‘Need a more accessible immigration programme’: Marisa Bidois

The recent flooding in Auckland and other cities on North Island due to wild weather has impacted many in one way or another.

The hospitality sector, too, has to bear the brunt of the torrential rain and severe weather over the Auckland anniversary weekend.

Talking to Indian Weekender, Marisa Bidois, CEO of the Restaurant Association, revealed that the hospitality industry is counting the cost of this weekend's weather incident, which has caused significant issues for many hospitality businesses across the North Island.

According to Bidois, “It's clear that this weekend's weather has caused widespread issues to our businesses. A survey by the Restaurant Association has shown that the current weather situation has impacted 85 per cent of respondents. Of those that responded to the survey, 75 per cent have seen a significant downturn in trade, particularly in Auckland, Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty areas, where the anniversary weekend is traditionally busy. Fifty-four per cent of respondents have experienced material damage to their business due to the weather. More than 50 per cent have been forced to close their doors due to damage to their building.”

She revealed that, in particular, businesses are looking for additional support negotiating with landlords and insurance companies to get back on their feet. "We would like to remind all hospitality businesses that the Association is here to support them through this," she said.

Another issue currently impacting the hospitality industry and, more specifically, Indian restaurants is the shortage of Indian wheat flour (Indian atta), particularly in Auckland. Giving her take on the same, she says, “We understand from talking to members that many are facing supply chain issues which have caused a shortage of key ingredients. Many are seeking alternate suppliers or adapting their menu whilst these ingredients are in short supply.”

Undoubtedly, the increasing cost of vegetables is another problem that restaurants are dealing with, making it difficult for them to sustain themselves. “Food costs have been increasing for some time. Combined with increased labour costs, feedback from the industry indicates that most are adapting their menu pricing or menus to compensate,” explains Bidois.

With the recent appointment of Chris Hipkins as the Prime Minister, Bidois says that she has a lot of issues that she needs to work on with the Government, especially in creating better and more approachable immigration policies.

 “In 2023, we are focused on workforce development (particularly as we are experiencing extreme skills shortages), the economy, attracting people to dine out, and choosing NZ as a destination and other areas that will help support hospitality businesses. We will focus on a cross-industry and government approach to reset the employee pathway and attract more people to our industry.”

According to her, an Immigration policy that fits the needs of our growing industry is instrumental to this. “We would like to see more work done on creating a more accessible immigration programme so we can ensure that businesses can access the help they need to run their businesses,” she points out,

Bidois revealed that 2023 would also see the association continuing to sit at the table with industry and Government on the tourism industry transformation plan. “Adoption of an industry-wide accord will be a key focus for us in these discussions and ensuring that HospoCred is recognised through this platform. The early part of 2023 will likely see us enter into bargaining with unions under the Fair Pay Agreement Act," she stresses.

On a parting note, Bidois said that since 2023 is an election year, she will rally to have a Hospitality Minister. “2023 also brings an election with its challenges and opportunities. At the top of our list, and has been for some time, is a Hospitality Minister to ensure we have sufficient representation in central Government,” she said.