nz tour funding

Funding the Future of Tourism in New Zealand

Implementing global best practices in tourism taxation & funding.

While customised for New Zealand, many of these ideas could be equally applied to other nations, states, provinces and cities around the world.

  • Access “Funding for Tomorrow” , a summary of 10 international best practices in tourism taxation and funding from two major studies across both North America and Europe.
  • Read the two-part blog on “Reimagining New Zealand Tourism: Eight Essential Ways to Build Back Better”

Like many parts of the world, Aotearoa (New Zealand) is looking to a better future for its tourism industry post pandemic. To build back better, to renew a tourism industry which is more sustainable, better managed and offers deeper and broader based benefits to the country. A foundation of this renewal, however, will be adequate funding from tourism, specifically the right mix of visitor taxation, levies and other funding sources.

There are clear best practices from across the globe to learn from. In 2020, Miles Partnership helped facilitate (with other agency and industry partners) two of the largest ever studies into tourism taxation and funding options and opportunities. These two major studies looked at North America and Europe respectively and are collectively called “ Funding for Tomorrow ” (see detailed links below). This exhaustive review of visitor taxation and fees across thousands of destinations provides a great starting point to develop taxation and funding that is “future-focused,” in short; “Funding for Tomorrow”.

As a starting point to the debate in New Zealand (and many other destinations around the world), here are eight initial recommendations for action on sustainable, resilient and regenerative tourism taxation and funding.

1. Tourism Improvement District – A “Future-Focused” Funding Model. The Tourism Improvement District (TID) model emerged from our research as the best option for managing tourism taxation and funding models in a focused, well-governed and transparent structure. Bed taxes, one of the oldest and most common visitor funding models in the world has also been proposed in New Zealand, for example in Queenstown . However, bed taxes are a blunt funding mechanism – dated and fraught with challenges. Chief amongst them is a lack of a dedicated funding structure which allows the vast majority of bed taxes in many destinations to be siphoned off to non-tourism-related spending by governments. This is essentially “taxation without representation” and is a global challenge with tourism taxation of all types. New Zealand should develop a TID model adapted to its needs that reflects the global best practices we identified including dedicated funding, the ability to target a broader range of visitor related businesses (vs. just commercial accommodation) with an independent governance structure that reflects the range of critical tourism stakeholders – local government, industry, residents, Iwi etc.

  • References: See more on Tourism Improvement Districts in the “ Funding Futures ” report – “Evolution of Dedicated Funding” on page 80 .
  • Civitas, one of our partner agencies in the funding research has additional research and case studies on TIDs and has organized a first ever “Tourism Improvement District Conference” for DMOs, Governments etc. Learn more here .

2. National Legislative Framework/Best Practices: Regardless of the funding model(s) adopted, a consistent and best practice approach to their implementation and management is helpful across nations or states and provinces. We advocate that New Zealand should develop a national legislative framework for the implementation of taxation and funding by Local Government Authorities. This could apply to how Tourism Improvement Districts are established and how specific sectors, i.e. Short Term Rentals (STRs), are managed and taxed (TIDs can and should include holiday and vacation rentals). While allowing some customisation for local issues, this umbrella enabling legislation should provide clear guidelines for when tourism taxation and fees can be activated, how funds can be used, appropriate governance structures and mechanisms for ensuring transparency on the funds raised and where money is spent for the benefit of visitors, residents and businesses.

nz tour funding

Memphis Tourism in Tennessee, USA had a robust reserve policy in place ensuring it was well resourced to meet and manage the impact of the pandemic.

3. Reserves & Resilience Funding. Any taxation and funding model should include specific mechanisms to build resilience and manage the elevated risks of a post pandemic world. Importantly this includes building substantive reserve funds; up to one year’s operating budget that can be tapped in the event of future pandemics, natural disasters or other significant interruptions to tourism. Tourism taxation in the future can also be one part of funding the critical need for investment in resilient infrastructure including improved water and waste systems and projects to minimize and mitigate the impacts of climate change, for example expanding renewable energy or improved flood control projects. 

  • References : See more on Reserves in the “Funding Futures” report – “Building Reserves” on page 67 . Also, see the ‘ Tourism Taxes by Design’ European report – “What Taxes?” and “Mapping Taxes” on pages 11 and 17 for funding examples of infrastructure & resilience projects.

4. Risk Mitigation. Another element of a resilient future is solving the crisis in insurance especially for major events, conferences and cross border travel. The COVID-19 crisis has brought into sharp relief the risks of events being cancelled and borders being closed at a few days or even hours, notice. These pandemic related risks (eg: event cancellations and border closures) are now excluded by ‘Force Majeure’ clauses in almost all insurance policies. A national public–private insurance model is urgently needed to mitigate this uncertainty and risk during the recovery from COVID-19. See the national scheme Germany has introduced – with other nations eg: the UK, other European countries soon to follow.

  • References : See more on public-private insurance is covered in “Sharing Risk” on page 70 in the “Funding Futures” report in addition to an example of how Germany is handling it .

  5. National Accord for Central Industry Resources. Though tourism funding from national VAT/GST taxes collected from visitors does occur in a number of countries, the Government has flagged this is unlikely in New Zealand. However, it is important for the Government to acknowledge the significant taxation generated from tourism, including the $2+ billion in GST paid each year by international visitors pre pandemic. Tourism in many nations including New Zealand is the only ‘export’ industry to pay VAT/GST taxes. We advocate a national accord between the tourism industry and the Government that recognises this anomaly and funds critical industry resources that need substantive funding. This long term, cross party agreement can support critical industry resources such as tourism research & data sets, destination management support services, industry skills & capability building and a significant fund for nationally important infrastructure projects. Any such accord should be responsive to tourism growth ensuring national resources are calibrated to changes in tourism activity and therefore, the demands of managing tourism.

nz tour funding

Targeted tourism taxation such as Rental car levies can fund our industry’s migration to electric vehicles.

6. Regenerative – Climate Change Funding . A key feature of “building back better” is ensuring specific funding for regenerative tourism projects – both national and regional. This concept has been embraced by many in New Zealand tourism including a number of Regional Tourism Offices (RTOs) working with international regenerative tourism leader, Anna Pollock, the Tourism Futures Taskforce ( see their interim report here ) and business commentator Rob Oram ( see his recent article here ).  

Regenerative tourism looks to reinvest in community and/or environmental projects that enhance the destination that both residents and visitors enjoy. Regenerative tourism can also invest in meeting climate change related goals for tourism. In New Zealand this was recently highlighted by both the Climate Change Commission and Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment . Here are two ideas building on their work: i. A special rental car tax to fund the addition of charging stations across New Zealand touring routes and the rapid migration of the rental vehicle fleet to electric and ii. An airport departure/arrival tax on all international airline flights to fund the migration to biofuels or electric aircraft and/or to offset the carbon emissions while this migration is underway. 

  • References : See more on Regenerative Tourism Funding on page 87 in the “ Funding Futures “. Plus see the ‘ Tourism Taxes by Design’ European report – What Taxes? & Mapping Taxes, Pages 11 & 17 for regenerative tourism projects.
  • Also see my blog on “ Net Zero to New Zealand” from Earth Day 2019 . 

nz tour funding

A wide range of European destinations including Amsterdam in the Netherlands have created visitor taxes that vary by season, length of stay or other ‘outcome based’ objectives.

