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Budget 2024 saw little in the way of the business events sector, but Business Events Industry Aotearoa chief executive Lisa Hopkins says there were some interesting industry-related points included in the budget.
“This feels a little like the ‘use it or lose it’ budget, where the Government has taken back appropriations granted by the former Government but not fully used,” says Lisa.
“For example, the Major Event Fund. We were not anticipating a budget which would amplify the needs of the tourism/hospitality/event specifically, but a closer look did offer a few interesting outputs.
“The car rental sector will be pleased to see an increase in public electric vehicle charging facilities, as will the Cycle Trails, although their support will no longer come from the consolidated fund, but the International Visitor Levy.
“The government is currently seeking feedback on the IVL with an intent to increase it, and there is anticipation from the Treasury that the collection could go as high as $261M, a combination of an increased fee and an increase in the number of visitors from countries outside of Australia and the Pacific Islands visiting the country, and who are charged this fee.
“When Minister Doocey took office, BEIA asked the Minister to consider reinstating $15M back to Tourism New Zealand after the previous government indicated this would be taken from the marketing agency from 2026.
“While this has been done, we note that funding to Tourism New Zealand will drop by $5.5M, at a time when the expectation on visitor numbers and connectivity to places like China and India has never been greater and the call for off-peak/shoulder visitors has never been stronger, the latter of which is a key benefit of business events.
“From an events perspective, there was little in the budget for us. BEIA is concerned that the level of local council funding cuts to the sector is already creating nervousness.
“While the government talked about an atmosphere of minor economic growth and productivity, coupled with geopolitical tensions and other inflationary contributors, to miss out on the level of stimulation events deliver to cities and regions will deprive the country of much-needed growth.
“Instead, we will continue to find ways around this for the sake of the people who work in these industries and look to lobby the government in anticipation of a much more optimistic 2025 Budget.”
