Be prepared to pay more for food and coffee as many hospitality businesses struggle to afford increasing costs, the Restaurant Association of New Zealand warns.
Lack of skilled employees was ranked as the number one challenge and managing wage costs came second for respondents to an association survey.
The association, which represents more then 2200 hospitality businesses across the country, asked members what they thought would be the biggest challenge facing the industry this year.
"With changes to employment law including the reversal of rules around 90-day trial periods and more prescriptive rest and meal breaks, hospitality owners are having to be increasingly creative to keep their businesses afloat," said Marisa Bidois, the association's chief executive.
"Skilled employees play a crucial role in supporting the shortfall of workers in the industry, so it is important that the industry can continue to employ migrant workers where no suitable New Zealand candidates can be found."