7. Outcome Based Pricing. Taxes and visitor levies through TIDs, airport departure/arrival tax and rental car taxes should be variable based on demand and supply – moving up or down by seasonality, and even by region. Far higher in peak season(s) or congested ‘hot spots’, far lower in the off season or less visited regions. This type of ‘regulatory design’ of taxes grew significantly in recent years with a range of European destinations such as the Netherlands, Switzerland and Croatia implementing visitor taxes varying by season, region and length of stay. Such ‘outcome based pricing’ sends clear signals to the visitor market on when to visit and that a destination like New Zealand is serious about creating a year round, widely dispersed and well managed tourism industry.

References : See ‘Tourism Taxes by Design’ European report – What Taxes? & Mapping Taxes for details of regulatory design of visitor taxation and levies across Europe plus for more on Outcome Based Funding Models on page 95 of the ‘ Funding Futures” report .

8. Long Term Research & Measurement. Finally, New Zealand needs a sophisticated set of research and data tools to measure the performance of any tourism taxation and funding framework that is developed. This would assess results in implementing these taxes against the stated best practices – would update and inform stakeholders and would help review and refine each funding mechanisms based on real world outcomes. This should include undertaking far more thorough ‘foundation research’ – for example assessing the impact of taxation on visitor demand and analysing the full costs vs. benefits of tourism in New Zealand including the value of different types and mix of visitors.

  • References : See a global high level review of the fuller costs of tourism ‘ The Hidden Burden of Tourism ’ (2019, Cornell University) and the ‘ The Impact of Taxes on the Competitiveness of European Tourism ’ (2017, PwC). The ‘ Tourism Taxes by Design ’ European report looked at 6 studies assessing the impact of tourism taxes on visitor demand and found at most such taxes have to have minimal impact – though more research is needed.

Final Note: Funding and taxation recommendations need to be reviewed and refined in consultation with all key stakeholders – whether in New Zealand or your destination. This includes consultation with central and local government, the various sectors of the tourism industry, with iwi and across communities. Some targeted research and analysis will likely be needed to inform this process. Strong consultation – supported by good quality analysis and research will ensure tourism taxation when implemented, is well designed and broadly supported.

Tourism needs adequate, sustainable and resilient funding. And this funding is needed now. Urgent action on tourism taxation and funding is urgently needed – both in New Zealand – and many other destinations around the world to ensure our industry can both recover quickly and “build back better”.

Additional Resources:  

  • Funding for Tomorrow – Access the webinar and executive summary of the two reports including 10 international best practices here .
  • Blog on “Funding for Tomorrow” – “ 10 international best practices in tourism taxation and funding from two major studies across both North America and Europe ”
  • Funding Futures – North American study report – See an overview here and download the overall report or report sections .
  • Tourism Taxes by Design – European study report – download full report here
  • Reimagining New Zealand Tourism – Two Part Blog: “ Eight Essential Ways to Build Back Better ”

nz tour funding

Written by Chris Adams

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  • Careers at BDO New Zealand
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New $49 million fund to kick-start NZ tourism after Covid

Businesses in five key South Island tourist locations are being targeted by three new Government initiatives, worth $69 million in total.

From this Friday 1 April, tourism businesses in Westland, Southland, Kaikōura, Mackenzie and Queenstown Lakes Districts will be able to apply for a grant valued between $10,000 and $50,000 as part of the Government’s new Tourism Kick-start Fund. This is in addition to the current Business Advisory Support and business implementation advice funds already available.

There are three business initiatives eligible tourism businesses affected by COVID-19 can apply for:

  • $10 million Business Advisory Support (up to $5,000 per business operation) to enable businesses to receive expert advice and support, such as on changing target markets, or scaling their business.
  • $10 million in grants for businesses to implement business advice (up to $5,000 per business operation), including help with financial and cash flow management, business continuity, marketing, digital enablement and HR advice.
  • If your revenue in 2019/20 financial year was $60,000-$260,000, you would receive $10,000.
  • If your revenue in 2019/20 financial year was more than $260,000, you would receive two weeks revenue up to a maximum of $50,000.

Tourism businesses can apply for one or all of the initiatives if eligible. Each initiative provides one grant per business operation, which must be physically based in at least one of the five locations specified.

Richie O’Meara, Managing Partner at BDO Southern Lakes and Central Otago, said: “It’s great to see the Government acknowledging the pain of the last two years for tourism businesses. I’m working with a number of local tourism entities who will be keen to take advantage of this fund. Tourism in Aotearoa is absolutely open for business and the clients we work with are keen to make sure their business is as strong as it can be to harness the opportunities that NZ’s borders opening will bring. They are ready to go from merely surviving to thriving, and this fund will help them get there.”

Who is eligible for the support?

To apply for the business advisory support fund, you must:.

  • Be a tourism business – which is defined as a business where at least 50% of operational output is purchased by tourists (domestic or international). This can include service businesses whose output is purchased by tourism businesses, and encompasses accommodation, arts and recreational services, food, transport and retail.
  • Be physically based within at least one of the five districts.
  • Be a privately-owned business or Māori Trust or incorporation under the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 or similar organisation managing Māori assets under multiple ownership (Charitable Trusts, Incorporated Societies, Non-business entities, and Local and Central Governments are ineligible).

In addition, to apply for the Business Advice Implementation Grant, you must also have received advice from the Regional Business Partner Network or similar alternative channel.

To be eligible for the Tourism Kick-start Fund , in addition to meeting the criteria for the Business Advisory Support fund, you must also;

  • have engaged in hibernation-like activities, for example: reduced opening hours, level of services, customers or business capacity due to COVID-19. Compared to 2019/20 financial year, a business must have experienced a drop in annual revenue of at least 50%;
  • have a minimum annual revenue of $60,000 pre-COVID-19 (2019/20 financial year);
  • not have received direct Government tourism support from the Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme; and
  • pass a viability test demonstrating that the business will remain viable and operating up to and beyond the border re-opening. This can be discussed with one of your Lead Entity’s Growth Advisors.

The Tourism Kick-start Fund can be used for recruitment and wages, training, operating expenditure, fixed overheads (e.g. leases), marketing and repairs or maintenance directly related to scaling up business operations. It cannot be used for capital expenditure, any situation where a potential conflict of interest may arise, or paying off debt.

You can read more about eligibility here .

How to apply

Each location has a lead entity administering the fund, and applications must be made directly to that entity:.

  • Tourism Communities Initiatives  — ChristchurchNZ
  • Tourism Support  — Great South
  • Queenstown Lakes: Support, Recovery & Re-Set Plan  — Business South Inc
  • Tourism Recovery and Re-set Kickstart Plan  — West Coast New Zealand

BDO is a registered service provider with the Regional Business Partners Network and we are currently supporting tourism clients through the ongoing effects of the pandemic. If you need help applying or want to check your availability, reach out to your local office today to see how BDO can help you kick-start your tourism business.

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Applications Open For Aotearoa Touring Programme Funding

The Music Commission have announced the Aotearoa Touring Programme , with applications now open in two of the three planned funding tiers.

One of the significant initiatives within the Government’s NZ Music Recovery Fund , the Aotearoa Touring Programme is part of the Ministry of Culture & Heritage -led Arts & Culture Covid Recovery Programme , which is focused on the recovery, regeneration and revitalisation of the cultural sector.

ATP funding is aimed at supporting both emerging and established artists to undertake tours of Aotearoa, with a focus on projects which will take original, live local music to regions. (‘This Programme will invest in national touring costs, to enable more New Zealand artists to grow sustainable careers and increase the access to live music for local audiences.’) The idea is to help reinvigorate the live music sector and assist recovery from the effects of Covid-19 in the domestic touring market. 

