Hospitality New Zealand has launched a digital gift card program to encourage consumers to spend in food, drink and hospitality venues hit hard by Covid-related lockdowns. 

Called the Koha Card, and launched in partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and Mediaworks, it can be bought online and sent to any smartphone number, stored digitally and can be redeemed at any hospitality venue. 

Cards can be bought online at the Hospitality New Zealand’s website Kohacard.co.nz and Giftstation’s website giftstation.co.nz and be used at eftpos terminals in participating venues.

Hospitality NZ CEO Julie White describes the card as a solution for the times.

“It comes when people need something aspirational to look forward to and as our less-contact lifestyles are fast becoming the norm. It caters for consumers looking for something different to gift to friends, and it takes the guesswork out of choosing a gift, letting the recipient choose what he or she wants from their favourite business or venue,” she said.

“Being digital and contactless means you can shout friends or family a gift of a coffee, a meal, or a staycation of any value you want and it doesn’t matter where you live or if you’re at different alert levels. This is game-changing technology the industry has been waiting for.”

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners MD Chris Litchfield says the past 18 months has been a challenging period for the hospitality sector.

“The Koha Card is a great initiative from Hospitality New Zealand to help drive much-needed support to local businesses, restrictions permitting.”