Policy Issues

 

Rotorua District Council Rating Review
July 2008
Large and abrupt rates increases under the proposed Rotorua Rating Review will be a major disincentive for tourism businesses to invest in Rotorua.
TIA’s submission recommends the RDC consider targeted rating of the business and tourism sectors, other funding mechanisms or in a worst case scenario, if the review must proceed, at least a staged implementation of the proposed rating change.

>> Submission
198 KB Acrobat Document

 

Draft Digital Strategy 2.0
May 2008
TIA has today lodged a submission to the Ministry of Economic Development on the draft digital strategy. The main points that TIA has made are around the availability and affordability of high speed broadband services, especially in regional and rural areas. The Association points out better broadband services are urgently needed to ensure tourism operators remain competitive and that visitors too can access fast internet services wherever they are in the country.

>> Submission
127 KB Acrobat Document




Employment Relations (Breaks and Infant Feeding) Amendment Bill
May 2008
The government is reviewing employment relations law and is proposing to introduce mandatory rest and meal break periods into the workplace. A plan to require employers to provide facilities for infant feeding at work is also proposed. TIA believes the legislation for rest and meal breaks is unnecessary but it supports facilities for feeding infants at work where it is reasonable and practicable to do so.

>> Submission
117 KB Acrobat Document




New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement
May 2008
TIA has made a submission to the Department of Conservation on the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement that sets the future direction for how the country's coastline is managed. 

>> Submission
143 KB Acrobat Document




Immigration Temporary Work Policy
April 2008
TIA has provided a submission to the Department of Labour (DOL) on temporary work policy and how it could be helpful for tourism businesses. To inform this submission, we received comments from Members as well as feedback at the recent Immigration Forum in Queenstown in March. Some of the key points covered include improvements to the application process, duration of stay in New Zealand, work to residence pathways, English language proficiency and working holiday schemes. The Association will be working with officials in the DOL this year to progress some of the issues discussed in the submission.

>> Submission
147 KB Acrobat Document



Climate Change (Emissions Trading and Renewable Preference) Bill
Feb 2008
TIA has provided a comprehensive submission to Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Select Committee on the Government’s Emissions Trading Scheme and its implications for the tourism industry. The key points made in the submission centre on energy price increases for operators, the competitive disadvantage for industry, immediate implementation for tourism ahead of other industries, the disincentive to move to carbon neutrality and government support.

>> Submission
147 KB Acrobat Document



Biofuels
Feb 2008
TIA has submitted to Parliament’s Local Government and Environment Select Committee regarding the Biofuel Bill. The Association’s principal concerns relate to the readiness of fleets to adapt to the new fuel as well as the supply, cost and standards associated with the phasing in of biofuels.

>> Submission
133 KB Acrobat Document



Review of Easter Trading
Dec 2007
The government is reviewing regulations around Easter trading, specifically whether retailers open on Easter Sunday. TIA submitted to Parliament on this issue in 2006 and has done so again this year. The position of the Association favours liberalisation of Easter trading with all regions able to open. We think, however, that in the end it should be the individual choice of businesses as to whether they open or not.

>> Submission
120 KB Acrobat Document



Immigration Bill
Nov 2007
The Association has made a submission to Parliament on the newly drafted Immigration Bill. TIA’s submission is a follow up to the detailed paper we prepared last year on the Immigration Act Review. In this paper, we comment on the impact of the Bill in terms of addressing labour shortages and its security implications for visitors to New Zealand.

>> Submission
130 KB Acrobat Document



Hector Submission
Oct 2007
The submission period on the Hector and Maui’s Threat Management Plan (TMP) closed on 24 October. The plan has been produced in response to widespread concern regarding dolphin mortality and documents both the potential threats and proposed management of them.

>> Submission
118 KB Acrobat Document



ACC Levies 2008-09
Oct 2007
The Association has again provided a submission to ACC on the setting of levies for the 2008-09 year. TIA's main points ask for a more active approach by ACC in consulting with the tourism sector in the levy setting process, especially when levy increases can unfairly threaten the sustainability of some businesses. The submission also stresses the need to reduce the compliance and regulatory burden. Please read the submission here

>> Submission
129KB Acrobat Document



Oceans Policy Submission
Oct 2007
TIA made a submission this week to the Ministry for the Environment on the regulation of environmental effects in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The Association’s main point is to ensure New Zealand’s valuable marine ecosystems and species are preserved but at the same time allowing for sustainable economic activities to occur. Please click here to read the submission.