It is a matched investment scheme, meaning artists (or their representatives) can apply for 50% of eligible costs for domestic tours, and is a contestable fund. Applications are now open for the first two lower value tiered funds.

The Tier 1 Fund allocates $1 million for NZ artists who perform original music in ‘lower capacity’ venues of up to 600 capacity. You can apply for a 50% contribution towards approved eligible costs and the funding will provide at least 100 grants for a maximum of $10,000 each between now and June 2022.

The Tier 2 Fund is a total of $2M which will provide for at least 40 grants of a maximum $50,000 each, over the same period. This is for artists whose tours include bigger venues (i.e. over 600 capacity). Applicants will need to have a track record of successful local touring and/or ‘a significant audience base’.

Tier 3 Fund applications will open later in 2020 for major scale events featuring original NZ artists. The $1M to be allocated must be invested between then and June 2021. For more information contact [email protected] .

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nz tour funding

Welcome to NZ – now pay up: the risks and rewards of raising the foreign tourist tax

nz tour funding

Associate Professor, School of Hospitality and Tourism, Auckland University of Technology

Disclosure statement

Tracy Harkison does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Auckland University of Technology provides funding as a member of The Conversation NZ.

Auckland University of Technology provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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What should visiting Aotearoa New Zealand cost your average tourist? The government has suggested raising the price of admission – otherwise known as the international visitor conservation and tourism levy (IVL) – from NZ$35 to $100.

The aim is to relieve New Zealand taxpayers and ratepayers of some of the tourism costs they currently bear. But it also raises important questions about our overall tourism strategy, and about who we are encouraging to visit.

The previous Labour government introduced the IVL in 2019 to contribute to tourism infrastructure and conservation projects, as well as help create productive, sustainable and inclusive tourism growth.

At the same time, Tourism New Zealand has been actively campaigning to attract tourists who will visit more regions, travel in different seasons – and spend more.

So, do we want to focus on attracting high-spending tourists? Or do we want to attract large numbers of all tourist types and charge them more? The answers will have wide implications for whether New Zealand becomes a niche, premium destination, or another stop on the mass travel map.

Value versus values

Tourism is a vital part of New Zealand’s economy, earning about $17.5 billion a year (around $48 million a day) before COVID. The pandemic put the industry on life support, of course, but it did provide a unique opportunity to rethink and reshape tourism policy.

One strategy that emerged was to attract “high-value” tourists rather than revert to the pre-pandemic model of mass tourism. Some popular destinations had been overwhelmed at times. This put a strain on both environmental sustainability and the quality of visitor experiences.

This proposed shift was not unique to New Zealand. During the pandemic, many countries explored the potential of more sustainable and higher-value tourism once borders reopened.

But New Zealand’s distinctive overseas marketing approach has long played up being a welcoming country for all. This tension between being inclusive as well as more exclusive also challenges the Māori concept of manaakitanga – hospitality and generosity – that has been key to tourism’s messaging.

The strategy and insights team at the Department of Conservation suggested a way through the paradox: shift the narrative from high-value tourism to values-based tourism that “gives more than it takes”.

Meanwhile, Tourism New Zealand was collecting data to understand more about how to attract and satisfy high-net-worth individuals, already targeted through its premium partnerships programme .

At that time, the then tourism minister, Stuart Nash, was talking up a new vision “to target high-quality tourists”. He later clarified this, saying “quality” referred to people staying at least ten days and spending more money. He also wanted New Zealand to be one of the world’s top three “aspirational destinations”

nz tour funding

Calls to reset tourism strategy

A Tourism New Zealand survey released just before last year’s election suggested Nash’s message may have resonated with some – 15% were in favour of attracting a “higher quality” of tourist, and 30% wanted to limit the number of tourists on public land.

With tourism now approaching pre-COVID numbers and international visitor spending up $1.3 billion on the previous year, the question of how many and what kind of tourists we want becomes more urgent.

To that end, the business association Tourism Industry Aotearoa has released Tourism 2050: A Blueprint For Impact . It aims to “reset industry strategy” and calls for a national tourism policy statement from the government.

Among the blueprint’s ten recommended main actions, environmental sustainability and embracing Māori culture and knowledge stand out. This includes embedding the Tiaki Promise , an industry initiative begun in 2018 to encourage tourists to care for New Zealand’s people, places and culture.

Finding the balance

With international visitor spending up 18% up on pre-COVID levels, Tourism New Zealand has been optimistic its strategy is paying off. But any increase in the international visitor levy will need to be communicated carefully.

While $100 may not seem a lot in the context of an overseas holiday’s overall cost, it is still another price barrier. And openly targeting high-value visitors suggests other visitors are low-value.

If the essence of manaakitanga is that people arrive as strangers but leave as whānau (family), the authenticity of New Zealand’s overall messaging needs to be clear.

It’s true that luxury travel is a growth market . But showcasing a commitment to the environment and Indigenous culture can appeal as much to a backpacker as to a high-net-worth individual.

Engaging local communities in tourism planning will be crucial to ensure the benefits are shared widely, and the whole country can show that manaakitanga. Fostering a more sustainable tourism industry means looking after everyone.

The success of the strategy lies in our ability to balance exclusivity with inclusivity: encourage all types of tourists, don’t raise the visitor levy by too much, and ensure New Zealand stays a welcoming and sustainable haven for all.

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Museum of New Zealand

Te Papa Tongarewa

Open every day 10am-6pm

(except Christmas Day)

Free entry for everyone

Charges apply to some short-term exhibitions and activities

Travel Subsidy Grant

Help cover travel expenses for sector related training in New Zealand.

Maximum funding request: $500 including GST per application

Eligibility

We welcome applications from museums and galleries, iwi, hapū and whānau caring for taonga.

You must represent a legally constituted non-profit organisation, such as an incorporated society, charitable trust or iwi authority.

You can make three applications per financial year (1 July – 30 June).

Funding can support:

accommodation during the training opportunity

travel in a car, charged at the current IR mileage rates .

Funding cannot support:

registration fees

overseas travel (see our Professional Development Grant instead)

food and consumables

travel insurance.

How to apply

Download and complete the application form below, then send it with your supporting documentation by email to: [email protected]

Travel Subsidy Grant Application Form ( 134.58 KB )

Apply by 5 May if you wish to receive a grant in the same financial year.

We will contact you with the outcome of your application within 20 working days of receipt. All decisions made by our assessment panel are final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

Phone: 0508 678 743 Email: [email protected]

Payment of an approved grant

If your grant is approved you will be sent invoicing instructions, including a purchase order number, to enable your organisation to uplift the funds. The invoice must be from your organisation as we are unable to pay suppliers directly.

When your funding is expended, it is important that you send copies of all relevant receipts or invoices to [email protected] for filing.

Standard Te Papa terms are payment 20th of the month following the invoice date.

Required acknowledgement

As a grant recipient, you are required to acknowledge the support received from National Services Te Paerangi, for example, in your organisation’s newsletter or website. We can provide a logo and usage guidelines.

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Planning your vocational training? You may be able to get the first 24 months of your training Fees-Free.

Learn about what Fees Free covers and check if you’re eligible to access it.

All learners across New Zealand who are starting their vocational training for the first time. Check if you’re eligible by visiting the Fees Free website.

If you’re doing on-the-job training, Fees Free may cover fees for training and assessment for the first 24 months of any eligible work-based learning programme.

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Help to pay for training to get a job if you're disabled or have a health condition.

Training Support funding can help you pay for extra costs relating to training if you have a disability or health condition. This is to help you get or stay in a job, including self-employment.

