Our cities’ souls are being eroded with every hospitality closure – Editorial

THREE KEY FACTS Many of Auckland and Wellington’s most well-known restaurants have closed in recent years during tough economic times. New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.7% in the December 2024 quarter .

Inbound tourism operators expect visitor numbers to recover to pre-pandemic levels in 2027. Many of Auckland and Wellington’s most beloved restaurants have closed over the last year or two – eroding parts of each cities’ souls. Hospitality has always been a boom and bust industry with restaurants failing and launching in equal volumes.



But the concern now is the downs have become more frequent and consistent. Well-known establishments like Pilkingtons, SPQR and the Grove have all closed recently in Auckland ..