Businesses in Queenstown are worried about the new coalition's intention to cut immigration, to between 20 and 30,000 a year.

Many firms, especially in hospitality, say they rely on foreign workers.

Mayor Jim Boult said up to 3000 are working in Queenstown, and they're essential to the tourism sector.

He said that businesses are concerned about the number of work visas being cut.

Mr Boult thinks it would be unusual to find a New Zealander working in the cleaning industry in Queenstown - and said one large business is staffed totally by foreign nationals.

Queenstown is a special town, according to Mr Boult, and he said he'll be putting a case to be treated as such.