Wanted: 30,000 workers for hospitality sector

New Zealand's staffing shortage is hitting employers hard this summer as one industry said it would need thousands of workers while an airport warns of operational delays.

The hospitality industry would still need thousands more employees this summer, according to the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, despite employment increasing over the year. 

"We are predicting to need another 30,000 employees to keep up with the pace of growth over the summer period," said the association.

It comes after employee numbers in the industry went up by 0.37% in 2022, reversing the decline in 2021, but still posting the lowest growth level in over a decade, according to the association in a media release.

Per sector, only the Restaurant and Cafe sector reported a 0.66% increase in employee numbers from 2021 to 2022. Three other sectors, however, posted a decline:

• caterers (-6.12%)
• pubs, taverns, and bars (-4.5%)
• clubs (-4.9%)

Employers need sufficient staff to ensure that they can give visitors a "great hospitality experience" when they visit New Zealand, according to Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois.

"We need the staff to be able to capitalise on increasing visitor numbers, otherwise it is a missed opportunity," Bidois said as quoted by Stuff in a report.

The findings of the hospitality sector's shortage were from the recent 2022 Restaurant Association Hospitality Report, which revealed that nationwide hospitality sales have bounced back. According to the report, the industry recorded sales of over $13.38 billion as of September 2022, an increase of 7.7% over the previous year, and a net 10.75% hike than pre-pandemic revenue.

Auckland Airport also hit

The staffing shortage in New Zealand has also hit the Auckland Airport, which recently warned of delays and queues this summer while around 1,600 jobs there remain vacant.

According to a media release from the airport, available roles include cabin crew, airline check-in, baggage handling, security, airport operations and emergency services through to qualified trades, infrastructure development roles, warranted government officers, retail assistants, hotel staff, chefs, baristas, cleaners and waste management professionals.

"These are all crucial roles that help keep the airport ecosystem running smoothly. Travel has rebounded strongly after the borders re-opened and these businesses are crying out for staff from entry-level roles through to senior positions," said Carrie Hurihanganui, chief executive of Auckland Airport.

These thousands of vacancies come as more people are expected to travel during the holiday season, prompting a warning from Hurihanganui.

"If you're travelling this Christmas, we kindly ask for your patience as unfortunately, there could be some longer wait times," she said.

Auckland Airport held a job fair in July which gave over 4,000 jobseekers the chance to connect with 30 major airport employers. It was able to fill more than 500 roles or 17% of the jobs available at the event, leaving around 1,600 jobs still vacant.

"We're pleased with how the Job Fair went in July and the conversion rate that was achieved, but organisations right across the airport system continue to struggle to fill thousands of vacancies, to the tune of about 1,600 roles right now," Hurihanganui said.

The airport chief executive said they are continuing to work with their airport partners on the possibility of another job fair in 2023.