Articles tagged with Tourism
Rotorua Ends Contracted Emergency Housing, Rehousing Families for Stability
4 days ago | 62 viewsThe Government has officially ended contracted emergency housing in Rotorua, reducing reliance on temporary motel accommodations by 85 percent and rehousing all families into permanent homes. This marks a significant improvement from the previous system, which trapped families in unstable living situations and damaged the city's reputation. While contracted emergency housing motels have closed, non-contracted emergency housing remains available as a last-resort option for those in genuine need.
Tags: Tama Potaka Todd McClay Rotorua Government Emergency Housing Housing Minister Labour Government Whānau Tourism HomelessnessKaikōura Waterfront Redevelopment Boosts Tourism and Local Economy
1 week ago | 84 viewsThe completion of Kaikōura’s waterfront redevelopment, including the Wakatu Quay precinct, marks a significant milestone in revitalizing the region’s economy and tourism after the 2016 earthquake. The project features a new marine-inspired building for tourism, hospitality, and cultural events, supported by over $10 million in funding and a partnership between government, local council, iwi, and stakeholders. Constructed within a year by mostly local workers, the redevelopment enhances Kaikōura’s appeal as a destination and is expected to stimulate further private sector growth.
Tags: Kaikōura Shane Jones Wakatu Quay Kaikoura earthquake Regional Development Minister Provincial Growth Fund Kaikoura District Council tourism waterfront redevelopment South IslandNew Visa-Free Pathway Boosts New Zealand Tourism with 13,000+ Visitors
1 week ago | 62 viewsNew Zealand’s new visa-free pathway for Chinese and Pacific travellers with eligible Australian visas has attracted over 13,000 visitors in just one month, boosting the economy and benefiting Kiwi businesses. Tourism Minister Louise Upston highlights the positive impact on regional tourism, especially in Christchurch and Queenstown, with increased bookings and job opportunities. The initiative supports New Zealand’s vital tourism sector, encouraging more visitors to experience the country’s hospitality and attractions, particularly during the Chinese New Year.
Tags: New Zealand Chinese travellers Pacific travellers Australian visas Erica Stanford Louise Upston NZeTA tourism Christchurch Queenstown$5M Upgrade Enhances Resilience of SH6 Gates of Haast Bridge in South Island
2 weeks ago | 77 viewsThe Government is investing $5 million in critical resilience improvements to State Highway 6 around the Gates of Haast, including installing a micro pile wall and upgrading existing protections to guard against river erosion and landslides. The project, led by Moore Construction, aims to secure a vital tourism and transport link between Haast and Wanaka and is expected to be completed in five months. This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to enhancing the reliability of state highways to support local communities, tourism, and freight operations on the West Coast.
Tags: James Meager South Island State Highway 6 Gates of Haast Haast River Moore Construction West Coast SH6 Epitaph Slip tourism government investmentNZ Government Announces $5M Funding for Major 2026 Music, Sports, and Cultural Events
2 weeks ago | 102 viewsThe Government has announced the first tranche of major events funding for 2026, featuring international and local music acts, sports, and cultural events, including Linkin Park in Auckland and Ultra Music Festival in Wellington. This $5 million investment is part of a $70 million Major Events and Tourism package aimed at boosting New Zealand’s economy by attracting visitors and supporting over 70 events nationwide. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasized the significant economic benefits, such as increased business for hotels, restaurants, and shops, and promised more high-profile event announcements early next year.
Tags: Louise Upston Six60 Synthony Linkin Park Ultra Music Festival Tourism Minister New Zealand Christchurch Auckland WellingtonInvestNZ Launches Strategic Growth Areas and Investment Prospectuses for NZ
2 weeks ago | 82 viewsTrade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced the launch of Invest New Zealand, an agency focused on attracting significant foreign investment to boost the economy by targeting projects from $20 million to $1 billion and advising on supportive policies. InvestNZ will prioritize six strategic growth areas, including renewable energy, technology, and advanced manufacturing, while acting as a bridge between local investors and high-value opportunities. Additionally, three investment prospectuses for Tourism, Wood Processing, and Innovative Food Production were introduced to showcase New Zealand's competitive sectors and attract global investors.
Tags: Todd McClay Invest New Zealand Foreign Direct Investment InvestNZ Active Investor Plus Auckland Business Chamber Tourism Wood Processing Innovative Food Production New Zealand economyNew Zealand Tourism Booms with 6% More Visitors and $12.3B Spend in 2025
2 weeks ago | 93 viewsInternational visitors to New Zealand are increasing in number and spending more, driving significant growth in the tourism sector and economy, with total spending reaching $12.3 billion for the year ending September 2025. Visitor numbers rose to 3.43 million, reaching 88% of pre-pandemic levels, boosted by higher-spending travelers, especially from the USA. The government supports this growth through the Tourism Growth Roadmap, aiming to double tourism export value by 2034 while enhancing visitor experiences and regional opportunities.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Tourism International Visitors USA MBIE Tourism Growth Roadmap Hospitality Economy Visitor Survey$1.6M Grant Boosts Solar Power and Energy Security for Horeke Community
3 weeks ago | 108 viewsA $1.6 million grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will support a new solar project to strengthen electricity supply for the remote Māori community of Horeke in Northland, benefiting around 100 households, five marae, and one school. The upgrade will address frequent power outages, reduce reliance on diesel and gas, and enable economic growth through eco and cultural tourism. The grant, provided to the Utakura 7 Incorporation trust, will fund construction and network improvements to enhance energy security and support essential services, especially during extreme weather events.
