AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for March 30, 2026 – Full Text

Source: Radio New Zealand

There has been a U-turn on the most controversial part of the sweeping new Fisheries Bill, but keeping undersized catches wasn’t the only fishhook in the legislation.

It was the great catch that wasn’t.

Fisheries Minister Shane Jones was forced to throw his controversial fishing clause back into the sea last week, following protests and backlash – now his “once-in-a-generation” overhaul of New Zealand’s fishing rules is set Shane to be scrutinised in parliament with its first reading.

The government is proposing sweeping changes to the Fisheries Act, aimed at making the industry more efficient, more profitable, and quicker to respond to changes in fish stocks.

But after pressure from environmental groups and recreational fishers, Fisheries Minister Jones pulled back on his contentious plan to scrap most minimum size limits for commercial fishers, effectively allowing them to land and sell baby fish, including snapper and tarakihi.

He was initially unapologetic about the plan, but after advice from his leader and the prime minister – it’s up for debate who gave it first – he pulled a late pivot last week, and the clause is gone.

“It’s quite a big development really,” says RNZ producer and reporter Ross McNaughton, who has covered the many twists and turns of the bill.

“I think it [the bill] definitely does have the potential to bite the Matua on the bum, because it is riling up a lot of people.”

Today, The Detail looks at the “complex, dense” bill, which is shaping up to be a hot political topic in an election year.

“It’s so hard to sum up because it’s such a big bill,” McNaughton says. “There is the setting of catch limits now for up to five years, there are restrictions on cameras and the fines, and even the restrictions on whether or not people can challenge these in court.

“So, there is just so much in there, it’s such a massive bill, and very hard to pin down in a headline. I guess you could say it’s very very murky waters.”

The Fisheries Minister insists the changes will cut red tape and unlock growth in a billion-dollar export sector.

But critics say it risks doing the opposite – weakening environmental protections and handing more power to big fishing interests.

Concerns are also mounting around transparency, with the proposed tweaks to on-board camera rules raising alarms about public oversight.

Recreational fishers and environmental groups warn the reforms could put pressure on already-stretched fish stocks – and limit access for everyday kiwis.

But then supporters argue the current system is outdated and slow – and say smarter, more responsive rules are long overdue.

The bill is expected to face intense scrutiny as it heads through Parliament, with the future of New Zealand’s fisheries hanging in the balance.

“The timing isn’t great, given this is an election year, and this is starting to gather a lot of political heat,” McNaughton says.

“It’s an incredibly complex issue, with passionate people on either side.”

At its core, the debate cuts to a familiar tension in New Zealand: how to protect a loved finite natural resource while supporting an industry that’s vital to regional economies.

The government maintains the reforms are about modernising an outdated system – making it more efficient, more responsive, and much better aligned with real-world fishing practices.

Now, as the bill edges closer to its next stage, many in this ocean-loving country will be watching closely.

“It is intrinsically New Zealand,” says McNaughton. “And that’s why it’s such a hot topic”.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: New Zealand Government

Regulation Minister David Seymour is urging businesses, fuel users, freight operators, and the wider public to report any regulatory barriers that might be hindering our response to global fuel uncertainty. 

Submissions should be made to the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline (the Tipline). Submissions can be made here.

“New Zealand’s fuel supply is stable. We’re focussed on keeping it that way. This Government has responded well to the potential of conflict in the Middle East leading to shortages,” Mr Seymour says. 

“We can’t control what happens in the Middle East. We can control how we get fuel flowing through New Zealand pumps. If red tape is getting in the way of that goal, we want to hear it.” 

Earlier this week the Government set out updates to the National Fuel Plan to make sure New Zealand is prepared if international disruption puts pressure on fuel supply. 

“The Government’s first responsibility is to keep the economy moving and ensure essential services, freight, and families aren’t disrupted any more than necessary,” Mr Seymour says. 

“While the Government’s response has been strong, we don’t want a repeat of the Covid-19 lockdowns, and we don’t want to miss something which could lead to negative effects down the line. That’s why we want to hear from people affected by edicts from Wellington; what regulatory barriers do you see getting in the way of fuel supply?

“This Government listens to the people in tough times. Taiwan took a similar approach during the COVID outbreak. Through public feedback they were able to develop tools that improved their response. 

