Hospitality NZ in the news for 2012

We're pleased to offer members significant savings with our exclusive deals!


Bidvest

Member Benefits Directory



December


Timaru Herald - 5 December 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Bruce Robertson told about 40 licensees and interested parties at the South Canterbury Tri-Agency Partnership's inaugural breakfast that he did not think the bill, which is facing it's third reading in Parliament next Tuesday, would reduce liquor abuse.

New Zealand Herald - 3 November 2012
Bars, restaurants and liquor stores will be forced to move to new trading hours and tighter alcohol rules in their peak season, the Hospitality Association says as the Government moves to pass alcohol reforms into law



November


3 News - 28 November 2012
The Hospitality Association says the city's accommodation is as full as it was for the Rugby World Cup quarter-final here last year, almost at capacity.

New Zealand Herald - 27 November 2012
Hospitality NZ Northland Branch President Phil Sentch, from Whangarei's Rynoz Bar, said the fake IDs were first noticed about three weeks ago, but a door security worker from Auckland realised what was going on after something similar was done in Auckland.

Capital Times - 21 November 2012
'This bill doesn't put any responsibility on the individual," says Hospitality New Zealand's Sara Tucker, after the meeting, adding that "there's a lot of stuff in the bill that wasn't discussed today," including a 'three strikes and you're out' compliance model.

New Zealand Herald - 20 November 2012
Bruce Robertson the chief executive of Hospitality NZ, describes that assertion as "just your inference," but Jefferson says "that's not an unreasonable inference to draw."

Newstalk ZB - 13 November 2012
Canterbury President of Hospitality NZ, Peter Morrison, says there are plenty of options if it rains. "Don't stay at home, come and enjoy yourself with a group at one of our bars, restaurants, cafes and watch the races on the TV."

Wanganui Chronicle - 9 November 2012
Wanganui's hospitality industry is looking forward to a boost in trade this summer, the local Hospitality NZ Branch President says. Mike Hos said provincial centres took a hit during the Rugby World Cup last year.

Manawatu Standard - 5 November 2012
Hospitality NZ waiter of the year: Krystal Simpson (Mao Bar)

stuff.co.nz - 5 November 2012
Peter Morrison, Canterbury President of Hospitality New Zealand, said the surge in applications was "a good sign for the industry," as it meant things were returning to normal.

National Business Review - 3 November 2012
Business lobby groups Business NZ and the Business Roundtable and industry association Hospitality New Zealand wanted full repeal of Part 6A.




October


voxy.co.nz - 30 October 2012
Ms Mehlhopt says Hospitality NZ has brought together a group of key inner-city licensees to meet regularly and discuss further voluntary measures to help reduce alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

foodnews.co.nz - 30 October 2012
Business NZ are conducting the following Better Public Services for Business survey, and have asked Hospitality New Zealand members for support by participating in the survey.

New Zealand Herald - 30 October 2012
Hospitality New Zealand's Northland head Phil Sentch is surprised at the number of non-compliant licensed holders identified during an operation last weekend.

The Press - 28 October 2012
Bruce Robertson Chief Executive of the Hospitality Association, says a decade ago 40 per cent of alcohol consumption was in licensed premises, but now their share is just 25 per cent.

Manawatu Standard - 24 October 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Regional Manager Chris Hince said the charter was a way of formalising what industry members and stakeholders should probably be doing anyway.

Manawatu Standard - 13 October 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Regional Manager Chris Hince said it was unlikely young employees would face any major disadvantage because the wage was only short term. 'It's the cost of bringing them up to speed when they've first left school' Mr Hince said.

Lexology - 10 October 2012
Hospitality New Zealand suggested there should be a more flexible approach to relocating licensed venues than the Bill currently provides.

The Bay of Plenty Times - 10 October 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Bay of Plenty Regional Manager Alan Sciascia said the starting-out wage announced yesterday was not much different to the current labour laws. 'What's changing is the time frame that is applicable," he said.

