A good home for tourist levy revenue
Some of the estimated $80 million that will accrue from the levy on overseas tourists should be used to help fund infrastructure development at an iconic tourist attraction according to Te Roroa Iwi general manager Snow Tane.
Mr Tane said the $35 levy to be imposed on every overseas visitor could help pay for more toilets and road upgrades, and help fight kauri dieback, in Waipoua Forest.
The iwi currently maintains the forest and its facilities, with the help of volunteers, who also provide guided tours.
From around the middle of next year most international tourists visiting New Zealand for 12 months or less will have to pay $35 through visa fees and an Electronic Travel Authority at the border, that will go towards tourism infrastructure and conservation projects.
Australian citizens and permanent residents, people from many Pacific Island countries, ship and air crews will be exempt.
The Government has said it will work with conservation, local councils and tourism industry stakeholders on how proceeds from the levy will be used.
Mr Tane said a significant amount of taxpayer money was needed to help improve infrastructure in and around Waipoua Forest, which attracts more than 200,000 visitors every year.
“We do have toilets at the visitor
"We must ensure we have the resources, like better roads and other facilities, to deliver a world-class experience."
Snow Tane, Te Roroa Iwi general manager
Tane Mahuta is one major tourist attraction that is in need of investment.
centre and in the office area, but need more up where the big trees are, as we only have one there,” he said.
“The challenge for us as an iwi organisation is to ensure that the money from
the new visitor levy is distributed fairly. When you’ve got a highly significant landscape like Tane Mahuta, there’s a need to ensure the infrastructure around it is fit for purpose.
“Te Roroa has Tane Mahuta ambassadors who deliver narrative to more than 200,000 visitors each year, and that’s a treat. That number is expected to increase, so we must ensure we have the resources, like better roads and other facilities, to deliver a world-class experience.”
Te Roroa would apply for funding from the levy to ensure those visiting Waipoua Forest had a pleasant experience, he said, adding that the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga should also qualify for funding.
“He estimated that up to $40 million was needed to bring the forest’s roads ‘up to par’ and to mitigate kauri dieback.
Announcing the levy, Tourism Minister and Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis said the intention was to split revenue evenly between conservation and tourism, with more work to be done with stakeholders on how it should be spent.