Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Date: 14 August 2019 Source: Offices of the Minister of Conservation and the Minister of Tourism
A programme to build a skilled tourism workforce and a recovery plan for the critically endangered kākāpō are among the first projects to receive funding through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage announced today.
An initial investment plan of ten tourism and conservation projects will receive $18 million from the IVL this year, with an expected $42 million to be invested in these ten projects over five years.
Kelvin Davis said the projects are tangible examples of how visitors will directly contribute to the natural environment they enjoy, and the infrastructure they use.
“Our Government is making good progress on our plan to enrich New Zealand through sustainable tourism growth,” Kelvin Davis said.
“The IVL is supporting projects that will help ensure tourism continues to benefit communities, visitors, and the environment by investing back into the system.
“The four tourism projects being funded focus on important destination management planning, innovative ways of managing our iconic destinations, and building a skilled, productive and rewarding tourism workforce that meets the industry’s needs.
“I also want to acknowledge all the agencies and councils who have worked hard readying these projects for investment. This work has been underway for a while and it’s fantastic that the IVL can now move these projects forward,” Kelvin Davis said.
Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage says that tourism can play a role in protecting, restoring and championing the natural environment, and cultural and historic heritage upon which tourism relies.
“Today we’re announcing that funds from the IVL will be invested in great projects that protect and enhance the natural environment and indigenous biodiversity, and safeguard Aotearoa’s taonga,” Eugenie Sage said.
“There is a strong desire from the government, industry and the public for tourism to be a part of the solution for the substantial conservation challenges we face; especially the impact of invasive predators, and habitat loss and degradation. The IVL is a clear and significant step towards achieving this, and complements the conservation efforts many tourism businesses already make.
“Through this funding, we’re investing in the future of kākāpō, and giving nature a much needed helping hand with plans to eradicate cats, pigs and mice on the Maukahuka/Auckland Islands. In the Mackenzie Basin and Aoraki National Park with support for Te Manahuna Aoraki we are taking strides towards achieving a predator-free New Zealand.
“The IVL is also investing in protecting taonga species by investing in compliance work to reduce the trade in endangered species.
“Everyone benefits from this kind of investment in Aotearoa,” Eugenie Sage said.
The projects are being funded as a part of an initial investment plan. A long-term investment plan is being developed, and is expected to be released in October 2019.
More information on the IVL, and the projects being funded, can be found on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s website.
Background information
- The IVL is expected to raise $450 million over five years.
- Investments made through the IVL will align with the four key investment pillars and will be invested in projects that:
- support biodiversity
- respond to visitor pressure on conservation and the environment
- support strategic tourism infrastructure
- enhance tourism system capability
- The Investment Plan is expected to be released in October 2019.
- The IVL Advisory Panel will provide a range of perspectives and engagement across tourism, conservation, local government, central government and Māori. The Panel will help shape the investment plan, before it is approved by the appropriate Ministers.
| Project | Funding | Purpose | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milford Opportunities Project – stage 2 | $3 million | Funding will go towards developing, consulting on, and testing options for the future management of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi | Expected to be completed over 18 months |
| Promotion of Tourism Careers – Building the Tourism Workforce Programme | $5.2 million | Investment will support the implementation of the investment-ready project Promotion of Tourism Careers, which is the first stage of the Building the Tourism Workforce Programme, This includes: improving awareness and perceptions of tourism and careers in tourism, and encouraging people into their first career-orientated experience in tourism, matching employers and potential employees | The work programme will be implemented over a 3-year period |
| Westland Tourism Initiatives | $3.9 million | Advance the planning of a resilient long-term approach to destination management in Westland | Within 12 months |
| Arthur’s Pass Experience Design – stage 1 | $0.3 million | Initiate planning for Arthur’s Pass to ensure that it provides a world class visitor experience, that is accessible, upholds the national park and conservation values and adds value to the South Island’s east and west coasts and New Zealand | Stage one expected to be completed within 6 months |
| Kākāpō recovery – long-term expansion of habitat and recovery planning | $1.5 million in year one | Develop a long-term sustainable management approach for kākāpō, and establish three new habitat sites | New sites expected to be established by the end of 2021 |
| Maukahuka: Predator Free Auckland Island | $0.8 million in year one | Undertake preparatory activities to enable the successful eradication of pests from Maukahuka – Auckland Island. Specifically, to create and test infrastructure systems and technology for the IslanD | Two years for preparatory work to create and test infrastructure systems and technology |
| Te Manahuna Aoraki | $0.5 million in year one | Implement 11 projects to test methods and technology which could be scaled-up to a 310,000 ha pest management and restoration programme | Two years of collaborative work to established the full Te Manahuna Aoraki programme – which will run for approx. 10 years |
| Ruapekapeka Pa – Tohu Whenua | $1.2 million | Make Ruapekapeka Pa a drawcard for visitors, functioning as a hub connecting other Land Wars sites in the region | Over 18 months |
| Trial to enhance visitor safety at Tongariro National Park | $0.6 million | Trial the integration of risk management information for improved visitor safety decisions in Tongariro National Park | The trial will run for 6 months |
| Implementing a new system for preventing Trade in Endangered Species and enhancing tourism compliance | $1.7 million in year one | Increased activity to reduce and manage the risk of wildlife smuggling, the importation of banned items. | Immediate commencement – ongoing over the next five years |
Contact
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Email: media@doc.govt.nz