New Zealand Herald - 17 October 2012
The scanners, which recognise 3000 forms of picture ID, have been welcomed by Police but the Hospitality Association said it would need to investigate the privacy issues around the devices before giving them their support.

foodnews.co.nz - 11 October 2012
The recent Hospitality New Zealand Annual General Meeting has elected two new board members. Clare Davies, general manger for the Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco joins Jeremy Smith, the general manager of the Trinity Group in Wellington, as two new members of the Hospitality New Zealand Board.

Radio New Zealand News Headlines - 10 October 2012
Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson says the scheme will target people who have never been employed and lack skills.

New Zealand Herald - 7 October 2012
One of Parliament's most ubiquitous lobbyists is Bruce Robertson, chief executive of Hospitality NZ, representing 2400 bars, hotels, restaurants, cafes and liquor stores. He told Steven Joyce that a drop in the drink-driving limit would put an end to "responsible social drinking."

stuff.co.nz - 4 October 2012
Speaking on behalf of Kaikoura's Hospitality New Zealand members, regional manager Jeanette Swift said the licence-holders were happy to compromise on the request and close early on Saturday night, but would retain a "business as usual" approach tomorrow night.

The Timaru Herald - 2 October 2012
The owners of a historic renovated hotel in North Waikato are the winners of the Best New/Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel in this year's Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.



September


scoop.co.nz - 28 September 2012
Wellington's Rydges Hotel has clinched the Supreme Champion title at this year's Hospitality Association of New Zealand (HANZ) Awards for Excellence. The strategically locared, purpose-built hotel won accolades for 'Best Accommodation Hotel' and 'Excellence in Customer Service'.

scoop.co.nz - 28 September 2012
Tuakau Hotel owners, Neil Young and Dee Bond were overwhelmed when they were named the winners of the Best New/Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel in this years Hospitality NZ Awards for Excellence, announced in Wellington on Wednesday.

3 News - 28 September 2012
The hospitality industry is rubbishing claims it only puts pokie machines in poor comminities.

Radio New Zealand - 27 September 2012
Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson told the committee moving to a commission-based system for venue operators would be simpler and less costly.

MediaPeople NZ - 27 September 2012
Nelson's popular Sprig and Fern Tavern in Milton Street has been named the best bar in New Zealand in the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards. This caps off a year where the bar had already won its third local award, being voted the People's Choice winner in the Nelson Hospitality Awards.

voxy.co.nz - 27 September 2012
Let us shift gaming machines from low socio economic areas. This was the message delivered to the Select Committee hearing the Gaming (Gambling Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill by Hospitality New Zealand.

stuff.co.nz - 27 September 2012
The Viaduct's swanky Soul Bar and Bistro has scooped the top 2012 Hospitality New Zealand award with Auckland establishments claiming five prizes.

Nelson Mail - 27 September 2012
Waitangi Day and Anzac Day should be celebrated with a public holiday on a Monday every year, says the Hospitality Association.

CCC - 27 September 2012
Programme Manager Strong Communities Alan Bywater says the Council will work with key agencies and stakeholders, such as the Police, the Medical Officer of Health and Hospitality New Zealand, to gather information for developing the LAP.

scoop.co.nz - 27 September 2012
The Yardhouse has taken out top honour at this year's Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence - winning the Excellence in Gaming category.

voxy.co.nz - 27 September 2012
The Auckland winners for the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are: Soul Bar and Bistro, Studio the Venue, The Clare Inn and The Riverhead.

voxy.co.nz - 26 September 2012
A four-star hotel, an upmarket central-city restaurant, provincial dining and drinking establishments and several small town pubs in rural locations, are all among the winners in this year's Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

voxy.co.nz - 26 September 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Bruce Robertson said Judith Tabron is renown for her passion and commitment to the industry - not only running one of the country's best drinking and dining establishments, but also for her dedication to bringing through the next generation of chefs and front of house staff.

