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Tourism stats show 'significant impact' of policy changes

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 4 Mar 2026, 6:14am
NZ Tourism wants us to put our best foots forward, writes Kate Hawkesby. (Photo / Getty)
NZ Tourism wants us to put our best foots forward, writes Kate Hawkesby. (Photo / Getty)

Tourism stats show 'significant impact' of policy changes

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 4 Mar 2026, 6:14am

There’s confidence tourism spending will soar even more. 

Stats NZ data shows tourism spending hit $46.6 billion in the year to March 2025, up 3.3%. 

International visitors spent $18.1 billion – a 7% jump. 

Tourism Minister Louise Upston told Ryan Bridge Chinese arrivals remain below pre-Covid levels but have surged recently, driven by last year’s policy changes. 

She says one is allowing visitors with an Australian visa into New Zealand, which has had a significant impact. 

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