Hospitality Business Magazine

Restaurant Association shows support for Kaikoura hospitality businesses

The town of Kaikoura on New Zealand's South Island.  The town is popular with tourists for marine exploration, especially whalespotting.

The town of Kaikoura.

Representatives from the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, the leading industry organisation for restaurants, cafes and other members of the hospitality sector have travelled to Kaikoura this week to offer support to local businesses through a pop-up advisory office in the region.

The Association is offering ongoing help and advice to members and the wider hospitality community covering what they need to be thinking about in the aftermath of last week’s earthquakes and how they can work through any challenges that may lie ahead.

CEO Marisa Bidois says the Restaurant Association wants to help wherever it can.

“Our members have banded together to assist their fellow hospitality professionals and so many have come forward to offer their support to those in need. We want the industry to know that the Association is here to assist. Our knowledge of the industry and learnings from the Christchurch earthquakes can provide valuable insights for restaurateurs and café owners in Kaikoura.”

Christchurch restaurateur and member of the Association, Michael Turner joined the trip to Kaikoura. He has first-hand experience of rebuilding a business after an earthquake.

Michael Turner says, “Having rebuilt my business after the Christchurch earthquakes I know how helpful it is to hear from people who have had a similar experience.”

Restaurant Association Canterbury Branch President Sam Crofsky will also travel to Kaikoura alongside Turner and Bidois.

The Association was approached by the Marlborough Food and Health Board to make the journey to Kaikoura.