voxy.co.nz - 26 September 2012
Little Rock Bar and Nightclub took out the top honour for Excellence in Host Responsibility, the Sprig and Fern Milton Street won the Best Bar category and the Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco won the Award for Excellence in Marketing.

voxy.co.nz - 26 September 2012
Southland hospitality businesses picked up a trifecta of accolades at this year's Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence

The Admin Assistant at Hospitality New Zealand has picked up the Best Administrator in the Whole Wide World Award at this year's Awards for Excellence

voxy.co.nz - 26 September 2012
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell - which traces its roots back to 1827 - won the Best Country Hotel title.

voxy.co.nz - 26 September 2012
The recently renovated and modernised Tuakau Hotel has taken out one of the top titles at this year's Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence - winning the Best New/Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel category.

ScoopNZ - 26 September 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Wellington's Rydges Hotel has taken out the Supreme Champion title at this year's Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

New Zealand Herald - 25 September 2012
Speaking to the Hospitality New Zealand conference in Wellington this afternoon. Mr Brown said he wanted communities and the industry to be able to engage in local solutions to alcohol-related issues.

stuff.co.nz - 24 September 2012
New Zealand Hospitality Association Vice-President Reg Hennessy said he was pleased the authority was "taking that strong hand"

The Dominion Post - 24 September 2012
The licensees of three bars in the Kapiti Lights complex met with police on Friday and established an 'alcohol accord' which will be co-ordinated and managed by Hospitality New Zealand.

voxy.co.nz - 23 September 2012
The future outlook for the hospitality industry is a key focus for this year's annual Hospitality New Zealand conference being held in Wellington at the Amora Hotel on 25 and 26 September, said Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Bruce Robertson.

stuff.co.nz - 22 September 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Bruce Robertson said bars were treated unfairly on special days because licensed restaurants and clubs could serve alcohol without food. Mr Robertson said hospitality providers should be treated the same.

stuff.co.nz - 20 September 2012
Mr MacMillan said police were working with Hospitality New Zealand to get an alcohol accord with all hotels in the area, as in Nelson where people banned for behaviour and intoxication from one hotel were banned from all other hotels.

Radio New Zealand - 17 September 2012
Hospitality New Zealand says it is recidivist drink drivers and others seriously over the limit who are the problem.

Newstalk ZB - 15 September 2012
Hospitality New Zealand's Nadine Mehlhopt says limiting re-entry to bars could help reduce problems caused by people who've had too much.

voxy.co.nz - 14 September 2012
The meeting was called by industry association Hospitality New Zealand as a follow up from the Mayoral Task Force Forum held by Len Brown last month, in a bid to address alcohol and safety on Auckland's streets at night.

The Bay of Plenty Times - 5 September 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Regional Manager Alan Sciascia said it was an important event for the region's hospitality industry.

Otago Daily Times - 2 September 2012
The warning came yesterday, from Hospitality Association of New Zealand Otago Branch President Mark Scully. He said fee increases to be introduced as part of the Alcohol Reform Bill could be the final nail in the coffin.

New Zealand Herald - 1 September 2012
Hospitality Association Chief Bruce Robertson welcomed the vote on the purchase age but said the industry was awaiting the rest of the reforms with some trepidation.

The Daily Post - 1 September 2012
Hospitality Association Vice President and Rotorua Publican Reg Hennessy is disappointed parliament has voted to keep the alcohol purchasing age at 18.



August

 
Newstalk ZB - 31 August 2012
The Hospitality Association says it shouldn't be up to their members to monitor the alcohol consumption of young people.

Otago Daily Times - 31 August 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Otago Branch President Mark Scully and Oamaru Licensing Trust Chairman Ali Brosnan did not believe the country's "issues" with alcohol would be fixed by raising or splitting the age limit.

