17 April 2013

Government needs to join the dots on tourism funding and DOC cuts

The Public Service Association says there is no logic in the government’s move to increase tourism funding while it continues to cut funding to the Department of Conservation.

In a pre-budget announcement the government says it will pump in an extra $158 million dollars into tourism over the next four years.

It comes as DOC struggles to make ends meet due to government cuts to its operational budget. DOC had $54 million cut from its budget in 2009 over four years. It is currently undergoing a major restructure which will see 140 jobs cut as part of a bid to find $8.7 million dollars in savings.

“I think everyone can see that the logic just doesn’t add up. DOC’s work is at the heart of the tourism industry and conservation and tourism are inextricably linked,” says PSA National Secretary Brenda Pilott.

“No one will begrudge spending more money on tourism as it is critical to New Zealand’s economy but if tourism deserves more investment then so does DOC. It is DOC which looks after and protects the very things which drive tourists to New Zealand”

Brenda Pilott says “it is astounding to see the government ignoring that and continuing to put the squeeze on DOC’s operations and capability.”

“At the very minimum it should give $8 million back to DOC so that staff who are about to lose their jobs can stay and tourism’s best assets can be protected.”

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