Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston visited Whakatāne on Monday alongside East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick, meeting tourism operators to discuss opportunities for the region through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.

The meeting brought together around 25 tourism operators from across the Eastern Bay, with discussion focused on how the region can make the most of future tourism and conservation investment.

The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy is paid by most international visitors when they apply for a visa or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority. The levy helps fund conservation, tourism infrastructure and initiatives that support sustainable tourism growth, ensuring visitors contribute to the places, services and experiences they enjoy while in New Zealand.

“While the share of levy funding directed to Whakatāne and the Eastern Bay may not be enormous, it has the potential to make a meaningful difference for our tourism sector and for the wider region,” Kirkpatrick said.

“The key message from operators was clear: the sector is currently fragmented, but there is a strong desire to work more collaboratively. Local businesses, tourism leaders and council all have a role to play in bringing the sector together, strengthening visitor experiences and helping tourism thrive again in the Eastern Bay.”

Kirkpatrick said the visit reinforced the enormous potential of the East Coast and Eastern Bay as visitor destinations.

“This is one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand, with world-class natural landscapes, rich culture, hospitality and authentic local experiences.

“There is real excitement about the opportunities ahead, and about making sure our region is ready to benefit from a stronger, more sustainable tourism sector.”

The Government has said IVL revenue is used to support conservation, visitor infrastructure and broader tourism outcomes, helping communities manage the costs and opportunities that come with international visitation.

While in Whakatāne, Upston also met with local disability service providers to hear directly about the opportunities and challenges facing disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, families and whānau in the region.

Kirkpatrick said the meeting was an important opportunity for local voices to be heard as the Government considered proposed changes to the disability support system.

“I was pleased to welcome Minister Upston to the Eastern Bay and to see local providers have the opportunity to share their practical experience from working alongside disabled people and their whānau every day,” she said.

“Our region has strong, committed organisations doing important work close to home, and it is vital their insights help shape a disability support system that is easier to navigate, more responsive, and focused on better outcomes.”

The meeting focused on proposed changes to the disability support system, with providers raising the importance of clear pathways to support, timely access to services, and ensuring disabled people and their families can get help when and where they need it.

Kirkpatrick said the feedback was constructive and reflected the depth of experience within the local disability sector.

“The Eastern Bay has unique communities and local needs, so it matters that decision-makers hear directly from the people delivering services on the ground,” she said.

“The proposed changes were well received, and there was a positive discussion about the future of the sector and how services can remain practical, accessible and centred on the people who rely on them.”

Kirkpatrick said she would continue to advocate for East Coast communities as the work progressed.

“There is an exciting future ahead for the disability sector, and I want to make sure the voices of disabled people, families, whānau and local providers in the East Coast electorate are part of that conversation,” Kirkpatrick said.

The Eastern Bay of Plenty visit forms part of ongoing engagement with disability service providers and community representatives across New Zealand as work continues on the future direction of disability support.