“In a disruption every unnecessary delay matters. If there are regulations that make it harder to import, store, distribute, or use fuel efficiently, they need to be identified now. Not when the pressure is at its peak.

“Examples of things which people might submit to the Tipline are regulations that could be reviewed, suspended, simplified, or better coordinated to support New Zealand’s fuel resilience. This could include barriers affecting fuel transport, storage, distribution, local delivery, freight movements, business operations, or the ability of firms to adapt quickly to changing supply conditions. 

“Not all issues identified will fall within the scope of regulation. Where submissions are non-regulatory they will be referred to the appropriate authority or organisation best placed to address them.

“The Tipline has already fixed many things that matter to Kiwis. It’s fixed dumb rules to allow Kiwis to build sheds on their property, allow home based baking businesses to get on with business, and got rid of draconian rules preventing medical conferences taking place in New Zealand. 

“We are particularly interested in hearing from businesses on the front line. Fuel companies, freight operators, contractors, primary producers, retailers, and others whose day-to-day experience tells them where the bottlenecks are.”

MIL OSI

Source: Radio New Zealand

Regulatory feedback is being called for as the government looks to tackle global fuel uncertainty.

The government laid out its response plan to the rising fuel costs triggered by the conflict in the Middle East following the US-Israel attacks on Iran one month ago.

The National Fuel Plan mimics the Covid response in that it has four phases, each outlining measures that would be taken if the situation gets progressively worse.

New Zealand is currently at phase one and the government has said for now there is sufficient supply and no need for stockpiling.

The Ministry for Regulation is now urging businesses, fuel users, freight operators, and the wider public to report any barriers that could stand in the way of the government’s response.

The ministry’s main job is to ensure quality across regulatory systems and encouraging productivity.

Regulation Minister David Seymour said the ministry was interested in hearing from businesses on the front line including fuel companies, freight operators, contractors, primary producers and retailers.

“We can’t control what happens in the Middle East. We can control how we get fuel flowing through New Zealand pumps. If red tape is getting in the way of that goal, we want to hear it.”

Seymour said the government was trying to avoid a “repeat of the Covid-19 lockdowns”.

“We don’t want to miss something which could lead to negative effects down the line.

“That’s why we want to hear from people affected by edicts from Wellington; what regulatory barriers do you see getting in the way of fuel supply?”

Examples of submissions that could be made included barriers affecting fuel transport, storage, distribution, local delivery, freight movements, business operations, or the ability of firms to adapt quickly to changing supply conditions.

“In a disruption every unnecessary delay matters. If there are regulations that make it harder to import, store, distribute, or use fuel efficiently, they need to be identified now. Not when the pressure is at its peak,” Seymour said.

Submissions can be made to the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline.

The price of 91 and diesel fuel in most parts of the country was well past $3 per litre with some stations running dry especially on discount days.

Motor Trade Association spokesperson Simon Bradwell recently said there were concerns over the increasing possibility of people driving off without paying for fuel.

He said businesses were doing what they can to keep prices down as it was also in their best interest.

The government also announced earlier this week almost 150,000 families with children will receive an extra $50 a week to help with the rising cost of fuel.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: New Zealand Government

Superannuitants, working families, students and beneficiaries are among the New Zealanders who will receive additional support from 1 April, as conflict in the Middle East continues to impact Kiwi wallets, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“The global fuel-price surge is hitting hard at home, causing a cost-of-living headache for many New Zealanders. While the Government can’t afford to ease all the pain, we are determined to keep progressing sensible, measured changes that provide some relief. 

On 1 April this week, policy changes and annual adjustments will increase financial support for more than a million New Zealanders. 

• Around 960,000 Kiwis receiving NZ Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension will get increased payments. NZ Superannuation for a married couple who both qualify will lift more than $50 to $1,708 a fortnight, an increase of over $180 since the 2023 election.
• Around 280,000 low-to-middle-income families will receive an increase in the family tax credit. Eligible families with one child will receive an extra $400 a year, rising to $720 for families with two children and $1,050 with three.
• As announced last week, an increase to the in-work tax credit will result in 143,000 working families receiving a further $50 boost per week for up to a year, as part of the Government’s temporary, targeted support to help with fuel costs. A further 14,000 families will receive up to $50 per week.
• In addition, Budget 2025 changes to the Working for Families abatement threshold come into effect from 1 April, and will support around 142,000 families with a boost of $14 per fortnight on average.
• Around 52,000 students will receive additional assistance. A single person over 24 receiving the Student Allowance will gain an additional $22 a fortnight.
• Over 435,000 working age beneficiaries will get increased support. A single person over 25 years old on Jobseeker Support will receive an additional $22 a fortnight. A couple with children will receive an additional $40 a fortnight (on top of the family tax credit increase).

