The amalgamation between Hospitality New Zealand and the Motel Association of NZ has now been formalised with the signing of the contract, late last week in Nelson, at Hospitality NZ’s annual conference.

“After 6 months of really positive talks and working through the process to ensure we benefit all members across the entire industry, we are very pleased to have reached this moment,” says national president of Hospitality NZ, Adam Cunningham.

The two associations’ boards are excited about what the future now holds.

The combined current membership is in excess of 3300 members spread across NZ, combining all parts of the hospitality sector, including motels, hotels, cafes, bars, restaurants and retail beverages.

“This is also an opportunity to really support the accommodation sector with the launch of the Accommodation NZ brand within Hospitality NZ,” says Peter Nash, national president of MANZ and soon to be chair of the advisory council set up to help develop the future of the Accommodation NZ brand.

According to Cunningham, it is “about helping our current members get more support, resources, supply partnerships and a united voice both locally and at a national level”.

“The future is very exciting and we look forward to the coming months whilst we operationalise this fantastic opportunity,” he concludes.

NZ’s peak tourism body, the Tourism Industry Association NZ (TIA), is looking forward to working with the motel and hospitality sectors as they transition to a new representation model.