>> Submission
120KB Acrobat Document



Draft West Coast Conservation Management Strategy
Oct 2007
Following feedback from and consultation with Members, TIA today made a submission on the Draft West Coast Conservation Management Strategy (CMS). The CMS is a ten year strategy setting out the Department of Conservation’s intentions for the management of natural and historical values and recreational opportunities in the West Coast conservancy’s five national parks – Kahurangi, Paparoa, West Coast-Tai Poutini, Mt Aspiring and Arthur’s Pass.

>> Submission
177KB Acrobat Document



Aviation Passenger Security Charges
Sept 2007
The Aviation Security Service (AVSEC) has been consulting on proposed increases to domestic and international aviation passenger security charges. TIA has broadly supported the views of the Board of Airline Representatives (BARNZ). Please read TIA’s position in the attached submission

>> Submission
119KB Acrobat Document



Doubtful Sound Bottlenose Dolphins
Sept 2007
The Association has submitted to a Department of Conservation discussion paper on Doubtful Sound bottlenose dolphins in the Fiordland National Park. Please read the TIA submission here

>> Submission
118KB Acrobat Document



Submission to Inform the Outdoor Recreation Review
Aug 2007
The Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon Trevor Mallard, in partnership with the Minister of Conservation, the Hon Chris Carter, has asked Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) to lead a review of the outdoor recreation sector. TIA is represented on a review steering group and has prepared a position paper to help shape a SPARC discussion document and associated recommendations that will be presented to Government in 2008.

>> Submission
180KB Acrobat Document



Mackenzie District Council Draft Annual Plan 2007-2008
June 2007
The Association has submitted on the Mackenzie District Council's Draft Annual Plan 2007-2008. TIA has commented on a specific proposal to fund tourism through a targeted rate on accommodation providers. Please read our submission for details.

>> Submission
119KB Acrobat Document



The Local Government Rates Inquiry Submission
May 2007
TIA has completed its submission to the Local Government Rates Inquiry. The paper details the role of local government in tourism, current investment models and rating mechanisms and responds to key questions raised by the Inquiry as they relate to the tourism industry. Please read TIA’s submission for all the details.

>> Submission
394KB Acrobat Document



Draft Vehicle Equipment Amendment Rule
April 2007
Following consultation with Members, TIA has lodged a short submission to Land Transport New Zealand (LTNZ) in support of an amendment to reduce vehicle noise which is emerging as a significant public concern. Please read TIA’s submission outlining the issues.

>> Submission
217KB Acrobat Document



Draft New Zealand Energy Strategy to 2050
April 2007
TIA has provided a submission to the Government in response to the Draft New Zealand Energy Strategy to 2050. The Association’s submission was developed after comments and feedback was received from Members. The submission includes a general overview of measures the tourism industry is already doing with respect to energy, climate change and sustainability issues. It then provides specific comment on the proposals contained in the Government’s draft document.

>> Submission
274KB Acrobat Document



Rates Inquiry
February 2007
A Government-backed inquiry into local government rating and other possible funding mechanisms for Councils is underway. The Inquiry is looking at whether rates are equitable and affordable, whether councils are making enough use of non-rating revenue tools and whether they need new sources of income. Please read TIA's information paper outlining some of the issues and arguments the tourism industry may need to consider.

>> Submission
101KB Acrobat Document



 

Stewart Island/Rakiura Conservation Management Strategy Review and Rakiura National Park Management Plan Preparation
January 2007
TIA has submitted to the Department of Conservation (DOC) on the Rakiura Conservation Management Strategy and National Park Management Plan. We have provided initial feedback to DOC on their discussion document and on release of the Draft Plan, TIA will consult with Members and provide a detailed submission.

>> Submission
138KB Acrobat Document



Concession Allocation by the Department of Conservation
December 2006
TIA submission to the Department of Conservation regarding the issue of demand for concessions exceeding supply.

>> Submission
336KB Acrobat Document



ACC Levy Rates and Strategic Direction 2007/2008
October 2006
TIA has provided a submission to the Accident Compensation Corporation on the setting of levies for 2007/2008. The key points made by the Association include the need for improved engagement with tourism sector groups when finalising levies, reducing compliance costs and protecting the interests of small businesses. For further information, please read our submission.

>> Submission
67KB Acrobat Document



Whanganui National Park Draft Management Plan
September 2006
Following consultation with tourism operators and concessionaires, TIA has provided a submission to the Department of Conservation (DOC) on the Whanganui National Park Draft Management Plan. In the submission, TIA makes a number of recommendations that aim to improve Park management, help operators and strengthen the relationship with DOC. Please read the submission for details.

