Hotel Council Calls Once Again For National Register Of STRA Properties

Christchurch, New Zealand – 13 August 2025

In connection with AHICE Aotearoa 2025, New Zealand’s premier hotel investment and operations summit, Hotel Council Aotearoa (HCA) has renewed its call for a national register of all Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) properties.

The call was made by James Doolan, Strategic Director of HCA, during AHICE Aotearoa at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, where hotel industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of New Zealand’s accommodation sector.

“When industry speaks with one voice, it’s time for councils and central government to act,” said Doolan. “This isn’t about banning STRA, it’s about fairness, transparency and better data to help council decision-making around tourism and events.”

A national register of all STRA has the backing of the entire accommodation sector, including major international STRA platforms and online travel agents (OTAs). The initiative aims to ensure all STRA operators are known, accountable and subject to consistent standards.

“Rotorua has shown leadership by proactively identifying STRA properties,” Doolan said. “But a national register would provide a consistent, efficient baseline for every council in the country.”

The call to action comes as cities around the world grapple with the impact of unregulated STRA growth. Barcelona plans to end all STRA licenses by 2028, and New York’s Local Law 18 has effectively banned short-term rentals without host presence. HCA believes New Zealand can avoid these extremes by implementing a fair and efficient regulatory framework across the whole country.

“Plenty of regions want new hotel development, more tourists and recurring events. Some New Zealand mayors want new local bed taxes, but they can’t even tell you how many STRA properties they have in their region.”

Support for a national STRA register is a litmus test,” Doolan added. “It will show whether local government truly understands how challenging it can be to develop international-standard hotels.”

AHICE Aotearoa 2025, hosted by HM Magazine and HCA, featured a keynote address from Phil Mauger, Mayor of Christchurch, who welcomed delegates to the city and highlighted Christchurch’s growing role as a destination for major events.

About HCA: Hotel Council Aotearoa advocates on behalf of New Zealand’s 360 hotels, comprising approximately 36,000 guest rooms in total. Following a partnership with Tourism Industry Aotearoa announced in June 2024, HCA is now “home association” for hotels in New Zealand, with members also having full membership of TIA. HCA and TIA’s combined membership comprise more than 250 hotels.

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