Taranaki Daily News-Business - 27 August 2012
Mud Bay Cafe in Urenui and Treehouse Bar and Restaurant in New Plymouth have been selected as finalists in this year's Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

Marlborough Express - 23 August 2012
Two Marlborough businesses have been selected as finalists in this year's Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence. The Slip Inn in Havelock and The Store in Kekerengu have been selected as two of the four finalists in the Best Cafe section.

foodnews.co.nz - 23 August 2012
Bruce Robertson's public swipe at the Government's proposed amendments to liquor legislation highlights just how farcical the whole debate over liquor abuse has become.

TVNZ - 23 August 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Bruce Robertson called the changes to the Alcohol Reform Bill as 'surprising.'

scoop.co.nz - 21 August 2012
Futhermore, as one of Hamilton's most popular nightclubs for under 30's, Agenda has been announced a national finalist for Best Music Entertainment Venue by Hospitality New Zealand's Awards for Excellence 2012.

Wairarapa Times Age - 21 August 2012
The White Swan is the only Wairarapa finalist in the 16 award categories, and will come up against the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell and the Tuakau Hotel in Waikato.

The Nelson Mail - 18 August 2012
The Milton St Sprig and Fern is a finalist in the best bar category of the Hospitality New Zealand awards, competing with bars in Auckland, Wellington and New Plymouth.

The Southland Times Facebook Wall - 17 August 2012
4 southern businesses have been named finalists in the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

Waikato Times - 17 August 2012
Several well known Waikato eateries and bars are finalists in the 2012 Hospitality New Zealand awards.

foodnews.co.nz - 17 August 2012
A broad spectrum of country hotels, neighbourhood restaurants and cafes, metropolitan accommodation providers, and 'out-of-the-way' venues have been selected as finalists in the prestigious annual awards.

scoop.co.nz - 17 August 2012
Tuakau Hotel owners delighted to be named finalists in 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence in two categories.

Nelson Mail - 17 August 2012
Four Nelson and Tasman hospitality businesses are finalists in the industry's national awards for excellence. The Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco leads local businesses as a finalist in three categories.

scoop.co.nz - 16 August 2012
There is a strong Wellington presence amongst the finalists announced for 2012 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence. Four Wellington hospitality businesses - three bars and a hotel, have been selected as finalists.

scoop.co.nz - 16 August 2012
Tough economic times in the wider New Zealand economy have been shrugged off by scores of the hospitality industry's leading business operators who have been named as finalists in this year's Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

voxy.co.nz - 16 August 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Bruce Robertson said the industry had seen a continued 'flight to quality' by consumers over the past two years - a trend which was reflected in the high calibre of Nelson entrants into this year's awards.

voxy.co.nz - 16 August 2012
A mouth-watering lamb dish has carried Jarks Cafe and Bar in Waimarama through to the finals in this year's Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

voxy.co.nz - 16 August 2012
A broad spectrum of country hotels, neighbourhood restaurants and cafes, metropolitan accommodation providers, and 'out-of-the-way' venues, have been selected as finalists in the prestigious annual awards. Of the 16 categories, Auckland has at least one finalist in 13 different classes.

Timaru Herald - 6 August 2012
Emma Bailey talks to Claire Edginton, who has worked in the hospitality industry for nearly 20 years, about her new role as the President of Hospitality New Zealand's South Canterbury Branch.

Nelson Mail - 6 August 2012
Hospitality Association of New Zealand Branch President Ron Taylor said he believed things were getting a lot better in the central city and he was happy.




July


3News (Video on Demand) - Tuesday 24 July 2012
Chief Executive, Bruce Robertson told 3News that most hospitality businesses are playing by the rules. "Those doing cash jobs are undermining the industry and competing unfairly with those playing by rules" says Bruce Roberson.

Pokie machine ban irks publican
The Daily Post - Tuesday 24 July 2012
Vice President, Reg Hennessy said the decision of the DIA missed the mark by penalising the community and pokie machine operators, while the trust's board and management faced no penalties whatsoever.

voxy.co.nz - 16 July 2012
Punitive action by Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) misses the target and penalises the community, says Hospitality New Zealand gaming advocate and Vice-President Reg Hennessy.

