The scrapping of Covid restrictions couldn't have come soon enough for the hospitality industry.
All remaining restrictions were dropped as of midnight last night, including the seven day isolation period.
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Armitage told Kate Hawkesby they're surprised it's taken as long as it has, but are keen to move on.
He says we need to trust people to manage their business themselves and this development will mean they can finally move forward with recovery.
Armitage says it will provide much needed certainty for businesses around staff availability.
LISTEN ABOVE

Ryan Bridge: Democracy is a privilege billions still don't have
02:07

Nathan Guy: Independent Chair of Meat Industry Association and Special Agriculture Envoy reacts to National's trade promises
02:47

Full Show Podcast: 06 July 2026
34:19