Survey reveals depth of New Zealand tourism infrastructure needs

The full extent of the infrastructure investment needed so communities can keep up with unprecedented tourism growth has been highlighted through a recent survey of local government.
The tourism boom New Zealand is currently experiencing is putting pressure on infrastructure used by both international visitors and local communities.
The March 2017 research involving 47 councils revealed there are over 680 mixed use infrastructure projects with a value of around $1.38 billion that are in development in one form or another.
Councils across the country were asked to identify infrastructure projects needed to support sustainable tourism growth.
Local Government New Zealand President Lawrence Yule says it is well beyond the resources of local communities to fund these projects, which include the development and ongoing operation of toilets, wastewater systems, car parks, access roads and wifi, and that a new funding mechanism is needed.
Yule explained “the arguments for a new, sustainable way of funding infrastructure for tourism are undeniable.
“We just need to get on with it now and these figures provided by just over half of our councils further illustrate the scale at which we need to act.
“There is much that could be done to protect and enhance the visitor experience, and provide some relief for our communities, many of which have a small ratepayer base. If we don’t act and with the right level of investment, we will be in no position to cope with the forecast growth of tourism – 4.5 million annual visitors by 2025. ‘Just in time’ infrastructure can mean ‘just too late’.”
There are calls for relief from many parts of New Zealand.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has proposed an accommodation levy for his city, while Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult sees the need for a visitor levy for the district.
Yule believes the Government is looking at ways to address the need, adding “we are confident there will be a solution, we just need to ensure it is the right one.”
Accommodation and border levies contributing to a co-investment fund between central and local government and the tourism industry is a preferred model.
He concludes “co-funding, with contributions from central Government, councils and the industry, in a way that allows for maintenance and operational costs, is required.
“Whatever option is settled on it needs to be well supported by all parties if we are to see a durable solution.”
GST from international visitors alone rose to $1.5 billion in the year to March 2016, up from $950 million in the 2015 year.
Images (from top): Skyline Queenstown, The Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata and Auckland's Domain Park.
1st March 2017 - DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION TO CHARGE FOR ACCESS TO NEW ZEALAND’S NATIONAL PARKS?
31st January 2017 - TOURISM INDUSTRY AIMS TO MAINTAIN RECORD GROWTH
19th January 2017 - STRESSES SHOW AS NEW ZEALAND TOURISM THRIVES
9th January 2017 - RESEARCH SHOWS NEW ZEALANDERS SUPPORT TOURISM
19th December 2016 - BIG ISSUES FACING NEW TOURISM MINISTER
17th December 2016 - NEW TOOL TO GROW DOMESTIC TOURISM
9th December 2016 - NZRA SUPPORTS PROPOSED NATIONAL TOURISM LEVY
2nd December 2016 - NEW ZEALAND TOURISM LEADERS PROPOSE NEW $130 MILLION TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE FUND
22nd May 2015 - NEW ZEALAND BUDGET BACKS TOURISM VENTURES
5th February 2014 - CYCLE TRAILS MAKING POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE NEW ZEALAND ECONOMY
11th October 2013 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEW ZEALAND WELCOMES PLAN FOR NEW ZEALAND TOURISM
1st October 2013 - TOURISM 2025 IDENTIFIES OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH IN NEW ZEALAND TOURISM
Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.
However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.
Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.
Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.
Click here to subscribe.
supplier directory
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Envibe
With its sleek good looks and easy-to-use yet powerful functionality, Envibe is the premium fitness club software for the Australasian leisure, recreation and fitness industry. We are the most…
read moreWorldwide Sports Management
Principal Consultant Simon Weatherill has spent the last 20 years developing the world renowned Melbourne Sports Hub, as former Chief Executive Officer of the State Sports Centres Trust…
read moreSENtag
Developed in Europe, this innovative system offers a safety management solution for swimming pools that checks individual swimmers via their wristband - monitoring their depth and time. Sensors…
read moreTECHNOGYM AUSTRALIA
Technogym is the leading company in the Wellness and Fitness field all over the world. With 2,200 employees, 14 branches in Europe, U.S., South America, Asia and Australia, Technogym exports its…
read moreHRMWEB
At easyemployer we've come up with a software solution that manages one of your most important, and often most costly, business resources - your staff. We are helping 100s of clients to…
read moreAltitude Training Systems
ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…
read morePathMinder
PathMinder Pty Ltd have partnered with AllUser Industries srl to bring Europe’s most advanced high security portals to the Australian and New Zealand markets. AllUser Industries started to…
read moreget listed with our suppliers directory
Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!