Data from Kiwi-owned job seeker platform ZEIL indicates a 15% increase in hospitality job openings over the past year, reflecting a boost in confidence within the sector and the broader economy.
“We’re starting to see genuine momentum return to hospitality. Employers are hiring again, new venues are opening, and there’s more movement in the job market. It’s a sign that the sector and the economy more broadly are finding their feet,” Caitlin Langlands, Marketing Manager at ZEIL, said.
Meanwhile, Hospitality New Zealand Head of Communications and Advocacy, Sam MacKinnon, said operators are increasingly optimistic about the coming months.
“It’s great to see positivity around hiring as we head into the summer period.”
“The rise in job opportunities signals people are confident about strong trade across hospitality returning, and that confidence flows through to communities and local economies.”
The recovery is evident nationwide, with regional operators noting improved trading conditions and increased demand for skilled workers. Following years of staff shortages and financial strain, businesses are now focusing on rebuilding their teams and preparing for growth instead of merely surviving.
ZEIL and Hospitality New Zealand both said the recovery showcases the resilience of an industry vital to local economies, providing jobs for tens of thousands of New Zealanders and promoting social ties in communities nationwide.
Although challenges like cost pressures and visa delays persist, recent data indicates the sector is becoming more stable as it approaches the busy summer season.