Government

The government has added two new aviation-based roles to the Green List, including aircraft maintenance engineer and aviation engineer specialising in avionics, aeronautical and aerospace engineering.

The government is contributing $5m to the future of Supercars events in New Zealand.

Te Waikoropupū Springs near Takaka in Golden Bay will be the first water body in 10 years to receive special legal protection.

The return of international visitors is helping to improve New Zealand’s economy and shrink the current account deficit, according to Finance Minister Grant Robertson.

The Tourism Data Leadership Group’s four key initiatives to help fill significant insight gaps in the sector.

The Rental Vehicle Association of New Zealand says changes to freedom camping regulations are causing concern in the industry.

The government is providing $10m from the Regional Culture and Heritage Fund for Canterbury Museum’s redevelopment.

The finance spokespeople from the four major parties stake out their positions on the proposal.

Eighteen roading projects across the West Coast will receive more than $22m in government investment from the $419m Transport Resilience Fund.

The government is providing a $2m grant for a new two-level commercial and public facility in Greymouth.

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand chief executive Lynda Keene says funding cuts will hurt New Zealand’s international competitiveness.

A change to the $35 IVL could be coming, according to The Treasury’s Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update.

The government is providing $12m to improve roads around the weather-damaged Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough regions.

New Zealand’s Wildlife Act will be revamped to better protect native species and improve biodiversity, says Conservation Minister Willow-Jean Prime.

Labour and National’s tourism priorities have received a mixed reception from the sector with more detail top of the wishlist for stakeholder groups.

Tourism needs investment to sustain its economic contribution and social, cultural, and environmental goals – not govt cuts – writes TIA’s Rebecca Ingram.

The country’s major political parties are making ambiguous tourism promises but Labour’s fixation on ‘high value’ could be detrimental to the youth and hostel sector, writes BYATA chair Haydn Marriner.

The Labour Party has pledged to boost New Zealand’s premium tourism offering in its economic plan for the country.

The National Party has promised a new Great Walk in Canterbury, longer Department of Conservation concessions, and more flexible working visas with faster processing.

The government has extended the deadline for the Royal Commission of Enquiry’s final report into the Covid-19 response.

The TIF, which was launched in 2017 to support tourism infrastructure, comes to an end after supporting nearly 300 projects.

Improving air connectivity with the country would boost NZ tourism and trade, says Damien O’Connor.

A bill to protect the Hauraki Gulf has passed its first reading in parliament.

Tens of millions of dollars is being clawed back from TNZ and the Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery.

A review of the Accredited Employer Work Visa aims to determine whether Immigration New Zealand is administering the scheme appropriately.

Funding streams for Tourism NZ, the Great Rides, and the tourism innovation programme are affected.

Operators will have to up their game to meet the changes in risk communication required under the government’s new rules for adventure activities, says Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Rebecca Ingram.

Trains delivered more than 173,000 patrons travelling to FIFA Women’s World Cup games in Auckland and Wellington, demonstrating the benefits of commuter rail, according to the government.

New legislation to ensure the resilience and security of New Zealand’s fuel supply – including jet fuel – has passed its third reading in parliament.

Its $25k from the govt fund will go towards connecting tourism and goods exporters.

The government is looking to pump an additional $5bn into New Zealand’s transport industry, bringing funding to $20.8bn between 2024-2027 – with the proceeds coming from increased fuel taxes and road user charges.

Better risk communication, improved hazard monitoring, and more powers for WorkSafe are among the changes.

Tackling visa delays and creating more sustainable funding for tourism were among the issues explored by a panel of politicians.

The 7-day isolation requirement for positive cases will be scrapped overnight, ending the last area of Covid friction for tourism.

The government is moving ahead with plans to implement a pay gap reporting system for large organisations.

The current mandatory seven-day Covid isolation requirement could be about to go.

The government is nearly tripling the Hauraki Gulf protection area with 19 new marine protection areas.

Two ventures from the inaugural industry accelerator will receive co-funding from the $44m programme.

The government’s preferred Auckland harbour transport proposal will include cycling and walking options across the existing bridge.

A members’ bill to make it easier for wineries to sell samples at the cellar door has had its first reading in Parliament.

The govt wants to build more regenerative and resilient tourism and conservation.

A Deed of Settlement between the Crown and Te Korowai o Wainuiārua will see the iwi groups receive $6.8m in cultural funding and the return of 19 sites of cultural significance.

The Green Party has lodged a members’ bill to help protect marine mammals.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa says the government’s effort to explore a more seamless travel experience between New Zealand and Australia could lead to benefits for business and leisure travel.

Demand is strong for tourism education in secondary schools, but it needs govt funding and industry engagement to flourish.

Kieran McAnulty will become the new minister for regional development following Kiri Allan’s resignation from her ministerial posts.

Kiri Allan has resigned from all her ministerial positions after being charged with reckless driving and resisting arrest.

Sustainable air passenger journeys and autonomous aerial vehicle integration are two of the key goals in New Zealand’s first Aerospace Strategy.

The first match of the tournament will go ahead in Auckland despite the city being rocked by fatal shootings this morning.

The Business Payment Practices Bill, which will reduce the stress and costs to small businesses of long payment wait times, has passed its third reading.