Boost for regional tourism

  • Hon Peeni Henare
Tourism

Regions around the country will get a $13.3 million boost from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF) to help enrich New Zealand-Aotearoa through sustainable tourism growth, Associate Tourism Minister Peeni Henare has announced.

The funding from round four of the TIF is being invested across 23 councils, and will support a range of projects, including toilet and shower facilities, upgraded carparks and walkways, and wastewater facilities.

“Through the TIF, we’re able to help regions to manage and support their tourism industry, so that it enhances the overall wellbeing of their communities,” Peeni Henare said.

One of the recipients is the Ruapehu District Council, which received nearly $4 million for the upgrade of the Ohakune Water Treatment Plant.

Another recipient is the Chatham Islands, which Mr Henare visited recently. 

“The Chatham Islands is an emerging and developing tourism destination that provides a unique and truly one of-a-kind visitor experience, and the funding will greatly benefit the island.”

Tourism Chatham Islands received $168,061 to install public toilets in six places with high visitor numbers.

“The range of projects that have been funded in this round really demonstrates what the TIF is all about. Working collaboratively with local government and communities, to come up with ways to improve tourism in ways that work for them.”

“This is just one way we can work together to implement the Government Tourism Strategy. We’ll continue to work together on developing long-term, sustainable solutions to tourism needs and issues, and I’m looking forward to continuing this partnership,” Peeni Henare said.

More information about the projects funded through round four of the TIF, can be found on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s website.

Notes to Editors

  • The Tourism Infrastructure Fund provides up to $25 million annually to develop tourism-related infrastructure that supports regions facing pressure from tourism growth.
  • Round four of the TIF will see 32 projects and 4 feasibility studies co-funded across 23 councils. Projects include:
    • Whangarei District Council - $1,670,000 for the update of the Town Basin ahead of the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup
    • Wairoa District Council - $530,300 for upgrade to Clyde Court toilet facility, toilet facilities at Pilots Hill freedom camping area and big belly bins across the area
    • Ruapehu District Council - $3,991,370 for the Ohakune Water Treatment Plant upgrade
    • Whanganui District Council - $150,644 for installation of public toilet facility and bus shelter at Taupo Quay
    • Nelson City Council - $498,550 for construction of a hub facility for recreational users at Maitai Valley, Nelson
    • Chatham Islands Council - $168,061 for installation of public toilets in high visitor areas
  • Across four funding rounds, $59 million has been invested in 152 projects. This complements other government investment, including $17 million in supporting responsible camping.
  • Applications for Round Five of the TIF will be welcomed from 1 March 2020.

Chatham Islands Tourism

·         Around 2,200 visitors per year head to the Chatham Islands, and it is set to grow.

·         Most visitors stay 5-7 days.

·         Accommodation facilities are set to grow by over 40% by the end of 2019, and new tourism business are being developed.

·         The visitor industry group has recently been formalised to become Tourism Chatham Islands.

·         More information on tourism in the Chatham Islands can be found: http://discoverthechathamislands.co.nz/