Training Support funding can cover:

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This is for people who:

  • have a health condition or disability that’s likely to last for more than 6 months
  • are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
  • aren't getting support from ACC or the Ministry of Health
  • normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here.
  • need to pay for extra support to do training because of their health condition or disability, these should be costs a non-disabled person would not have if they do the same training

Course Participation Assistance

Work and Income can help pay for a short-term course to help people develop the skills they need to get into work.

Making sure people have the training and skills they need to get into work.

People who are getting a Work and Income benefit, are attending an approved course, and have to pay to attend the course or pay extra costs (eg. travel) because of the course.

Up to $1,000 over 52 weeks- you can get more than one payment during this time, but the total can’t be more than $1,000.

Support for Pacific people to access learning and work opportunities

Tupu Aotearoa — Ministry for Pacific Peoples

Tupu Aotearoa is a targeted programme to support Pacific people to gain tools and skills that enable them to thrive through employment, completing further training or study.

Tupu Aotearoa is delivered by local providers to support you on your journey to employment, further training or study.

Local Tupu Aotearoa providers can help you with:

  • identifying appropriate upskilling and training courses
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  • support writing your CV and cover letter
  • preparing for interviews
  • obtaining a driver's licence
  • pastoral care and support post-placement.

Pacific people in Aotearoa who are:

  • aged 15 or over
  • New Zealand citizens
  • currently not in employment, education or training.

Locations of providers can be found on the Ministry for Pacific People’s website.

Support for employers to train permanent Māori staff

Cadetships — Te Puni Kōkiri

Boost the future of your business while developing the leadership and career paths of promising Māori employees. Partner with Te Puni Kōkiri to grow Māori leaders.

Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships supports Māori to achieve their potential in the workplace, and contribute to thriving, innovative and resilient businesses. It works by providing funding for employers to design, develop and implement tailored training and development programmes for Māori staff (who can be newly employed, or existing staff members), that will improve their skills, employability and earnings, and provide opportunities for them to move into leadership roles. Ideally, Cadetships programmes encompass elements of tikanga to support cadets to increase their confidence and mana.

Large, medium, and small employers, in a range of industries are encouraged to partner with Te Puni Kōkiri to deliver Cadetships programmes. Cadetships are largely aimed at supporting Māori of all ages who are moving to the next stage of their career, into management roles or leadership positions. They can also support new employees to accelerate their skills-development and opportunities for progression.

For employers Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships:

  • provides up to $10,000 per cadet for training and development
  • invests in the future of the business economy
  • encourages growth in a range of industries both national and regional
  • contributes to thriving, innovative and resilient businesses, while increasing diversity and links to Māori communities.

For cadets Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships:

  • provides cadets with an opportunity for progression into the next stage of their career
  • develops Māori leadership and career progression
  • provides employer-led pastoral care throughout
  • helps to improve well-being and thriving whānau.

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Tourism Ticker

Perspectives: Tourism needs survival support, not innovation funding

20th May 2022 By Contributor

There will come a time for innovation in the industry but right now operators need more practical support, writes Tourism Export Council of New Zealand chief executive Lynda Keene.

nz tour funding

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand was not expecting any funding support in the 2022 Budget after asking Tourism Minister Stuart Nash for support in February 2022 – because it was urgently needed by businesses – and receiving a letter in May saying there was no intention to provide any further funding for inbound tour operators that are the conduit between New Zealand businesses and offshore travel partners.

When we saw $54.2m scroll across the TV screen for the tourism sector, we were delightfully surprised. Then we saw the word ‘innovation’ and slumped a bit. Why? Because international tourism businesses are still in survival mode and looking to innovate is a nice to have, not a priority when you have families and staff trying to put food on the table and cover their family and business bills.

The industry needs sector survival funding, not sector innovation funding.

Realising the $54.2m has come about from unspent Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme (2020) funding and Tourism Communities recovery package (2021) funding was also surprising.

In February 2022, TECNZ had already asked MBIE and the Minister for any unspent funds from these two initiatives to be reallocated to where the real need is. TECNZ submitted a business case showing where the need was on a per segment basis (from an industry survey) to highlight where any new investment would best produce a return on investment for the government’s previous investment in 2020 and 2021.

Based on receipt of the Minister’s letter say no further funding was available and then finding out there have been funds is a little perplexing. Our sector is still under immense stress and the anxiety business owners have had to endure would greatly have been alleviated if this funding was available earlier.

The fact that there’s no detail on how the funds will be distributed and what the criteria is to apply for the new fund is frustrating. We are not sure if the businesses that really need funding support will meet the criteria, we really hope so. There is a concern due to the high focus in the following areas:

  • Climate: Reduce carbon emissions in the tourism sector or have a positive impact on the climate. The industry has always had a strong focus on environmentally sustainability and climate change over decades since Green Globe 21 was introduced in the 1990s, then Earthcheck in 2000s and over 1200 businesses have already signed up to the UN Sustainability Development Goals. Climate and sustainability is not a new thing for tourism. Can we improve? Always.
  • Sustainability: increase the resilience or environmental sustainability of tourism. Any tourism business that has managed to survive, still operate and be a positive contributor to their community deserves some support. Other comments on environment noted above.
  • Technology: lift productivity or capability of the tourism sector through technology-based solutions. Many of our businesses implemented new technologies over past decades and use AR, VR, IR and all the Rs. Can we improve and be even more innovative? Yes, always.

Over the past two years businesses have had a chance to think about their futures, and in time, will look at implementing new products and experiences.

However, businesses need practical funding support now so they can recruit staff and get out of first gear, become operational and be ready to welcome back visitors. We very much hope the international tourism businesses who have already proven their resilience to stay operating after two years with either zero or only 20%-30% of pre-Covid revenue have proven they deserve a helping hand with this latest fund.

We must focus on the most practical form of investment to ensure there is a quality international tourism offering in the future. If some businesses can’t get support from the latest fund, New Zealand’s global reputation will continue to be at risk if we can’t recruit staff and plan with confidence and meet ‘brand NZ’ visitor expectations. The demand is there. Business owners will do their best.

The best way for the government to support the rebuild of New Zealand’s international tourism offering is to listen to the specialists (TECNZ) who have been bringing visitors here for 50 years, successfully growing it to be the country’s No. 1 export industry before Covid-19 struck.

We urge the government to listen and act on specialist advice to maximise their ROI over the past two years, which has been appreciated. We’d like to work in partnership and be part of the conversation going forward.

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ARTIST MANAGEMENT . MUSIC BUSINESS

It's pretty cool that we can get funding to help our music careers in Aotearoa. Check out some of the funding agencies below.

NZ On Air - Irira ngi te Motu

NZ On Air funds the recording and promotion of single songs, multi-song projects and video content to help connect great NZ songs with NZ audiences.

Single Funding

NZ On Air will pay a maximum of $10,00 (plus GST registered) for the eligible costs of recording a single, creating video content to promote the single and other promotion costs to increase NZ audience awareness and engagement with the audio and video content.

To be eligible to apply for New Music Single (pūtea tautoko) you must reach at least 10 out of 30 criteria benchmarks for your music to date.

Project Funding

Funding of between $10,000 and $40,000 is available for multi-song-projects- which includes an up to $4,000 (10%) Artist Creation Fee.

NZ On Air will pay on an 80% reimbursement basis, meaning that the music company/ applicant must co-invest a minimum of 20% of the costs of completing the project.

New Music Development

New Music Development is a new funding initiative designed to support the development of new songs from emerging artists working with established music producers within New Zealand. 

Grants of up to $6,000 (+ GST) are available to producers for development of a bod of work with one artist, with a minimum of three demo recordings to be delivered at the end of the development period.

