Hospitality

Skilled hospitality workers are in short supply in New Zealand, so if you love people, it’s an industry worth considering. Between 2008 and 2016 the number of job advertisements for waiters increased by a whopping 20%, and demand for other hospitality-related roles also soared. With more people opting to eat out, and an ever-growing number of tourists flocking to our shores, the hospitality sector won’t be slowing down any time soon. In fact, our food and beverage industry is set to double in value in the next 15 years to $US40 billion, according to a 2014 Hospitality NZ report.

It is estimated that by 2023, New Zealand will be welcoming 4.9 million overseas visitors a year – and enjoying good hospitality will be at the top of their wish list. Not surprisingly, the number of jobs in the industry is also predicted to grow – by around 2.8% each year until 2020, and 1.9% a year from 2020 to 2025. That’s great news for anyone with their sights set on becoming a hospitality professional.

Tourism and hospitality is currently New Zealand’s second largest export earner, providing around 17% of total export revenues. In 2016, visitors here spent $10 billion dollars, up 12.2% on 2015. With overseas visitor numbers doubling every decade since 1970, New Zealand’s hospitality industry has had to lift its game in order to meet visitor expectations and international standards. This has led to a transformation of the sector. When it comes to hospitality, New Zealand is now world-class, with some of the best restaurants, bars – and industry talent – anywhere in the world.

What makes a great hospitality professional?

To be successful in the hospitality industry you must be able to deliver excellent customer service. In fact, that’s the number one prerequisite. You need to have a genuine passion not only for food and drink, but also for people. Hours can be long, with shift work and evening work often required – but if you love creating experiences that make people happy, the rewards are great.

In addition to outstanding customer service, there are a host of other skills and attributes that can elevate a hospitality professional from good to great:

• immaculate personal presentation
• friendly and patient
• top-notch communication, teamwork and leadership skills
• ability to multitask, stay calm and work well under pressure
• specialised knowledge of food and beverage operations
• cross-cultural awareness
• familiarity with Point of Sale (POS) systems
• knowledge of health, safety and liquor licensing regulations
• function and event management skills
• ability to create budgets and rosters, organise supply purchases, keep stock records
• interest in, and knowledge of, market trends and industry developments

Employment opportunities

The variety of hospitality related roles are vast – and growing by the day. Start your career as a bartender, barista, porter, housekeeper, hotel receptionist or waiter. Then once you’ve got a foot in the door, work your way up to more senior roles, or open your own establishment. South Auckland is in the midst of a hospitality revolution and job prospects in the area are excellent. Twenty-one new eateries are in the pipeline as part of Auckland Airports’ 30 year plan, and that project alone will create nearly 400 new jobs!

With the right training and experience, there are plenty of exciting opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential in the hospitality sector. While you’ll inevitably start at the lower end of the pay scale, those who are highly successful can be very well rewarded. Generally, baristas, bartenders, waiters and café workers earn close to minimum wage, at an average of $17 an hour. But move into a café, bar or restaurant manager position and that bumps up to $18-$24/hour, with the added bonus of increased job security. Keen on a career in event management? You’ll start off on around $34K a year, but experience could take you up to $65K a year within a few years. Meanwhile motel managers in New Zealand currently earn between $40 and $90K a year, and hotel managers can earn as little as $38K per year, or as much as $200K a year, depending on the property.

While many hospitality professionals start their careers in restaurants, cafes and bars, there are plenty of other workplace options to consider:

• motels
• luxury hotels
• catering and event management companies
• cruise ships and superyachts
• wine and tourism businesses
• airlines
• nightclubs and concert venues
• franchises
• resorts
• sports clubs
• or start your own business!

Sources: www.careers.govt.nz, www.newzealandnow.govt.nz, Restaurant & Café magazine