ADVOCACY UPDATE OCTOBER
Here’s a monthly snapshot of Hospitality NZ’s advocacy work.
Level 4 Chef’s Qualifications
After strong advocacy from Hospitality NZ, the Government has removed qualification requirements for chefs under the Accredited Employer Work Visa. This is a significant win.
Previously, visa applicants had to show they had an equivalent Level 4 qualification or complete a Recognition of Prior Learning assessment (only available in New Zealand) – these conditions were unique to hospitality (other trades were not required to show a qualification) and presented a significant roadblock to getting the skilled staff we desperately need into the country.
In the same announcement, it was announced the median wage exemption would be extended but at 95% of the median wage (as opposed to 90% under the current exemption). With the median wage increasing to $29.66 on 27 February 2023, this places more wage pressure on businesses who need to access international skilled talent. We are opposed to migrant wages rates being tied to the median wage.
We are continuing to advocate on immigration issues.
Tourism Industry Transformation Plan
Hospitality NZ submitted on the Industry Transformation Plan ‘Better Work Action Plan’, the first part of MBIE’s three-part plan, the following two being ‘regenerative tourism’ and ‘funding’. The document itself is fairly vague and we have raised concerns regarding the assumption that the industry is broken to start with, the burden on particularly small business, and that Government will also need to step up investment if they want to see change.
Local Government Manifesto
Hospitality NZ prepared our 2022 Local Government Manifesto ahead of the local government elections, as a tool to engage with new mayors and councillors. We are waiting for the dust to settle before engaging with councils so our vision doesn’t get lost.
We want to show the industry is collaborative and proactive, rather than simply outlining the myriad of issues that face our members. We’ve covered five points – Supporting the night-time economy, urban safety, local alcohol policies, infrastructure funding and short-term rental accommodation.
· Night-time economy advocates for 24-hour economic strategies – how a town or city can be open around the clock – to be investigated by councils as a way to move away from drink being the primary late-night activity.
· Urban safety calls on councils to pursue stronger safety initiatives and lean on police to work with industry more closely on these issues.
· Local alcohol policies outlines other alternatives for councils to endorse safer drinking habits without the costly, time consuming process of LAPs.
· Infrastructure funding emphasises the need for better consideration over who uses infrastructure and a fair and equitable approach to funding.
· Short-term Rental Accommodation advocates for better enforcement of STRA properties at a local level, and asks for support for our Central government efforts.