“These changes from 1 April build on existing cost-of-living support.

“Over 86,000 families have received the FamilyBoost childcare tax credit and FamilyBoost will continue to support eligible low-to-middle-income families with up to $120 per week towards their childcare costs.

“And tax relief delivered in July 2024 will continue to benefit around 1.9 million households by $60 a week on average.

“The Government is acutely conscious that the conflict in the Middle East is causing pain for Kiwis at the pump, and is leading to increased costs for businesses, goods and services across our economy.  We have been upfront in acknowledging that the fall-out from these global events is likely to drive New Zealand’s inflation rate higher and our growth rate lower than previously forecast.

“We know that responding with large, untargeted government spending programmes could make things worse for Kiwis by adding even more pressure to inflation and debt. We are making careful choices in order to protect New Zealand’s economic future. 

Nicola Willis says that April 1 also marks the start of changes to KiwiSaver to support Kiwis to save more for their first home and retirement.

“Default employee and employer contribution rates will increase from 3 per cent to 3.5 per cent. This means Kiwis who choose to contribute more will be matched by their employers and able to grow their savings further.

“We recognise that many Kiwis will not feel able to make that choice right now. We have safeguarded their flexibility by ensuring KiwiSavers will be able to opt back down to the current 3 per cent contribution rate, if they choose.

“These KiwiSaver changes are all about lifting savings and helping Kiwis become more financially secure in the longer run,” Nicola Willis says. 

“Every choice we make now carries longer-term consequences. The Government will continue to be disciplined with every decision we make.

“While we can’t control global oil prices or overseas conflicts, we can take steps to ease the pressure on working families with targeted, responsible support.

“Sticking to our careful economic plan is how we can best get New Zealand and New Zealanders through this latest global shock while protecting New Zealand’s future.”

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has taken the first major step in rebuilding New Zealand’s senior secondary qualifications system, with Cabinet agreeing to the structure of a new qualification system to replace NCEA following consultation, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.   

“This is the first of two major milestones that make up a carefully sequenced set of decisions to design a modern qualification system. Our new qualification will be a credible measure of student progress and achievement against the curriculum that parents, employers and universities can trust. 

“Curriculum sets out the knowledge and skills students should learn. Qualifications should accurately recognise that learning. When those two things aren’t aligned, students are the ones who miss out.  

“The changes are being developed alongside the Government’s new knowledge-rich national senior secondary curriculum so that what students learn and how they are assessed are properly aligned. 

“We are ambitious for young New Zealanders and believe they deserve a qualification system built on high expectations that is internationally comparable. 

“The shortfalls of NCEA are well socialised and longstanding. NCEA has become increasingly fragmented, difficult to understand, and too easy to game. Too often students have been able to gain piecemeal credits without developing the knowledge and skills they need to succeed beyond school. 

“The 2024 ERO report on NCEA level 1 found three in five teachers and almost half of leaders reported NCEA Level 1 is an unreliable measure of students’ knowledge and skills. 

“We asked teachers, parents and the community what they thought about replacing NCEA and, with more than 10,000 people having their say, there was strong support for structural change to the qualifications, particularly around NCEA Level 1.   

“So we are building a new system that is clearer, more consistent across schools and internationally comparable so that when a student earns a qualification it genuinely signals they are ready for the next step and reflects what they know and can do. 

“Cabinet has agreed an initial package outlining the structural components of our new secondary qualification system. These include: 

• Replacing NCEA with a new secondary qualifications system with two levels over two years at Years 12 and 13. 
• Introducing subject-based assessment for Years 12 and 13, ensuring students are assessed on whole curriculum subjects.  
• Integrating industry-led subjects into the senior curriculum, providing a single qualification pathway.  
• Removing NCEA Level 1 and replacing it with deeper, curriculum-driven learning in Year 11. This will better prepare students for the qualification in Years 12 and 13.  
• Introducing a Foundational Award recognising students’ achievement in literacy and numeracy at a Year 11 curriculum level. 
• A requirement that all Year 11 students study English | Te Reo Rangatira and Mathematics | Pāngarau from 2028.  

