Impose targeted visitor tax at the border - not councils

15 March 2017

Media Release

Impose targeted visitor tax at the border - not local councils

A targeted visitor tax imposed at New Zealand’s border is the fairest way to ensure tourists contribute to cover costs of their visit.

The tax should go into a fund that is especially established to meet the huge cost of infrastructure New Zealand’s tourist surge is generating, says Michael Barnett, head of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

“Local councils should be able to apply to the fund for undertaking tourist-related improvements.

“I suggest there could be a governing body to ensure the right projects are funded and councils also contribute,” said Mr Barnett.

The targeted visitor tax should be about equity and fairness to New Zealand’s tax and rate payers generated by our tourism success.

If central government chose to top up the fund, so much the better. “I suggest the amount be nominal calculated to meet the real cost of the surge in tourism, and could be varied as needs arise.

The Auckland Chamber opposes the imposition of local tourist taxes as proposed by Auckland Council because of their inequity and unfairness, concluded Mr Barnett.

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