New Zealand Herald - 16 July 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Bruce Robertson said there was not a widespread feeling within the industry that trading conditions were improving and many businesses would be surprised to see the rise in spending shown in the electronic cards data.

Rotorua Daily Post - 13 July 2012
Hospitality Association of New Zealand Vice-President and Rotorua publican Reg Hennessy said it was policy to give free water to anyone.

New Zealand Herald - 9 July 2012
Hospitality Association Chief Executive Bruce Robertson said designated smoking areas worked well and smokers were generally respectful about where they lit up.

The Bay of Plenty Times - 9 July 2012
The Hospitality Association of New Zealand says licensees are encouraged to provide water, wherever possible, free of charge. Asking for a glass of tap water hardly seems like a big ask and should not be a large cost to the business.

scoop NZ business - 5 July 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Souther South Island Regional Manager Fiona Morton said the site could be viable as a budget accommodation provider up to a three-star standard.

foodnews.co.nz - 3 July 2012
Democracies work best when people are engaged. The same applies to trade organisations such as Hospitality New Zealand. Hospitality New Zealand is a voluntary organisation owned by its members.



June


Otago Daily Times - 28 June 2012
The Otago University Student Association, disability provider Patients and Community Trust and Hospitality New Zealand said in a combined statement they all considered the apartments had merits for their respective uses.

New Zealand Herald - 27 June 2012
Officials cracking down on alcohol - related problems in central auckland have asked licensees to support the voluntary introduction of one-way doors for bars, clubs and pubs after 3am.

voxy.co.nz - 27 June 2012
Work is progressing well in three key areas to minimise alcohol-related harm in central Auckland, based on an action plan developed by the Mayoral Taskforce.

Dominion Post - Letters to the Editor - 18 June 2012
Hospitality Association chief Bruce Robertson is right to bemoan the state of industry training. The issues he raises - too many qualifications, focused on the wrong levels, misdirected funding and industry disengagement - are just a sample of what's wrong, and not specific to the industry.

Newstalk ZB - 18 June 2012
Following his stroll around the city's streets on Saturday night, Mayor Len Brown's voicing concerns about how long bars and clubs stay open for. He wants them closing earlier. Auckland Regional Manager for Hospitality New Zealand, Astrid Fisher, says that might mean a step backwards for the city.

Otago Daily Times - 16 June 2012
At the Hospitality New Zealand police breakfast in Queenstown this week, former Liquor Licensing Authority Judge Bill Unwin said 'it must be possible for people to walk through a supermarket without being confronted by signs or by liquor.'

Otago Daily Times - 16 June 2012
Communities will have a greater say in the concentration and location of alcohol outlets and what times they can open under proposed law reforms, speakers told a regional meeting on alcohol issues in Alexandra this week.

Newstalk ZB - 14 June 2012
Ms Mehlhopt says the task force has discussed banning the sale of single bottles of alcohol in shops that fall into the liquor ban zone.

Otago Daily Times - 14 June 2012
Speaking at the inaugural Hospitality New Zealand police breakfast in Queenstown, Judge Unwin said the Alcohol Reform Bill was expected to have its third and final reading next month, with the only contentious issue being the proposal to lift the purchasing age at off-licences to 20.

stuff.co.nz - 14 June 2012
Bill Unwin, a former judge and ex-chairman of the Liquor Licensing Authority, said liquor licensing would be administered like resource-consent applications within the scope of Queenstown Lakes District Council, under rules that could be in place as soon as mid 2013.

Dominion Post - 12 June 2012
The Government's industry skills training programme costs the taxpayer around $150 million a year.

scoop.co.nz - 11 June 2012
Nominating someone for a Hutt City community award is a great way of saying thank you for outstanding community volunteer work, says Mayor Ray Wallace.

Nelson Mail - 11 June 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Bruce Robertson said the redundancies were a sign of today's economic environment. "Hospitality businesses are having to look hard at cost structures and restructuring."



