Regulation & Policy

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

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

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.

Greater connectivity, a path for low and zero-carbon aviation, and future-proofing infrastructure are among the key recommendations in the New Zealand Airports Association’s election policy manifesto for the future government.

Operators and travel sellers face new risk rules – what are the gaps that need to be filled?

A new Queenstown bylaw has put in place new rules around events and commercial activities in public spaces.

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

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.

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

WWF New Zealand says tourism is a potential beneficiary of new legislation to protect and restore the Hauraki Gulf.

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

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

Conservation and environment groups have welcomed the government’s plan to nearly triple the Hauraki Gulf protection area with 19 new marine protection areas.

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

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

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

Hospitality New Zealand has welcomed new legislation that will enable venues to extend trading hours during the Rugby World Cup without needing a special licence.

The party says a ‘Huts of Recreational Importance’ initiative will help maintain accommodation on the DOC estate.

Hospitality businesses can open longer for the men’s Rugby World Cup after the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2023 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill passed its third reading.

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. 

An opt-in sustainable visitor levy for local councils to apply to accommodation providers is amongst the measures that Airbnb is proposing to manage New Zealand’s short term accommodation sector.

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act (Community Participation) Bill could be a major blow for the country’s wine tourism, says New Zealand Winegrowers.

The Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill, also known as the Freedom Camping Bill, has come into effect as law from 7 June.

The Civil Aviation Authority and government and industry partners have launched a new forum designed to foster closer collaboration to help guide emerging technologies in the sector.

The Self-Contained Motor Vehicle Legislation Bill has passed its third reading, marking a milestone in the government’s efforts to manage the impacts of freedom camping, says Tourism Minister Peeni Henare.

SkyCity says the government’s decision to regulate online betting on horse racing should be extended to the fast-growing virtual casino market.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has recommended the mandating of pilot restraint harnesses during critical phases of commercial balloon flights.

Visitors to New Zealand who provide false or no arrival information could face new penalties as part of changes to the Customs and Excise (Arrival Information) Amendment Bill.

Licensed hospitality businesses will be able to stay open for longer during the Rugby World Cup from September.

The CAA says it is taking action to address and implement stronger safety measures for night flying following a helicopter crash four years ago.

Today is the final day for submissions on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s draft amendments to the Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) regulations.

The Commerce Commission is launching an investigation into Interislander and StraitNZ, the owner of Bluebridge, about the ongoing ferry delays and cancellations.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has announced several steps to introduce greater transparency around lobbying at Parliament.

Operators have just over a week to submit on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s draft amendments to the Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) regulations.

The government has passed the new Civil Aviation Bill that modernises and strengthens aviation security rules.

The government is rolling out legislation to help regions around the country to recover from Cyclone Gabrielle as efficiently as possible.

The tourism minister also denies turning down assistance from National to redraft the freedom camping bill.

The National Party has revoked support for the Self-Contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill because of how the proposed legislation approaches the kinds of toilets campers would be able to use.

Commercial airline and maritime operators will soon be required by law to provide biosecurity information to vessels and aircraft with more than 20 passengers arriving in New Zealand.

“This new guidance will help central and local governments work together to put our climate plans into action as we make the transition to a low-emission, resilient future that benefits everyone,” said Minister of Climate Change James Shaw.

Hosted bed and breakfast operators are worried their industry could get caught up in council moves to regulate Airbnb.

Hospitality New Zealand has given the government’s pokie venue regulation changes the thumbs up if they help reduce harm.

The government is implementing a raft of changes for businesses that have pokie machines to help reduce the harm they cause people.

New Zealanders are being encouraged to have their say on how the country plans its transition to a low-emissions future that is fair and inclusive for everyone.

Legislation to help small businesses get paid on time has passed its first reading in parliament.

The Commerce Commission will soon have more power to set fairer fuel prices through changes made to the way the wholesale fuel market functions.

Queenstown Lakes District Council is seeking early feedback about two alcohol bylaws coming up for review.

KiwiRail will remain a state-owned enterprise to focus on transitioning its above-rail business to be financially self-sufficient, says the government.

The new operator requirements form part of the govt’s response to the Whakaari/White Island tragedy.