New Music Pasifika

Funding of up to $10,000 is available for artists of Pacific background, for a single song - which can now include a $1,000 (10%) Artist Creation Fee. NZ On Air will pay a maximum of $10,000 (plus GST if registered) for the eligible costs of recording a single, creating video content to promote the single and other promotion costs to increase NZ audience awareness and engagement with the audio and video content.

New Tracks is a compilation of new music from New Zealand artists which is distributed to broadcast and online medial platforms each month. With over 230 volumes, New Tracks (previously Kiwi Hit Disc) is the most comprehensive catalogue of New Zealand contemporary puoro ever assembled. To apply for New Tracks you must have a completed, airplay-ready song, a cover image and a promotional plan.

Te Māngai Pāho

T e Māngai Pāho provides c ontestable funding to artists and producers who make music for airplay and streaming. Waiata Reo Māori; Waiata Takitahi Funding is also available for initiatives that widely promote and celebrate waiata reo Māori.

Waia ta Takitahi

Waiata Takitahi – (‘single song’) – is a co-fund launched as a collaboration between NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho.  You must be a New Zealand artist interested in recording and releasing a bilingual single with potential general audience appeal and a minimum of 25% te reo Māori in the song lyrics.

Funding of up to $14,000 (plus GST if registered) is available to put towards the costs of recording a single song, creating video content and other visual collateral, and putting resource towards promotion, publicity and marketing for the single release. Funds can also be used to pay for the services of a te reo Māori language consulta nt.

Creative New Zealand Arts Grants

Arts Grants is the most popular fund open to emerging and established artists, arts practitioners and arts organisations for a range of activity.

Arts Grants offer short-term project funding between $5,000 to $75,000. This funding enables more sustainable careers, encourages innovation and the development of arts practice, and provides opportunities for diverse communities to access the arts.

The New Zealand Music Commission

The New Zealand Music Commission Te Reo Reka O Aotearoa is a government funded organisation that promotes music from New Zealand and supports the growth of New Zealand music businesses – both culturally and economically, at home and abroad. The hub of NZ Music Month, the Music Commission also deliver contemporary music programmes in schools, including the Musicians Mentoring in Schools Programme; provides music upskilling tools and resources; and runs the international market development & trade show programme Outward Sound.

International Development

Outward Sound offers financial support to New Zealanders wanting to grow to an overseas market. Outward sound is an intuitive set up to encourage the entry of NZ musicians into global markets. You an apply for assistance through grant programmes here.

Tour Funding

The Aotearoa Touring Programme can invest in approved domestic touring costs to help New Zealand artist to increase their access to live music events for NZ audiences. Applications require a comprehensive tour budget and marketing plan. 

Touring Programme - Applicant Information & Resources: 

Capability Grants

The Capability Grants Programme is a contestable fund from the NZ Music Commission for music industry up skilling, training and development opportunities.

Popular Resources

Here is a section from the NZ Music Commission with useful information and one pagers valuable to the NZ Music Industry. Resources include: 

How to create an Electronic Press Kit (pg 4)

Promoting your gig (pg 4)

PR Tips (pg 2)

Getting on a Festival Line up (pg 4)

How to approach a record label (pg 6)

Touring programme overview (pg 1)

When and how to approach a record label (pg 6)

Sample applications for touring applications and capability grants (pg 2) 

Capability grant overview (pg 1)

Getting started planning a tour (pg 6)

How to budget for a tour (pg 7)

Things to remember (pg 9)

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Funding deadlines Ngā rā whakaoti mō te tono pūtea

Scripted, factual and platform deadlines, music dates and deadlines.

NZ On Air 2024-25 Funding Deadlines PDF 147.4 KB

Priority and General Audiences

Applications open : 18 January 2024

Deadline: 4:00 pm, 8 February 2024

Applicants informed: 12 April 2024

Applications open : 4 April 2024

Deadline: 4:00 pm, 24 April 2024

Applicants informed: 5 July 2024

Targeted and General Audiences round

Applications open : 22 August 2024

Deadline: 4:00 pm, 12 September 2024

Applicants informed: 22 November 2024

Applications open : 17 January 2025

Deadline: 4:00 pm, 7 February 2025

Applicants informed: 9 April 2025

All applications must be made through our online application system.

New Music Single

New music single jan/feb.

Applications Open: Thursday 11 January

Applications Close: Thursday 25 January, 4pm

Results Published: Thursday 22 February

New Music Single Mar/Apr

Applications Open: Thursday 28 March

Applications Close: Thursday 11 April, 4pm

Results Published: Thursday 9 May

New Music Single Jun/Jul

Applications Open: Thursday 30 May

Applications Close: Thursday 13 June, 4pm

Results Published: Thursday 18 July

Applications Open: Thursday 8 August

Applications Close: Thursday 22 August, 4pm

Results Published: Thursday 19 September

New Music Single Oct/Nov

Applications Open: Thursday 10 October

Applications Close: Thursday 24 October, 4pm

Results Published: Thursday 21 November

As of 2023, the New Music Single application period is slightly shorter - applications will need to be submitted within two weeks of the round opening.

New Music Project

New music project jan/march.

Applications Open: Thursday 18 January

Applications Close: Thursday 8 February, 4pm

New Music Project Apr/Jun

Applications Open: Thursday 4 April

Applications Close: Wednesday 24 April, 4pm

New Music Project Jun/Aug

Applications Open: Thursday 20 June

Applications Close: Thursday 11 July, 4pm

New Music Project Aug/Oct

Applications Open: Thursday 22 August

Applications Close: Thursday 12 September, 4pm

New Music Project Kids

New music project kids april/may.

Applications open: Thursday 4 April

Applications close : Wednesday 24 April, 4pm

New Music Development

New music development feb/apr.

Applications Open: Thursday 29 February

Applications Close: Thursday 14 March, 4pm

Results Published: Thursday 11 April

New Music Pasifika

New music pasifika feb/march.

Applications Open: Thursday 8 February

Applications Close: Thursday 29 February, 4pm

Results Published: Thursday 28 March

New Music Kids

New music kids july/sept.

Applications Open: Thursday 18 July

Applications Close: Thursday 8 August, 4pm

Results Published: Thursday 5 September

Waiata Takitahi

Waiata takitahi oct/dec.

Applications Open: Thursday 17 October

Applications Close: Thursday 7 November, 4pm

Results Published: Thursday 5 December

New Music Pan-Asian

New music pan-asian may/june.

Applications Open: Friday 26 April

Applications Close: Thursday 16 May, 4pm

Results Published: Thursday 13 June

All 2024 NewTracks dates

  • February compilation – Round open Tuesday 2 January | Deadline Monday 15 January
  • March compilation – Round open Thursday 1 February | Deadline Thursday 15 February
  • April compilation – Round open Friday 1 March | Deadline Friday 15 March
  • May compilation – Round open Tuesday 2 April | Deadline Monday 15 April
  • June compilation – Round open Wednesday 1 May | Deadline Wednesday 15 May
  • July compilation – Round open Saturday 1 June | Deadline Saturday 15 June
  • August compilation – Round open Tuesday 2 July | Deadline Monday 15 July
  • September compilation – Round open Thursday 1 August | Deadline Thursday 15 August
  • October compilation – Round open Monday 2 September | Deadline Sunday 15 September
  • November compilation – Round open Tuesday 1 October | Deadline Tuesday 15 October
  • December compilation – Round open Friday 1 November | Deadline Friday 15 November

All rounds close at 4pm and from 2024 onwards we have a new deadline of the 15th of every month.