May


stuff.co.nz - 31 May 2012
Crest has been lobbying the Government to scrap Part 6A and has had support from other companies in the industry including OCS Cleaning, Spotless, ISS Facility Services and Hospitality New Zealand.

scoop.co.nz (press release) - 29 May 2012
Ongoing efforts by licensed premises in Auckland to reduce harm from alcohol continue to be stifled by legislation that does not require New Zealanders to take responsibility for themselves when drinking, says Hospitality New Zealand

stuff.co.nz - 29 May 2012
Surely they jest, those Hospitality NZ spokespeople whose members continue to bank sackfuls of cash from the liquor trade and at the same time wring their hands over the problems of excessive drinking?

Newstalk ZB - 27 May 2012
The Hospitality Association says breweries should absorb a 1.6 percent increase in excise tax, indicated in the budget. It says breweries have already increased their prices once this year.

stuff.co.nz - 26 May 2012
Hospitality New Zealand says more alcohol related problems in the central city involve young drinkers 'pre-loading' at home on cheap alcohol before heading into town.

scoop.co.nz - 25 May 2012
Breweries should absorb the 1.6% increase in excise tax that is expected linked to budget indications, says Adam Cunningham, President of Hospitality New Zealand.

Northern Advocate - 25 May 2012
'The Hospitality Association of New Zealand said that feedback is not just confined to Northland, with other regions getting very similar feedback from visitors, so it's not just us.'

Voxy - 23 May 2012
'In a recent survey, Hospitality New Zealand found that 48 per cent of its members paid themselves less than the minimum wage last year.

New Zealand Herald - 20 May 2012
Hospitality Association of New Zealand Chief Executive Bruce Robertson said 64 of his members had gone out of business since August and the figures were no surprise.

New Zealand Herald - 19 May 2012
Hospitality industry representatives told the Weekend Herald that if a new alcohol tax was imposed, it would pile more pressure on bars and restaurants which were already dealing with big increases in prices from suppliers.

Dominion Post - 16 May 2012
Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said he was surprised by the figures, because a huge demand continued for trained chefs.

Northern News - 16 May 2012
While the bars and pubs in some of the small towns in the region might not meet the same standards as those in Singapore or Los Angeles, Mr Roberts says Destination Northland will meet with the Northland Hospitality Association to debrief the association on the feedback that has come in.

scoop.co.nz (press release) - 14 May 2012
The BNZ - BusinessNZ PSI draws on the depth of member companies associated with BusinessNZ: Employers and Manufacturers Association, Employers' Chamber of Commerce Central, Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce, Otago Southland Employers Association and Hospitality New Zealand.

New Zealand Herald - 12 May 2012
Ascension Wine Estate is a four-time national winner at the Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence, six-time winner at the local Manaakitanga Awards, winner of the New Zealand Beef and Lamb Hallmark of Excellence award every year since 2004.

Nelson Mail - 11 May 2012
As police continue to hit the Bridge St bar area in force during the weekends and the Hospitality Association of New Zealand pledges support to their efforts, a city council initiative is a welcome addition to moves to clean up the streets.

Nelson Mail - 10 May 2012
Little Rock owner and Hospitality New Zealand Nelson Branch president, Ron Taylor welcomed news of the upgrade.

stuff.co.nz - 8 May 2012
David Stones, Taranaki branch president of Hospitality New Zealand and owner of Icons and The Good Home, was heavily critical of some establishments that served food and alcohol before the traditional time allowed in the Sale of Liquor Act.

Taranaki Daily News - 8 May 2012
Taranaki bar and tavern owners were both greedy and disrespectful in opening on the morning of Anzac Day, says the Taranaki President of Hospitality New Zealand. 'Shame on all you bars, taverns and restaurants who opened before 1pm,' David Stone says.

foodnews.co.nz - 7 May 2012
The newly launched Hospitality Training Academy (HTA) is intent on improving the profitability of the hospitality sector, according to HTA chief executive, Bruce Robertson.

stuff.co.nz - 6 May 2012
Interestingly, both Hospitality New Zealand and Alcohol Action New Zealand have found common ground, arguing that off-licence alcohol is too cheap.

