Christchurch Airport Slams Retailers with Exorbitant Fees
Denis O’Rourke MP
Spokesperson for
Transport
6 MAY 2016
Christchurch Airport Slams Retailers with Exorbitant Fees
Retailers selling to tourists taking goods out of the country are being charged outrageous and indefensible fees by Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL), says New Zealand First.
“CIAL this week doubled its charges for off-airport retailers who arrange for GST-free goods purchased by international travellers to be picked up at the airport prior to departure,” says Transport Spokesperson Denis O’Rourke.
“The previous charges are high enough at $225 and the new charges at $500 cannot be justified when the service simply involves a contractor receiving the goods and passing them on for airside collection by the traveller.
“CIAL has an absolute monopoly on the service and off-airport retailers are understandably angry, with nowhere else to turn.
“CIAL should be acting like a good citizen, encouraging off-airport sales to tourists, not just profiting from it at rapacious rates.
“Already there are reports from the jewellery industry of tourists declining to buy here because they can get a better price in other countries,” says Mr O’Rourke.
“The Jewellers Association of New Zealand, part of Retail New Zealand, wants the government to adopt the Australian system which avoids these charges altogether in order to:
1. Safeguard all retailers against the monopolistic powers held by the international airport system against further price rises, and unjustifiable rates;
2. Encourage the consumer to say ‘yes’ to a purchase made in NZ rather than purchasing overseas;
3. Avoid paperwork for the retailer and time lost explaining pick up procedures to customers;
4. Avoid stress for the retailer having to courier parcels to the airport;
5. Avoid extra insurance charges for the retailer on sending goods to the airport;
6. Avoid human error as less handling of items the better.
“This would be a good place to start,” says Mr O’Rourke.
ENDS