Tags: Shane Jones Hokianga Horeke Utakura 7 Incorporation Regional Infrastructure Fund Northland Māori community solar project energy security eco tourismNew Zealand Launches Te Haeata Certificate to Boost Business Events Workforce
3 weeks ago | 116 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing in the New Zealand Certificate in Business Events (Level 4) “Te Haeata,” an industry-led qualification designed to build a skilled workforce for the business events sector. This practical, online training program aims to address workforce shortages, support career pathways, and enhance the global competitiveness of New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality industries. Launching in early 2026, Te Haeata will also be introduced in high schools to attract and retain talent, promoting sustainable growth in the sector.
Tags: New Zealand Certificate in Business Events Te Haeata Louise Upston business events sector tourism hospitality workforce development career pathways sustainable growthNew $7.5M Funding Boost Ensures Future of NZ’s Iconic Great Rides
4 weeks ago | 147 viewsThe New Zealand Government is allocating $7.5 million over three years to maintain and manage the country’s 23 iconic Great Rides, supporting their economic, recreational, and environmental benefits. These trails attract over 2 million users annually and contribute $1.28 billion to local economies, creating jobs and boosting related businesses. The funding includes dedicated trail managers and maintenance improvements, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth of the cycle trail network.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Great Rides Ngā Haerenga John Key Tourism Cycle Trail Fund Ruapehu DunedinNew Zealand’s Great Rides Boost Local Economy by $1.28 Billion in 2025
1 month ago | 157 viewsNew Zealand’s 23 Great Rides contribute $1.28 billion annually to local economies, with visitor spending rising 35% from 2021 to 2025, according to the latest evaluation report. Visitor nights and trail usage have also increased significantly, boosting accommodation and hospitality sectors and supporting regional jobs. The Government invests $8 million yearly from the International Visitor Levy and additional funds into trail infrastructure to sustain growth and economic benefits.
Tags: Louise Upston Sir John Key New Zealand Great Rides Tourism Hospitality Ruapehu Dunedin International Visitor LevyGovernment Invests $2M to Expand Dunedin Tunnels Trail, Boosting Tourism and Local Economy
1 month ago | 194 viewsThe Government is investing $2 million to extend the Dunedin Tunnels Trail, aiming to boost tourism in the Otago region and support local businesses while creating job opportunities. The project will expand the trail to Fairfield, Abbotsford, Green Island, Kaikorai Valley, and Caversham Tunnel, forming a 15-kilometre route between Mosgiel and Dunedin. This initiative is part of the Government's Major Events and Tourism Package and is expected to enhance the cycling network and tourism sector in the region.
Tags: Louise Upston Government Dunedin Tunnels Trail Tourism Otago region Cycling destination New Zealand Great Rides Major Events Economic impactClassic NZ Wine Trail Shines: Major Boost for Wellington and Partner Regions
1 month ago | 186 viewsWellingtonNZ and partner regions are promoting the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail internationally with a $991,000 campaign funded by the government. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlights the importance of showcasing Wellington, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, and Marlborough to attract more visitors to experience their wine, food, and unique attractions. The campaign aims to encourage travelers to explore beyond popular destinations and discover the diverse flavors and experiences offered along the trail.
Tags: WellingtonNZ partner regions Classic New Zealand Wine Trail Louise Upston Tourism and Hospitality Minister Wellington Wairarapa Hawke’s Bay Marlborough Lonely PlanetDiscover the Southern Way: $393K Campaign to Showcase Authentic Hospitality in Lower South Island
1 month ago | 194 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced that Great South will receive $393,000 to launch a campaign promoting the Southern Way and the region's hospitality to international visitors. The investment aims to showcase the lower South Island's unique experiences, wild beauty, rich flavors, and warm hospitality to new audiences. Led by Great South and regional partners, the campaign will target Australian travelers, particularly those from the Gold Coast, encouraging them to explore iconic destinations like Milford Sound, the Catlins coastline, and Dunedin, while highlighting the region's local events and genuine southern hospitality.
Tags: Great South campaign Southern Way international visitors Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston lower South Island regional partners Australian travellers Gold CoastRotoruaNZ Receives $4.5M Boost for International Campaigns
1 month ago | 156 viewsRotoruaNZ will receive over $4.5 million for two campaigns promoting the region's geothermal wonders, Māori culture, and hospitality to international visitors. The "North Island x Ctrip" campaign targets travelers from China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, while the "Kiwi North" campaign focuses on attracting visitors from Australia's eastern seaboard. These initiatives aim to showcase the diverse experiences across the North Island, support local businesses, and enhance the region's reputation as a must-visit destination, funded by the Regional Tourism Boost as part of the Government's Major Events and Tourism Package.
Tags: RotoruaNZ Louise Upston Tourism Hospitality Minister North Island Ctrip China Japan South Korea Australia