Hopes changes to chef recruitment rules will help alleviate a 30,000 hospitality worker shortage.

Following industry concerns, the Government's removing the qualification requirement for chefs being hired through the Accredited Employer Work Visa.

The tourism and hospitality median wage exception has also been extended for another year.

Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive, Julie White told Kate Hawkesby she's optimistic the changes will be felt in time for this summer.

She said they really need Immigration to double down and process the visas of incoming chefs quickly. 

"We are in desperate need. We have a critical staff shortage."