Newstalk ZB - 6 May 2012
The Hospitality Association has come up with a new initiative to help struggling bars and restaurants. Nearly half it's members say times are so tough, they're paying themselves less than the minimum wage.

Voxy - 5 May 2012
Lifting the profitability of hospitality businesses is behind the new Hospitality New Zealand Training Academy, says chief executive Bruce Robertson.

Manawatu Standard - 5 May 2012
The city's mayor, Jono Taylor, described it as 'incredibly sad'; Hospitality Association chief executive Bruce Robertson said it was 'good'.

Manawatu Standard - 4 May 2012
Hospitality Association Chief Executive Bruce Robertson said the amount being generated was 'good'. 'The more money being put into machines, the more money going back into the local community for funding', he said.

The Daily Post - 4 May 2012
However, Hospitality Association of New Zealand Vice-President and Rotorua Publican Reg Hennessy said the proposed changes were not good enough.

The Dominion Post - 3 May 2012
Despite the changes, Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Bruce Robertson said it did little to address the country's drinking problem.

Manawatu Standard - 3 May 2012
Palmerston North bar managers are supporting proposed changes to the alcohol purchase age though the Hospitality Association warns they will do little to reduce youth problem drinking. Government MPs are set to debate changes to alcohol purchasing laws.




April


Heading out for a quiet drink this weekend? It's not easy knowing where to go
Wairarapa Times-Age - 5 April 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Bruce Robertson said the rules around alcohol sales over Easter were complex and confusing.

MSN NZ News - 5 April 2012
It may be hard convincing punters to spend the extra cash going out as Hospitality New Zealand says the price of your next meal or drink is about to go up.

3News NZ - 6 April 2012
Hospitality New Zealand President Adam Cunningham says a historical reluctance to life prices across the sector has gradually reduced the profitability of hospitality businesses.

Newstalk ZB - 6 April 2012
Hospitality New Zealand says owners are dealing with an increase in the minimum wage, higher insurance costs, and hikes in the price of beer, dairy produce and meat.

foodnews.co.nz - 10 April 2012
Hospitality customers can expect increases in menu prices over April, according to Hospitality New Zealand President Adam Cunningham.

The Daily Post - 12 April 2012
Hospitality Association of New Zealand Vice-President and Rotorua publican Reg Hennessy said drinking something one was unsure of could be very dangerous. He said the law should change and allow people the choice of buying alcohol on Good Friday.

The Daily Post - 12 April 2012
Hospitality Association of New Zealand Vice-President and Rotorua publican Reg Hennessy is calling for a law change. His staff had to turn away punters at the weekend, including tourists, which isn't a good look for our country.

stuff.co.nz - 15 April 2012
Bruce Robertson of the Hospitality Association says he has no problem with the bill 'provided it is absolutely fair and transparent'. He says it should cover not only paid lobbyists such as himself, but also unpaid lobbyists fighting on the other side.

Whale Oil - 15 April 2012
So to recap, the current book is: Bruce Robertson, current head of the Hospitality Association 25 to 1 Conor Roberts, political operative to Len Brown 50 to 1.

New Zealand Herald - 24 April 2012
Iguacu is one of an increasing number of businesses forced to close their doors - an effect of the financial squeeze being felt in the industry, according to Hospitality Association President Adam Cunningham.

Newstalk ZB - 25 April 2012
In 2010, 38 hospitality providers closed their doors, and already this year, that number has shot up to 65. Hospitality Association President Adam Cunningham says there's no sign of costs easing while people are still cutting down on dining out.

New Zealand Herald - 29 April 2012
Hospitality Association of New Zealand President Adam Cunningham said prepay systems had a negative impact on the dining experience but restaurants which had a problem had to be proactive about preventing financial loss.




