Industry reacts to new Beehive appointments
This week, newly re-elected Jacinda Ardern unveiled her reshuffled Labour Cabinet following a landslide victory. The Prime Minister continues to wow the world and make global headlines by presenting an "incredibly diverse" and inclusive line-up of ministers.
Among the most welcomed appointments are: New Zealand’s first openly gay Deputy PM – Grant Robertson, and Nanaia Mahuta, a wāhine Māori with a moko kauae, who has been tasked with the coveted portfolio of Minister of Foreign Affairs – the first woman in New Zealand’s history to land the ministerial position. Meanwhile, senior minister Stuart Nash was appointed Minister of Tourism.
What does the industry think about the new tourism appointment?
Hospitality NZ is happy that the important tourism portfolio stays with a senior Minister.
Hospitality New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Julie White said: “Hospitality New Zealand welcomes incoming Minister Nash to its tourism portfolio and looks forward to working closely with him including elevating the value of the hospitality industry within the visitor economy.
“Pre COVID, the hospitality industry generated $11billion and employed 170,000. The Hospitality industry has been one of the first and hardest hit by COVID and with the experience of Minister Nash we need to work together to co-design a stronger and more sustainable industry post COVID.”
Peeni Henare will continue in his role as Associate Minister of Tourism.
White said: “Hospitality New Zealand is also pleased that Peeni Hanare has retained the role of Associate Minister of Tourism. Tourism is the biggest engine of growth in the economy, the road to recovery post COVID will require an all hands-on approach, his support to the Minister of Tourism will be important.”
TIA also welcomes Nash to the tourism portfolio and looks forward to working with him on the industry’s recovery.
TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts said: “TIA is pleased that the important tourism portfolio has stayed with a senior Minister to continue the efforts that will ensure tourism recovers its place among the biggest contributors to New Zealand’s economy.
“Tourism was the first industry to be hit by the pandemic and will be the last to recover. This requires a team effort, and we look forward to working with Mr Nash to build a sustainable tourism industry that benefits New Zealanders.”
According to Mr Roberts, Mr Nash’s experience as Minister of Small Business will be valuable in his new role, as the tourism industry includes thousands of small businesses, furthermore tourism also complements his new portfolio of Economic and Regional Development.
“Tourism will be a key driver of regional recovery from the pandemic recession” says Roberts.
TIA has already submitted a 100 Day Plan for the new Government, and will be looking to discuss this with Mr Nash as soon as possible, along with its Tourism Election 2020 Action Plan and submission to the Tourism Futures Taskforce.
TIA is also inviting Mr Nash to speak at Tourism Summit Aotearoa in Wellington on 17 November, which will be his first significant opportunity to address a tourism industry audience.
“It is also pleasing that Peeni Henare has retained his role as Associate Minister of Tourism. Tourism is a big portfolio and we know from experience that there is plenty of work for an Associate Minister to support the Tourism Minister,” Mr Roberts says.
“I look forward to meeting with both Ministers, as well as Ministers in other portfolios that have an impact on tourism including the new Minister of Conservation, Kiri Allan.”
TIA thanks Kelvin Davis for his leadership and contributions as Tourism Minister over the last term of Government.
AccomNews is not affiliated with any government agency, body or political party. We are an independently owned, family-operated magazine.