“Students will be able to sit the Foundational Award when they demonstrate the required literacy and numeracy capability, typically at Year 11 level. 

“The Foundational Award is designed as a stepping stone into senior secondary qualifications. The basics matter. This award is a strong indicator of readiness to engage with the Year 12 and Year 13 qualification and basic competency in reading, writing and maths. 

Next steps 

“This is the first tranche in the design of the new qualification system. By taking decisions in two tranches, we have the time to engage with the sector and undertake detailed design work with the new Technical Advisory Group, on the more technical aspects of the proposal. 

Tranche two includes achievement requirements for Year 12 and 13, information about grading, the balance of internal versus and external assessments, weighting of exams, moderation, comparability, and complex decisions.

“These questions are interlinked and complex.   

“It is important to get the balance right to be aspirational for all students, while making sure we are setting them up for success.  

“Also, during the consultation process, it was suggested it be made compulsory for schools and kura to require Year 11 students to take Science | Pūtaiao. I will be seeking further advice on this.”  

The new system will be phased in: 

• 2026: Finalise senior secondary curriculum and develop assessment exemplars. Finalise qualification design.
• 2027: Preparatory year of assessment and PLD.
• 2028: NCEA Level 1 removed, Year 11 curriculum only, Foundational Award introduced.
• 2029: New Year 12 qualification and curriculum starts.
• 2030: New Year 13 qualification and curriculum starts. 

“No student will need to switch between NCEA and the new qualifications system during their schooling.  The first students to participate are the current Year 9 cohort. 

“It’s important that we get the reform of secondary school qualifications right, so we will continue to engage with the sector to ensure we achieve the best outcomes for teachers and students.  

“I expect to take advice on these technical design decisions before Budget,” says Ms Stanford.  

Curriculum and Assessment Roadshow  

To further support schools as these reforms progress, there will be a national curriculum and assessment roadshow for secondary school leaders in June this year.

“The roadshow will help schools prepare for the new subject-based qualification structure and the knowledge rich curriculum. 

“These events will support leaders to understand the changes, build capability, and share implementation approaches across the country,” says Ms Stanford.

MIL OSI

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dozens of people are hunkering down overnight at Wellington’s St Paul Cathedral to protest move-on orders.

About 250 people and 50 volunteers are at the vigil, organised by eight churches and other community groups.

Families with children will head home after speeches and music tonight, while others are expecting to stay for breakfast.

They oppose the move-on orders the government plans to introduce, which would allow police to issue notices to those sleeping rough requiring them to move to another location.

Those who refuse could face a $2000 fine or up to three months in prison.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

MIL OSI

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow live updates in our blog above.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones are set to explain the triggers that would prompt fuel restrictions, rationing or guidance.

Willis assured voters in her answers to questions in the House on Thursday that “we will not be changing the fuel response overnight”.

She and Jones are due to hold a media conference at midday.

“We will also provide more information about the criteria we will use to assess when a change in the response phase is required,” Willis said.

“This would include changes like the amount of fuel in the country,” she said.

Willis also told MPs in the House that the government’s goal was to “avoid ever getting to response phase three or four”.

“These are envisaged in the national fuel plan as the point at which prioritisation of fuel would be required.

“Our goal is to be doing enough to source the supply of fuel internationally that that does not become necessary, and by taking sufficient actions in response phases one and two, that we wouldn’t reach phase three and four,” she said.

Willis also doesn’t expect the government would need to be “skipping through the response phases” of the alert level framework.

Petrol, diesel, and jet fuel would be able to be treated at different alert levels under the framework.

Follow the livestream and updates in our blog at the top of this page.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Cure Kids warns 60,000 children in New Zealand each year are admitted to hospital with a preventable disease.

It is calling for the government to take action, following the release of the fifth State of Child Health report on Friday.

The report found the hospitalisation rate for children with respiratory conditions had increased by 60 percent since 2000.

“These are not rare or unavoidable illnesses,” Cure Kids chief executive Frances Soutter said. “They are, in many cases, preventable and our youngest children are carrying the greatest burden.”

