Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois to leave role
Tuesday, 3 February 2026
Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois is leaving the industry group at the end of February, after 14 years.
The hospitality veteran told The Post she will take a break for three months to travel and spend time with family, before exploring other leadership or governance roles across the public, private and charitable spaces.
Restaurant Association general manager Nicola Waldren, who has been part of the association’s senior leadership team for 20 years, will assume the role.
Read More:
Dragon’s Den in the sky puts Kiwi startups with global investors
Why New Zealand’s shop hours feel outdated ‒ what retailers say
“I’ve achieved a lot of the things that we set out to do, it’s time for a change, and it’s time for a bit of a rest as well,” Bidois said.
She has overseen significant events affecting the industry, including helping venues navigate the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In the Covid years especially, time flew by, because there was so much going on … 2020 to 2023, even up to 2024, was just really intense, head down.
“The past five years have been the toughest on record for the industry. It’s been a challenging time for industry, but there are some positive signs coming up.”
Bidois said advocating for and then seeing a Minister for Tourism and Hospitality appointed had been a part of her work she had been most proud of during that time, alongside the Michelin star programme for the regions.
Restaurant Association president Mike Egan said Bidois had been a “tireless and highly respected advocate” for hospitality and the industry membership group, overseeing more than 10,000 businesses.
“She has led the sector through some of its most challenging moments with integrity, clarity and an unwavering focus on people.
“During her tenure, Marisa helped secure major policy outcomes, strengthened industry capability, and guided the sector through Covid-19, natural disasters, and ongoing workforce and regulatory challenges.”