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01 Jun 2018

  • Apply for Scripted and Non-Fiction funding

We fund the development and production of local Scripted and Non-Fiction content that reflects and develops New Zealand culture.

  • Apply for Music Funding

We fund the recording and promotion of single songs, multi-song projects and video content to help connect great NZ songs with NZ audiences.

30 May 2018

  • Apply for Platform funding

We support a number of specially targeted platforms and services so they can create and deliver audio/visual public media content of cultural and social value.

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Disappointment as matariki festival showpiece cancelled after funding cut.

The waka Te Rangimarie prepares for the waka parade.

The Te Tau Hou Māori light and waka spectacular will not go ahead this year. File pic Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf

Organisers of Bay of Islands' Matariki festival are frustrated its celebration will be scaled back due to funding cuts.

In previous years, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage has supported iwi, hapu, and community groups to hold Matariki events across the country through its Matariki Ahunga Nui Fund.

But Matariki Pēwhairangi Festival director Jackie Sanders said the festival was not informed this funding would not be renewed.

"We sent emails and tried to contact them (the ministry). Then last week, the funding page was quietly deleted."

Sanders said the festival received $100,000 a year, for each of the two years Matariki funding has been administered by the ministry.

She said the absence of this funding amounts to a 60 percent funding cut for the festival and they have been forced to cancel one of its most popular events, the Te Tau Hou Māori light and waka spectacular.

More than 5000 people attended the event in Paihia last year which featured a light show, waka, and fireworks, curated to a narrated story.

"It is a shame it was not communicated because it might have given us an opportunity to find alternative funding or gain sponsorship.

"It is frustrating because people really look forward to it and we felt like we were starting a tradition."

Sanders said the event had been a welcome tourism boost for the region over the winter period and she hoped to bring it back in future years.

"The event gave people a reason to head up north to celebrate.

"We have suffered longer than other regions after extreme weather events and the main road (to Northland) re-opened in May just before Matariki."

The ministry said it notified organisations on 24 May it would not provide funding this year, instead the Māori Development Ministry will distribute grants for Matariki events.

"The ministry has streamlined how the government supports Matariki by partnering with Te Puni Kōkiri. Te Puni Kōkiri is distributing Matariki funding to communities on behalf of the ministry through the long-running Te Pū Harakeke Fund rather than through a separate fund managed by Manatū Taonga.

"Te Puni Kōkiri is currently working with communities to distribute Matariki funding. Funding for Matariki events is contestable and funding recipients vary year on year."

Matariki Pēwhairangi Festival, which Sanders called uniquely Te tai Tokerau, had been running for four years, before Matariki was an official public holiday.

More than 10,000 people attended the festival's events in 2023.

Despite funding challenges, Sanders said they were proud of the festival they have planned.

There were more than 20 events and experiences for whānau to enjoy, including the Matariki Dawn Cruise where tohunga guide participants to see the rising of Matariki and Puanga.

"The events are enjoyed and appreciated by Māori and non-Māori. Those who do not know the traditions get to experience and learn."

The festival kicks off on 21 June and goes until 14 July.

Copyright © 2024 , Radio New Zealand

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Kiwi executives’ top digital priorities, biggest concerns for 2024 - Tuanz report

Chris Keall

Chris Keall

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What's keeping decision-makers up at night?

What tech worries keep executives up at night? Technology Users Association of NZ (Tuanz) head Craig Young interviewed 36 chief information officers and other senior leaders at big organisations like Foodstuffs, Woolworths, AA Insurance, Transpower, Turners and Zespri for his organisation’s report Digital Priorities in 2024.

Concern about recruitment, immigration settings and supply chains are out and a focus on emerging technologies like AI and worries about budget squeezes are in, according to Tuanz’s Digital Priorities in 2024 report, released this morning.

One of 2023′s top priorities, “a carbon-free future” has also slipped off the list at a time of “resource constraints”.

"It's mainly about keeping the lights on. The budget for innovation and implementation of new types of services is really slim” - Tuanz CEO Craig Young.

Tuanz chief executive Craig Young found chief information officers (CIOs) and other decision-makers had outward-looking concerns over a lack of Government leadership, from the new challenge of artificial technology to long-standing concerns like cyber security and closing the digital divide.

The concerns come at a time when two global surveys (noted in Tuanz’s report) found NZ slipping in digital competitiveness - and by Young and others’ analysis, Budget 2024 had little for the sector. In fact, some programmes were trimmed.

Source: Tuanz's Digital Priorities in 2024 report.

“With many organisations facing budget or funding constraints, it is likely that more resources in 2024 will be allocated to ‘keeping the lights on’ and a heavy operational focus rather than investment in new projects,” the report says.

AI becomes dining-room conversation

All the CIOs were keenly aware of the rise of AI.

But overall, “the budget for innovation and implementation of new types of services is really slim”, Young told the Herald .

Many of those surveyed have had machine learning and other AI-related initiatives in place for two decades. But as one of the CIOs told Young, “The difference last year was it became a dining-room table conversation.”

With the rise of ChatGPT and its peers, the focus has shifted from using machine learning for behind-the-scenes tasks to staff wanting to use generative AI.

Now there was “pressure on CIOs from staff and boards and execs saying, ‘When are we getting AI and what can we do with it?’” Young says.

“And the CIOs are trying to figure out what those use-cases are. They’ve personally tried the technology, but they really haven’t worked out the major use-cases. They’re obviously being sold to, and AI is turning up in the products they’re buying anyway. So if you’re a Google shop, you’re getting Gemini popping up everywhere, and if you’re a Microsoft shop, Copilot is creeping in.”

Generative AI was seen as “a multiplier, not a subtractor”. It was unlikely to make any roles redundant - at least over the next two to three years.

The general consensus among CIOs was “AI is more likely to augment human workers, significantly reshape some roles, increase throughput, free up human workers to focus on higher-level and higher value tasks, and introduce the need for new skill sets and ways of thinking”.

Big demand for AI, smaller budgets for innovation

CIOs see AI as a technology that “can’t be ignored”, but it has also arrived at a time when many are still in the midst of migrating systems to the cloud and the economic slowdown is crunching budgets across the board.

“It’s a particularly difficult time for organisations to face up to what’s quite a disruptive technology, and also to look at transforming their core systems, because we are going through a time when resources are tight and budgets are tight,” Young says.

“We did get a sense in the report that CIOs are getting budget for IT - but it’s mainly about keeping the lights on. The budget for innovation and implementation of new types of services is really slim,” Young says.

NZ slipping in digital competitiveness rankings

New Zealand’s overall digital competitiveness ranking in the Portulans Network Readiness Index fell from 19th to 23rd over the past year, while the IMD World Digital Competitiveness report had NZ 25th out of 64 countries for 2023.

In terms of AI or cybersecurity, “New Zealand has no legislation or regulation beyond the Privacy Act which concerns our digital leaders. Our low NRI rankings in cybersecurity, privacy protection, and regulation of emerging tech also suggest this should be a top priority”, the Tuanz report says.

NRI had NZ 33rd for regulating emerging tech, 56th for cyber security and 65th for privacy protection.

While businesses don’t love red tape, they also know some form of regulation is coming in areas of AI - though whether it will be along the lines of the EU’s AI Act or the US’ more liberal presidential directives is unclear. And in the meantime, Buddle Findlay special counsel Damien Steel-Baker says they don’t want to invest in systems that may or may not be outlawed by future rules. That stifles innovation.

AI amplifies cybersecurity features

Cybersecurity remains a huge concern - particularly AI’s capacity to facilitate more sophisticated hacks and scams.