>> Submission
73KB Acrobat Document



Easter Shop Trading
July 2006
Following extensive feedback from individual members and Regional Tourism Organisations, TIA has submitted to Parliament on two Bills proposing a relaxation in the laws relating to Easter shop trading. We will keep you informed of progress on these Bills through Parliament’s Select Committee process. We invite you to read our submission

>> Submission
76KB Acrobat Document



Walking Access Review
June 2006
TIA has submitted to the Walking Access Consultation Panel. Our main points were the need to fully understand demand and supply for walking access prior to debating solutions. We are concerned about a ‘one size fits all’ central government approach to access and believe that walking access should be driven by local communities, with support of local Government. TIA will continue to monitor this issue.

>> Submission
61KB Acrobat Document



Immigration Act Review
June 2006
A wide ranging review of New Zealand's immigration legislation is currently taking place and TIA sought feedback from members to support its submission to the Department of of Labour. Our submission comments on the visa and permit system, how immigration changes might affect international visitors and the need to address labour and skills shortages in the tourism industry. Feedback from the public will inform advice to Cabinet later in 2006 with possible changes to occur in 2007. TIA will keep you informed of progress.

>> Submission
89KB Acrobat Document



Kapiti Coast Draft Long Term Council Community Plan
May 2006
On behalf of members in the Kapiti and Horowhenua regions, TIA has submitted on the Kapiti Coast District Council's rating and funding plans for the accommodation sector. Under the current proposals, motels and home hosting businesses will be faced with significant increases in rates that we believe unfairly target tourism businesses.

>> Submission
208KB Acrobat Document



Probationary Employment Bill
May 2006
This submission to Parliament's Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee broadly supports the Employment Relations (Probationary Employment) Amendment Bill that, if passed, will introduce a 90 day probation period for new employees. The purpose of the Bill is to encourage employers to take a chance with new employees and not face the threat of legal action if a job doesn't work out. The Bill aims to help people with no previous work experience or qualifications get their first job as well as help those re-entering the workforce.

>> Submission
181KB Acrobat Document



Tertiary Education Reforms
May 2006
TIA this week submitted to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) on the next steps in tertiary policy reform. In our submission, we support a move to better quality courses relevant to the needs of the tourism industry. Our submission comments on multi year funding and the concept of distinctive contributions including reform of industry training organisations.

>> Submission
160KB Acrobat Document



Kiwi Saver Bill
April 2006
TIA has submitted to Parliament on the Kiwi Saver legislation the government proposes to implement in April 2007. If passed, the Bill will have implications for employers and employees, so we encourage you to read the submission. We will keep you informed on the progression of this Bill through the parliamentary process.

>> Submission
178KB Acrobat Document



Abel Tasman National Park Draft Management Plan
May 2006
TIA’s submission on the Abel Tasman National Park Draft Management Plan makes several recommendations on how the Draft Plan can be improved to help the businesses of tourism operators in the park, following extensive consultation and meetings with affected operators. We invite you to read the submission for details.

>> Submission
225KB Acrobat Document



Domestic Food Safety Review
May 2006
A comprehensive review of New Zealand’s food safety laws is currently taking place. Over the past few months, TIA has sought feedback from members on the proposals as well as meeting with the Food Safety Authority. We invite you to read our submission.

>> Submission
188KB Acrobat Document



Domestic Tourism Marketing
April 2006
This paper was presented to the Minister of Tourism on 27 April 2006 at a forum in Parliament. Initiated by the Minister, key industry leaders met to discuss a number of proposals, including this TIA paper on domestic tourism marketing. Further work will incorporate both the Ministry of Tourism's and Air NZ's recent research on domestic travel patterns with a revised and updated paper to be presented at the next strategy meeting with the Minister to be held in late June/early July 2006. At that time it will be possible to determine if further research is needed or if there is a sufficiently clear understanding of the market to agree some responsibilities and actions.

>> Submission
200KB Acrobat Document



TIA supports keeping youth pay rates
April 2006
TIA is in favour of keeping youth pay rates for 16 and 17-year-old employees. Read our submission opposing the proposed Minimum Wage (Abolition of Age Discrimination) Amendment Bill.

>> Submission
184KB Acrobat Document



Milford Sound aircraft access
April 2006
TIA’s submission and recommendations to the Southland Conservation Board on the aircraft access proposals in the draft Fiordland National Park Management Plan.

>> Submission
184KB Acrobat Document

for past policy issues click here




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