Soutter said those under the age of one accounted for half the children in hospital for a respiratory condition.

The report called for a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus or RSV to be funded.

Auckland University professor of paediatrics and emergency medicine Stuart Dalziel said RSV was the leading cause of bronchiolitis, which hospitalised one in 12 children per year.

Nirsevimab would prevent that, Dalziel said.

The report also called for the influenza vaccine to be funded for children under five.

“We know that young children have the highest hospitalisation rates for flu and it plays a major role in spreading it within communities,” Soutter said. “This is a really practical, really cost-effective step that would protect our children and those around them.”

Tamariki Māori and Pacific children were disproportionately affected in every health concern.

While the hospitalisation rate for those with rheumatic fever or heart disease had returned to the same level as before the pandemic, Pacific children were 43 times more likely to be admitted to hospital with the disease than other children.

University of Auckland researcher and associate professor Anneka Anderson said that rate could be reduced by more than 85 percent, if the inequities were eliminated.

“Rheumatic fever is one of our country’s most glaring health inequities, and the extreme disparities we see in hospitalisation rates for our tamariki Māori and Pacific children, compared to non-Māori, non-Pacific children, are unacceptable in a country with the resources Aotearoa has,” she said.

“With co-ordinated prevention strategies and sustained investment in research, this disease is entirely preventable.”

Health Minister Simeon Brown told RNZ that the government was focused on prevention, as well as improving the health of children and young people.

“Making sure children can access timely, quality healthcare close to home is a fundamental part of that.

“That is why we are so focused on ensuring families can see a doctor when they need to, including through free GP appointments for children aged 13 and under.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: New Zealand Government

Tēnā koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. 

Thank you, Mayor John Glover, for your opening remarks, and thank you Associate Professor Susan Houge Mackenzie for convening this important event.

It’s a pleasure to be at the 2026 Otago Tourism Policy School here in Queenstown.

Queenstown captures so much of what makes New Zealand distinctive as a destination – our landscapes, our hospitality and our appetite for innovation. 

It’s an ideal place to come together for an important event on the annual tourism calendar.

When I spoke at this event last year, I announced Round Two of the Regional Events Promotion Fund. This Fund was designed to grow visitation beyond the main centres and outside peak season.

12 months on, I’m delighted to report that across two rounds, the Fund has supported more than 280 regional events. That announcement was the beginning of what has been an exciting year for tourism and hospitality.

Overall, tourism growth has been really encouraging over the past 12 months and we’re looking forward to that continuing. 

I now want to briefly address a topic which I know is top of mind for many in the sector – the current conflict in Iran. 

I’m being kept closely informed through the work of the Government’s Ministerial oversight group and by advice from agency officials. 

I can assure you that along with my Ministerial colleagues, I’m carefully monitoring the situation. This includes for the tourism portfolio and also for wider cost of living implications for New Zealanders.

During the ongoing situation, other flight routes, including those through the Americas and different parts of Asia, do continue to be available and visitors continue to come to New Zealand.

Additionally, and as we know the Middle East is a critical aviation hub, it’s been encouraging to see a resumption of flights on the route, with ultra-long haul routes like Auckland prioritised.

My priorities

The theme of this year’s Otago Tourism Policy School: What should tourism look like in 2050? aligns well with my own priorities.

In June last year, I launched the Tourism Growth Roadmap with two clear priorities: 

One:  growing international tourism – by increasing visitor numbers in the short term and doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034. Tourism is our second‑largest export, contributing 7.7 per cent of GDP. 

Growth in this sector is central to the Government’s wider economic objectives. It means more spending in our regions, bookings in our hotels, full tables in our cafes and restaurants and more jobs created. 

Two:  growing the number of New Zealanders working in tourism and hospitality. The latest Tourism Satellite Account shows one in nine jobs are now supported by tourism and hospitality – a clear signal of the sector’s importance to employment and regional prosperity.

Delivering on these priorities requires partnership across central government, industry, local government, iwi and communities to ensure growth delivers value for visitors and residents alike.

Since launching the Roadmap, we’ve focused on boosting demand, while also undertaking a review of the tourism system to understand where supply‑side constraints and opportunities lie. This Review has been shaped by extensive engagement with the sector, including many of you here today.

So, this year’s theme What should tourism look like in 2050?  absolutely aligns with this work. 