Last year, Zuru’s chief financial officer was targeted by a deepfake AI video purporting to be his boss Nick Mowbray during a Teams call, the Tuanz report notes.

While that attack was ultimately thwarted, the report notes “already this year a finance worker in Hong Kong was misled by deepfake technology, paying out NZ$42.1 million after believing he was talking to his company’s chief financial officer”.

“For the firms or the companies that have already got targets on their backs, it’s going to make it a lot easier to attack them,” Chapman Tripp chief digital officer Sean Bishop told Young during his interviews for the report.

Education and awareness will play a central role in protecting against these attacks, the report says.

Outward worries

“The other interesting thing we found with the CIOs is they weren’t just worried about themselves. They’re worried about their customers and clients. They’re also concerned about leadership from Government; they don’t see a national approach to security at the Government level, which would then give them some leadership in their space.”

Digital equity was another concern - and the divide between the digital haves and have-nots appeared to widen with Budget 2024, Young says.

“The Budget was pretty uninspiring when it came to technology and innovation, with significant cuts across the board or just programmes that have been ceased or have not been provided funding. There are some really important projects that I think will suffer.

“We’re seeing things like the programme within the Ministry of Education to provide free broadband access to low socio-economic homes and students that will end.

“[The] Digital Boost programme [for small to medium business tech literacy and skills] looks like it’s got a budget problem because there was nothing in there this year.”

Young adds, “While [CIOs] are not so concerned this year about immigration settings, they’re still concerned about getting the right people into the right places. They’re concerned this Government has stopped work on the Industry Transformation Plans that were looking at skills [ITPs were halted in December] and they’re worried about the pipeline of young people to flow into technology roles - and that includes Māori, Pasifika and women as well.”

Young says more inclusivity is a social good in itself, but that there are also more blunt financial reasons for more diversity and helping low-income households access broadband, from increasing our skills base before the next tech talent crunch inevitability hits to digitising more Government and private-sector services.

Where to from here?

The Digital Priorities recommendations include:

  • Cybersecurity legislation and regulation;
  • AI policy and national strategy, including governance and ethical use of technology;
  • Develop and clarify pathways to attract a more diverse range of tech talent into tech education and roles, particularly at a senior level;
  • Explore AI use-cases to deliver national outcomes;
  • Create a clear strategy and plan for digital transformation of public services, including standardisation of the public sector tech portfolio;
  • Address disparity and resistance to emerging technologies;
  • Support SMEs to adopt digital technology;
  • Support digital literacy for all New Zealanders;
  • Increase investment in R&D and technology.

Chris Keall is an Auckland-based member of the Herald’s business team. He joined the Herald in 2018 and is the technology editor and a senior business writer.

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Slopestyle winning moments – Innsbruck

Crankworx world tour 2024.

Relive the winning moments from both the men’s and women’s events at the third stop of the Crankworx World Tour 2024 in Innsbruck, where Robin Goomes and Dawid Godziek took the victories.

European Works

Relive the winning moments from both the men’s and women’s events at Crankworx World Tour 2024 in Innsbruck.

Slopestyle top 3 runs – innsbruck, discover the top 3 performances from both men and women at the crankworx world tour 2024 stop in innsbruck., pump track women's and men's final heats – innsbruck, tuhoto-ariki pene wins the men’s pump track and jordy scott secures the women’s final in innsbruck 2024., dual slalom men’s and women’s winning heats – innsbruck, ryan gilchrist triumphs in the men’s dual slalom while martha gill wins the women’s in innsbruck 2024., speed & style women's and men's winning heats – innsbruck, ryan gilchrist claims the men’s speed & style final while jordy scott secures victory in the women’s., downhill highlights – leogang, watch the highlights from stop 5 of the 2024 world cup season with all the downhill action from leogang., top 3 runs – wales 2024, enjoy the top three runs from vélez, kerr and dunne at the world's hardest mountain bike race., ronan dunne's winning run – wales, ronan dunne conquers the tough dh mountain biking course to take the men's title at red bull hardline 2024., women making history at red bull hardline, red bull hardline wales 2024 saw four women complete the event's most iconic feature – the road gap, pov reveal of the brand new course at red bull hardline, ronan dunne takes you down the newest and toughest downhill course for red bull hardline wales., first course hits from 2024, red bull hardline wales begins to build and riders are ticking off all the features of the new 2024 course., slopestyle top 3 runs – cairns, catch the top three women and men's runs from the slopestyle event at crankworx in cairns., jonny walker tackles red bull hardline, hard enduro legend jonny walker takes on the red bull hardline course. can he stick a top-to-bottom run, pump track women's and men's final heats – cairns, watch jordy scott win the women’s pump track final and ryan gilchrist win the men’s at crankworx cairns 2024., speed & style men’s winning heat – cairns, watch garret mechem take the men’s final at the speed & style crankworx event in cairns 2024., dual slalom men’s and women’s winning heats – cairns, ryan gilchrist takes the men’s dual slalom final as jordy scott secures the women’s at crankworx in cairns., highlights – bielsko-biala, watch the downhill and enduro highlights from the third stop of the 2024 world cup season in poland., cross-country highlights – araxá, watch the highlights from stop 2 of the 2024 season with all the xco action from araxá, minas gerais, brazil., race tapes season 2 – trailer, dive into the intense rivalries and unwavering determination during the 2023 uci mountain bike world cup., freeriding through the ferns of rotorua with jess blewitt, jess blewitt blends eye-watering speed with magnificent nature on a ride in rotorua, new zealand., top 3 slopestyle runs – rotorua, here are the top 3 runs from the first-ever women’s crankworx fmba slopestyle world championship in rotorua., films & shows.

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  1. Tourism satellite account 2016

    nz tour funding

  2. Finance & Funding in Travel and Tourism

    nz tour funding

  3. Applications invited for $54m fund for tourism initiatives

    nz tour funding

  4. Finance & Funding in Travel and Tourism

    nz tour funding

  5. Finance & Funding in Travel and Tourism

    nz tour funding

  6. Are big-spending tourists best for New Zealand?

    nz tour funding

COMMENTS

  1. Tourism funding

    Tourism funding. Investment in quality infrastructure and tourism assets helps creates positive economic, social and environmental benefits for New Zealanders, and our visitors. ... Since 1 July 2019, most international visitors to New Zealand are charged the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of $35. The IVL is invested ...

  2. Tourism Infrastructure Fund eligibility and co-funding criteria

    Projects that involve building tourism infrastructure on land owned by other government agencies (eg, the Department of Conservation, Land Information New Zealand or the New Zealand Transport Authority) are eligible for funding. Land owned by commercial operators or iwi. Projects on land owned by commercial operators or iwi may be eligible.

  3. How can NZ fund tourism? Here are the options

    The Tourism Funding Toolkit from consultancy Morrison Low outlines the challenges in New Zealand around the development and maintenance of infrastructure necessary to support visitors and local populations. Released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on Wednesday, the report also explores the funding options available to ...

  4. NZ tourism suffering from 'systemic issues', funding shortfall

    Tue, 07 Nov 2023. Tourism was worth more than $41 billion to the New Zealand economy before the pandemic response wiped almost all of the $17.7b worth of visitor spending off the books over the 2020/2021 season. That was a fifth of the country's export earnings, compared to the dairy industry's $15.6b and $7.6b for meat product exports.

  5. Funding the Future of Tourism in NZ

    1. Tourism Improvement District - A "Future-Focused" Funding Model. The Tourism Improvement District (TID) model emerged from our research as the best option for managing tourism taxation and funding models in a focused, well-governed and transparent structure. Bed taxes, one of the oldest and most common visitor funding models in the ...