March


Octagon overcrowded and out of control
Otago Daily Times - 2 March 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Otago branch president Mark Scully said he would prefer to see the Octagon stay open for traffic. Closing off the Octagon to vehicles would only cause bigger influx of people to the area.

Corkage costs leaves a bitter taste
Auckland NOW - 4 March 2012
Hospitality New Zealand national president Adam Cunningham said there was confusion over the word "corkage" because many people mistakenly thought it was simply the charge for opening the wine.

Couple to face 'multiple' fraud charges
Otago Daily Times - 14 March 2012
Hospitality New Zealand had warned its members about the suspects and police were notified as soon as the couple booked into a Cromwell hotel this week, Snr Const Chambers said.

Nelson Mail - 23 March 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Nelson Branch president Ron Taylor says he supports Mr Chambers' initiative. His position is welcome. Bar owners need to acknowledge their special role in the problems that Mr Chambers highlights.

sharechat - 27 March 2012
Bruce Robertson, Chief Executive at Hospitality New Zealand said "anything that reduces unexpected bills and keeps payment technology online will be well received."





February


Capital ready for Sevens surge
The Dominion Post – 2 February 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Wellington branch president Jeremy Smith, whose Trinity Group owns bars, bottle stores and hotels, said most city hotels were crammed over the weekend.


Media Release - Consumers will bear the cost of increase in minimum wage
Hospitality New Zealand – 8 February 2012
The Government announced an increase to the Adult Minimum Wage from $13 to $13.50. Hospitality NZ says that hospitality operators will have no choice but to pass on these costs as there is no fat left in the system.


Breakfast Show debate on minimum wage
The Breakfast Show TVNZ – 9 February 2012
National President Adam Cunningham and John Ryall from Service and Food Workers’ Union joins TVNZ Breakfast show for a discussion on the minimum wage debate.


Christchurch rebuild starts early for retailers
New Zealand Herald - 11 February 2012
Hospitality New Zealand regional manager Amy Mclellan-Minty said suburban areas such as Riccarton, Merivale and Papanui were hotspots for the hospitality trade in post-disaster Christchurch.


Media Statement - Bars and restaurants have had a "guts full" of absorbing brewery price hikes
Hospitality New Zealand - 20 February 2012
Hospitality New Zealand national president Adam Cunningham speaks out for the hospitality businesses who are getting tired of absorbing costs for price increases that is out of their control.


Price of grog to rise in bars and restaurants
Stuff.co.nz - 20 February 2012
Hospitality New Zealand president Adam Cunningham says failing to pass on brewery's price hikes would result in many businesses going under.


Should smoking be banned outside bars?
TVNZ Breakfast Show - 22 February 2012
Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson joined the discussion on whether smoking should be banned from outside bars.
 
NewstalkZB - 22 February 2012
Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson says the hospitality industry's job is to meet the needs of the customers, and make it easy for everyone to access the outlets they desire.

Silver lining to earthquake devastation
3News TV3 - 22 February 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Canterbury branch president Peter Morrison is feeling positive about the progress. “With every cloud there's a silver lining. I mean we've had this disaster, but we've got to look forward to the rebuild and all that's going to go with it.

Christchurch pokies may remain in the rubble
The Press - News 24 February 2012
Hospitality New Zealand Canterbury branch president Peter Morrison said he was "disgusted" by the council's decision, which would cause more problems for quake-hit businesses. "Businesses have had enough hassle with trying to get insurance payouts and other issues like that, but this is another slap in the face from the city council," he said.



January


Calls to close price beer price gap
Taranaki Daily News – 23 January 2012
Bar owners and operators (some who are members) from around the Taranaki region told the Taranaki Daily News they wanted to see some parity between the price of beer in bars and supermarkets and bottle stores.


Wairarapa cafes choose holiday halt
Wairarapa Times Age – 24 January 2012
Hospitality New Zealand national president Adam Cunningham said surcharges aimed at helping cover the increase in staff
wages. But he said many businesses were instead opting to keep doors shut on public holidays.