Proposed changes to the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy

The IVL is a $35 levy that is charged to most international visitors to New Zealand. The IVL aims to address current challenges in the tourism and conservation systems. The introduction of the IVL in 2019 was the first step in creating a sustainable funding model to invest in tourism and conservation projects that support a productive tourism sector that delivers high-quality visitor experiences.

The levy, which is jointly administered by MBIE and DOC, ensures visitors contribute towards the costs associated with providing and maintaining high quality visitor experiences, while reducing the costs of tourism and conservation for New Zealanders. It helps ensure tourism is sustainable and continues to enrich New Zealand and New Zealanders. The IVL aims to:

• Contribute to government stewardship of, and aims for, the tourism and conservation systems
• Reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles
• Contribute to broader system change across tourism and biodiversity
• Have flexibility to respond to change over time
• Complement existing funding mechanisms, rather than duplicate
• Contribute to the government’s overall economic strategy of productive, sustainable and inclusive growth.

The IVL has funded several conservation projects since its inception. In December 2023, DOC allocated $7 million from the fund for wilding pine management. This is being managed by MPI and is being spent in the current financial year.

However, $35 does not cover the full range of costs generated by international visitors with the shortfall currently being covered by New Zealand tax and ratepayers, or not at all.

MBIE and DOC recently sought feedback on four options for the IVL per eligible person. The options are:

• leaving it at $35
• increasing it to $50
• increasing it to $70
• increasing it to $100 .

The government is also seeking feedback on what the levy should be used for across tourism and conservation, including addressing visitor pressure on the public conservation estate, mixed-use tourism infrastructure, Tourism New Zealand’s marketing, wider tourism assets, and other areas related to tourism and conservation. Feedback will be used to develop a strategy for future IVL investment and funding.

Alternative sources of funding need to be found if we are to have any hope of achieving the aim of the NZ wilding conifer management strategy 2015-2030 “to prevent the spread of wilding conifers and contain or eradicate established areas of wilding conifers by 2030”.

WPN submitted on the proposed changes.

Wilding Pine Network IVL Submission June 2024