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In connection with AHICE Aotearoa 2025, New Zealand’s premier hotel investment and operations summit, Hotel Council Aotearoa has renewed its call for a national register of all Short-Term Rental Accommodation properties.
The call was made by HCA strategic director James Doolan during AHICE Aotearoa at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, where hotel industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of New Zealand’s accommodation sector.
“When industry speaks with one voice, it’s time for councils and central government to act,” says James. “This isn’t about banning STRA, it’s about fairness, transparency and better data to help council decision-making around tourism and events.”
A national register of all STRA has the backing of the entire accommodation sector, including major international STRA platforms and online travel agents. The initiative aims to ensure all STRA operators are known, accountable and subject to consistent standards.
“Rotorua has shown leadership by proactively identifying STRA properties,” says James.
“But a national register would provide a consistent, efficient baseline for every council in the country.”
The call to action comes as cities around the world grapple with the impact of unregulated STRA growth. Barcelona plans to end all STRA licenses by 2028, and New York’s Local Law 18 has effectively banned short-term rentals without host presence.
HCA believes New Zealand can avoid these extremes by implementing a fair and efficient regulatory framework across the whole country.
“Plenty of regions want new hotel development, more tourists and recurring events. Some New Zealand mayors want new local bed taxes, but they can’t even tell you how many STRA properties they have in their region.”
Support for a national STRA register is a litmus test,” says James. “It will show whether local government truly understands how challenging it can be to develop international-standard hotels.”
AHICE Aotearoa 2025, hosted by HM Magazine and HCA, featured a keynote address from Phil Mauger, Mayor of Christchurch, who welcomed delegates to the city and highlighted Christchurch’s growing role as a destination for major events.
