Auckland Council unveils digital Hospo Hub

Auckland Council has launched a new online service aimed at helping hospitality operators navigate licensing and regulatory requirements, with more than 200 businesses already seeking assistance since the platform went live in March.

The Hospo Hub brings hospitality businesses to one place for guidance on requirements for topics like food registration, alcohol licensing, outdoor dining approvals, and verification requirements.

The service was developed following discussions at the Mayor’s Tourism and Hospitality Forum, where industry representatives called for simpler council processes and fewer regulatory hurdles for hospitality businesses.

Auckland Council also consulted widely with operators across the sector to identify key challenges and areas for improvement.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said reducing the complexity of council processes was part of a wider effort to support hospitality businesses facing challenging conditions.

“Hospo Hub is about providing a front door for hospitality businesses. By helping operators get the right guidance early, we can prevent costly delays and make it better, faster, and cheaper for them to get open, stay open, and succeed,” he said.

Auckland Council general manager licensing and compliance Rob Irvine said the service will simplify what can often feel like an overwhelming process for business owners.

“Hospitality operators are incredibly passionate about their businesses, but many are navigating council requirements for the first time. Hospo Hub gives them a clear starting point and access to the right advice early in the process.

“Our goal is to make council easier to navigate and help hospitality businesses avoid unnecessary delays. Rather than trying to work out which team to contact or what approvals may be needed, operators can come to one hub, and we’ll help connect them with the right information and specialists.”

The service supports new operators, people purchasing existing hospitality businesses, and established businesses making changes to their operations.