It challenges us all to think long‑term, towards a system that can sustain growth over decades. 

Achievements since launching the Roadmap – boosting demand

International arrivals are now at around 90 per cent of 2019 levels[1] and latest data from the Tourism Satellite Account shows total tourism expenditure at $46.6 billion for the year ending March 2025. 

We’ve also made progress on removing barriers to travel, further boosting visitation. Since the introduction of the visa‑free pathway for Chinese and Pacific travellers via Australia in November, nearly 59,000 requests have been approved, with more than 47,000 arrivals already recorded. 

Major Events and Tourism Package

In September, our Government launched the $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package, designed to drive economic growth and boost international visitor numbers.

This includes the $40 million Events Attraction Package to secure high‑impact events for New Zealand.

As a result, we’re now welcoming global events such as Robbie Williams, Linkin Park, the FIFA World Series, the World Surf League Championship Tour and Ultra Music Festival– with more to come.

We’ve also been working hard to deliver the Events Boost Fund, which has so far supported 34 new and existing events nationwide. 

We’ve continued investing in initiatives to drive outcomes in our regions. 

Round Two of the Regional Tourism Boost has now delivered nearly $10 million to campaigns across New Zealand. Collectively, the nine funded campaigns will attract global visitors, including from Australia, China, Canada and the United States.

The Boost provides a great example of the benefits to be realised when tourism and hospitality collaborate at scale. 

Hospitality is a huge contributor to our economy and workforce, helping drive over $9 billion in GDP and employing people across the country. 

As we attract more international visitors, the flow-on benefits for our hospitality sector become immediate and significant, as well as for our wider economy.

And of course we can’t forget the recent opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre. What a wait it’s been but an enormous milestone and the benefits for New Zealand will be profound. 

2026 Hospitality Summit

Earlier this month, I hosted the 2026 Hospitality Summit, which brought hospitality associations and businesses together to engage with government and refresh shared priorities for the sector.

Recent progress made demonstrates the positive impacts on economic growth when government, business and communities work together. 

Michelin Guide 

A key recommendation from the 2024 Summit had been to bring the Michelin Guide to New Zealand, and that dream is now a reality. The inaugural Guide will be released in June, covering Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

This is a truly significant opportunity to celebrate our top talent and draw even more international visitors to our shores, further lifting hospitality activity and spending. 

Tourism New Zealand will leverage this with an increased focus on food and beverage in its marketing.

Achievements – Supply-side 

Our Government is committed to economic growth, and tourism is central to that mission.

New Zealand has significant capacity to support further tourism growth, but we know capacity isn’t evenly distributed. 

Growth must be managed in ways which protect destinations and the unique visitor experience they curate.

That’s why I’m taking a balanced approach – continuing to invest in demand-side initiatives which boost visitor numbers, while also stepping up investment in the supply side of the sector. 

This year, IVL investment is looking to prioritise 60 per cent towards demand initiatives and 40 per cent towards supply. 

I look forward to sharing my 2026/27 IVL investment plan in the coming months.

New Zealand Cycle Trails Investment

Investment in our cycle trails continues to deliver really strong returns. 

Over the past year, I’ve announced four investments in cycle trail upgrades through the Major Events and Tourism package. 

This includes $2 million to extend the Dunedin Tunnels Trail and attract more people through the beautiful Otago region we’re enjoying today.

Each year, more than two million people use the Great Rides, contributing an estimated $1.28 billion to regional economies. 

This is exactly the kind of infrastructure we need — supporting both domestic and international growth and enhancing visitor experience.

Tourism System Review

Alongside these investments, I’ve been undertaking a Tourism System Review. I’d like to thank those of you who’ve provided valuable input into this review so far and shared ideas about how we deliver on the objectives of the Tourism Growth Roadmap.

I’ve heard the message from the sector loud and clear: the status quo won’t support long‑term, sustainable growth. Three themes have come through strongly. 

First, clear national leadership.

Our system is fragmented with overlapping roles, multiple funding mechanisms and limited coordination beyond international marketing. This weakens our ability to deliver value and compete as a destination at an international scale.

Tourism presents significant opportunities for New Zealand, but I can see that without a more coordinated and forward-looking system, our full potential won’t be realised.

Second, a more streamlined regional model.

