourage uptake, to make it easier for you to do business.
Finally, I want you to know – that the Government and I – are listening. Even targeted, specific interventions are important for the businesses they effect. You will have heard about the changes the Minister for Regulation is making to hairdressing and barber regulations, as an example.
I can think about some of the issues you’ve raised with me in this same way. No problem – nor business – is too small.
The feedback you’ve provided about regulatory barriers holding back innovation – is front of mind for me. Where we can make changes easily, we should. Where challenges are more complex, we will work together – to navigate them.
I reckon that I want many of the same things you do, and I’m appreciative of the concerns and successes you’ve shared with me to date. You have identified the problems – and I am working on some of the solutions for you.
Thank you for inviting me here today – I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to discuss my thoughts with you. I look forward to future discussions and encourage you all to keep going – momentum will build as our economy continues to grow – keep doing your amazing work.
I understand there is now some time for questions.