Dana Kirkpatrick, MP for East Coast

The Eastern Bay has some of the most unique and amazing tourist activities available anywhere in New Zealand.  

Each of them creates employment and adds enormously to our economy and wellbeing.

Tourism is vital to our economy – it has consistently been one of New Zealand’s and the East Coast’s biggest exports as well as creating major employment opportunities.

That is why as a Government; we have been so focused on helping our tourism sector get back on its feet and our plan is starting to see results – Australian visitor numbers were up 153,000 for the year to September – a substantial increase.

Biggest changes were:

■ Australia (up 153,000 to 1.48 million)
■ United States (up 21,000 to 381,000)
■ United Kingdom (up 20,000 to 190,000)
■ Japan (up 10,000 to 74,000)

Tourism spending is up 34 percent since the election, and we are back to pre-Covid levels, exceeding all expectations.

This is great news locally as we enter the summer holiday season, with our nationally acclaimed tourism sites ready to welcome more visitors – and locals.

We are proud to have an award-winning environmental/cultural centre in Kohutapu Lodge at Galatea, which welcomes visitors from around the world.

Last month, I had the great privilege to visit Paul at the Awakeri Rail Experience – he told me that tourism numbers are looking up for the summer and there are solid bookings. This is great news for our local tourism ventures including the Kiwi Trail through Whakatāne, Whirinaki Forest Adventures, in conjunction with the exceptional environmental and cultural experience at Kohutapu Lodge and the Tio Ohiwa Oyster Farm excursions.

Food has become a major attraction, the strawberry and blueberry farms are nationally renowned and last week’s Ōhope Harvest Market was just exquisite – truffles, fudge, macadamias, fresh organic produce, breads, pickles and jams – this is indeed the land of Plenty and our Wildfoods Festival.

And in some exciting news, Michelin is coming to New Zealand – which will boost our hospitality sector, create jobs, and showcase the great food and wine New Zealand has to offer.  

Tourism New Zealand expects the arrival of Michelin to bring up to 36,000 more international visitors and they will want to venture further than the main centres,too.

Whether it be a music concert, theatre show, movies, or large events from farming to fashion, the Government is investing in a $40 million events attraction package.

This is aimed at securing large-scale international events from 2026, alongside a further $10 million fund to support new and existing events.

We are looking into changing the rules around Eden Park, so they can host more concerts and big events.

This should attract those big shows, New Zealand is missing out on – remember Taylor Swift?

These shows create huge job opportunities for New Zealanders across the country and a vibrant tourism sector.

In addition, budding moviemakers will benefit as we have lowered the minimum qualifying spend for feature films from $15 million to $4 million, enabling more productions – whether for cinema, TV, or streaming – to access the rebate.  

And we know the East Coast electorate has produced some world-leading actors, movie producers and potential scenic backdrops to capitalise on this move.

Who can forget the huge boost to New Zealand’s economy our moviemakers have given us in tourism and employment dollars, from Hobbiton to the East Cape.

We need to give the next generation the same opportunities to create worldwide blockbusters right here in New Zealand

When we back tourism we create jobs across New Zealand – particularly in regions such as the Eastern Bay.  

We look forward to a big summer ahead  with positive signs in the economy – business confidence is up, jobs ads are up and building consents are up.

These are all good signs that our economic plan to balance the books, cut red tape, build infrastructure, and grow trade is starting to take effect.