There is an opportunity to achieve greater coordination while retaining strong local voices. Better regional scale can support dispersal, manage seasonality, and lift value per visitor – while still recognising that many core functions must remain at place.

Initiatives like the Regional Tourism Boost are a great example of the benefits to can be realised when we collaborate at scale. I’m open to suggestions on how we can support regions to continue to collaborate to maximise outcomes for communities and visitors. 

While efficiencies can be gained, many of the key functions in our tourism system are, and must continue to be, delivered at place.

Local government’s role in placemaking remains essential. Events, museums and galleries, public spaces and visitor infrastructure are foundational to tourism. 

I’ve had some questions from councils about what the Government’s reforms to focus councils on core services and keep rates increases under control mean for their role in tourism. 

Councils absolutely have a role in ensuring our cities, towns and districts are great places to visit, and that tourism and hospitality businesses can thrive as a result. 

The local government reforms don’t change councils’ important role in that.

To meet our long-term growth objectives, it’s essential any changes to the tourism system ensures local government investment in tourism is maintained into the future. 

There’s no replacement for local insights, expertise and passion. This is precisely what makes our tourism offering distinct and valued, and this must be honoured as we consider our next steps.

Third, sustainable, long-term investment to support a growing tourism sector. 

This isn’t just about public investment, but creating the right settings and providing confidence for private investors.

Short‑term, reactive funding makes it difficult to align activity to long‑term priorities. 

We need greater certainty – for both public and private investment – and a system reflecting tourism’s status as a strategic national asset

From Roadmap to system reform:  Tourism Policy Statement 

Everything I’ve spoken about today – boosting demand, strengthening supply, investing in regions and reviewing the tourism system – has been deliberate and sequenced.

The Tourism Growth Roadmap was about stabilising and growing the sector after a period of disruption. Our demand investments focued on recovery and momentum, and our supply‑side shift has been about supporting capacity, quality and resilience.

The Tourism System Review has tested whether the way our system is structured is fit for the future. That work now brings us to the next step.

Following the Tourism System Review, I’m progressing a Tourism Policy Statement for New Zealand. This is the key announcement I want to leave with you today.

The Tourism Policy Statement will not be a reset, and it is not a stand‑alone document.

It is the next phase of the work underway, translating the Roadmap and the Review into a clear, enduring framework for how tourism is governed, coordinated and invested in over the long-term.

At its core, the Tourism Policy Statement will do three things

First, it will set a clear national direction for tourism. 

It will articulate tourism’s role as a strategic national asset and provide a shared narrative for government, local authorities, iwi and industry about what success looks like – not just in terms of volume, but in value, resilience and community benefit.

Second, it will provide clarity on roles, coordination and investment, both now and in the future

It will respond directly to what we heard through the Tourism System Review about fragmentation, duplication and short‑term funding. The Policy Statement will signal where leadership sits, how coordination should improve across the system, and where public investment (including the IVL) can best unlock long‑term value.

Third, it will give confidence to regions and industry.

By setting out priorities and expectations, the Policy Statement will provide a stronger basis for local government, regional entities and the private sector to plan, invest and collaborate with greater certainty.

This is about moving from a system evolving over time to one that is designed deliberately. This will support growth, protect place and deliver value for both visitors and New Zealanders.

I expect to release the Tourism Policy Statement in Q2 this year. In the meantime, I encourage you to continue engaging through your industry and professional associations. The quality of the thinking in this room is exactly what will strengthen this next phase.

Closing

As a Government, we know the strength of our tourism industry is clear for all to see – and the sector is certainly a key part of National’s plan to fix the basics and build the future. 

Under our watch, New Zealand is open for business and international visitors are returning.

While tourism has always been one of New Zealand’s strengths, its future success will not be accidental.

It will depend on clear choices about how we grow, where we invest and how we organise ourselves as a system. It will recognise tourism not just as a set of markets, but as something that shapes places, communities and livelihoods across the country

Over the past year, our focus has been on rebuilding momentum and restoring confidence. 

The work now underway is about ensuring that growth is intentional, coordinated and sustainable. 

Our next steps must be about designing a system supporting growth, protecting place, and delivering value for both visitors and New Zealander

Thank you for the opportunity to share some of these next steps with you today. I look forward to your questions and to continuing this conversation together.

** Published at approx. 5pm 26 March 2026, subject to check against delivery.

MIL OSI