  6. Applications invited for $54m fund for tourism initiatives

    A multi-million dollar fund is now available for innovative tourism projects to help the industry become more sustainable and resilient. Tourism Minister Stuart Nash said the $54 million programme would support unique and transformative ideas to improve the sector.. The Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery was announced earlier this year and aims to support projects that are sustainable ...

  7. New $49 million fund to kick-start NZ tourism after Covid

    From this Friday 1 April, tourism businesses in Westland, Southland, Kaikōura, Mackenzie and Queenstown Lakes Districts will be able to apply for a grant valued between $10,000 and $50,000 as part of the Government's new Tourism Kick-start Fund. This is in addition to the current Business Advisory Support and business implementation advice ...

  8. Tourism Minister announces $5m funding package

    The country's i-SITE visitor centres will receive a $3 million funding boost. Photo: Tourism Minister Stuart Nash announced the $5.125 million package today which would also support tourism trade show TRENZ and Regional Tourism New Zealand - the umbrella body for 31 regional tourism organisations. It is funded from the $35 International Visitor ...

  9. Applications Open For Aotearoa Touring Programme Funding

    Applications are now open for the first two lower value tiered funds. The Tier 1 Fund allocates $1 million for NZ artists who perform original music in 'lower capacity' venues of up to 600 capacity. You can apply for a 50% contribution towards approved eligible costs and the funding will provide at least 100 grants for a maximum of $10,000 ...

  10. Tourism Taxes

    1 March 2021. Tourism Taxes - The Global Context for a NZ discussion. In 2021, the New Zealand tourism industry is striving to recover from its greatest ever crisis and contemplating the revitalisation of tourism - 'building back better'. That discussion leads to contemplation of how to fund the investments that are needed for the ...

  11. Apply for Music Funding

    The aim was to understand the challenges the industry faces both at home and globally. And then ensure that our music funding initiatives were fit-for-purpose, future-focused and continue to give audiences a range of quality local songs to enjoy. The 2023 Review of NZ On Air's Music Funding and NZ On Air's Response document can be found below.

  12. Welcome to NZ

    The government has suggested raising the price of admission - otherwise known as the international visitor conservation and tourism levy (IVL) - from NZ$35 to $100. The aim is to relieve New ...

  13. Travel Subsidy Grant

    Download and complete the application form below, then send it with your supporting documentation by email to: [email protected]. Travel Subsidy Grant Application Form ( 134.58 KB) Apply by 5 May if you wish to receive a grant in the same financial year. We will contact you with the outcome of your application within 20 working days of ...

  14. Money or support to train

    Training Support funding can help you pay for extra costs relating to training if you have a disability or health condition. This is to help you get or stay in a job, including self-employment. Training Support funding can cover: equipment. New Zealand Sign Language and other interpreters.

  15. International activity

    International activity. Funding is available to support New Zealand artists, practitioners, and organisations to participate in international projects. This includes costs related to presenting your work to an international audience. We reserve the right to decide whether to fund an international project, based on government travel advice and ...

  16. Perspectives: Tourism needs survival support, not innovation funding

    The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand was not expecting any funding support in the 2022 Budget after asking Tourism Minister Stuart Nash for support in February 2022 - because it was urgently needed by businesses - and receiving a letter in May saying there was no intention to provide any further funding for inbound tour operators that are the conduit between New Zealand businesses and ...

  17. Tourism Infrastructure Fund

    The Tourism Infrastructure Fund supports local communities facing pressure from tourism growth and in need of assistance — areas with high visitor numbers but small ratepayer bases, for example. The fund aims to protect and enhance New Zealand's reputation both domestically and internationally. Supporting robust infrastructure contributes ...

  18. FUNDING INFORMATION

    Tour Funding . The Aotearoa Touring Programme can invest in approved domestic touring costs to help New Zealand artist to increase their access to live music events for NZ audiences. Applications require a comprehensive tour budget and marketing plan. Touring Programme - Applicant Information & Resources: Capability Grants

  19. Funding deadlines

    NZ On Air 2024-25 Funding Deadlines PDF 147.4 KB. Round Toru. Priority and General Audiences. Applications open: 18 January 2024. Deadline: 4:00 pm, 8 February 2024. Applicants informed: 12 April 2024. Round Tahi. Priority and General Audiences. ... Apply for Scripted and Non-Fiction funding.

  20. Tourism funding toolkit

    tourism may change, including by design, and is likely to have a significant role in the economic recovery of New Zealand. The rapid growth and size of the tourism industry in the ten years from 2010 to 2020 established the sector as . New Zealand's biggest export earner. High tourist volume and rapid growth put pressure on locally provided

  21. Future of regional tourism 'dire' if council funding cut

    Both Hawke's Bay and Waikato councils are looking to stop or reduce funding to local tourism bodies as they face rising costs and skyrocketing rates. Hawke's Bay Tourism currently receives $1.5 million per year from the council. Chairperson George Hickton told Checkpoint the future of the organisation was "pretty dire" if its funding was cut.

  22. Immediate Reinstatement of Core Funding for Arts On Tour

    The removal of core funding to Arts on Tour New Zealand is a slap in the face to small communities and towns around the country.(1) We demand Creative New Zealand immediately reinstate all funding to enable Arts on Tour to continue their terrific work in bringing vibrant and diverse live performance to these communities, and just as importantly, facilitate work opportunities for a wide range ...

  23. Govt fund open to all comers to drive tourism innovation

    Paul McBeth. Thu, 14 Jul 2022. The government's $54.2 million fund to invest alongside firms to help nudge New Zealand's tourism sector into a more sustainable model will be open to all and sundry, if they can give ministers the most bangs for the bucks.The initiative reallocated unspent money from the government's covid cushion for the ...

  24. 2024-27 NLTP funding assistance rates

    This page provides information about the funding assistance rates (FARs) applied in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) period. FARs are the funding contribution in percentage terms NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi makes to an approved organisation for a land transport activity. Normal funding assistance rates.

  25. Property Insider: NZ tops OECD rent chart; tenancy law ...

    Kiwis are spending so much of their income on rents, we've earned an unwelcome top spot; the Government plans next year to reverse Labour's tenancy law...

  26. Public Purse: The $457,000 in exec's severance pay Te ...

    Former Te Pūkenga chief executive Peter Winder declined to release the details of severance pay made to several of the agency's executives; in turn his severance pay was withheld, initially, by ...

  27. Disappointment as Matariki festival showpiece cancelled after funding

    Sanders said the festival received $100,000 a year, for each of the two years Matariki funding has been administered by the ministry. She said the absence of this funding amounts to a 60 percent funding cut for the festival and they have been forced to cancel one of its most popular events, the Te Tau Hou Māori light and waka spectacular. More ...

  28. Kiwi execs' top digital priorities, biggest concerns for 2024

    Concern about recruitment, immigration settings and supply chains are out and a focus on emerging technologies like AI and worries about budget squeezes are in, according to Tuanz's Digital ...

  29. 2024 England rugby union tour of New Zealand

    Australia 2022. In July 2024, the England rugby union team is scheduled to tour New Zealand, where they will play two tests against the New Zealand national team, a part of the 2024 Summer Internationals. [1] On the way to New Zealand, England will also play a match against Japan at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo.

  30. Crankworx 2024: Innsbruck

    Relive the winning moments from both the men's and women's events at the third stop of the Crankworx World Tour 2024 in Innsbruck, where Robin Goomes and Dawid Godziek took the victories.