New Zealand needs a great deal in order to get back on track, printing money and once again becoming an almost first world nation that the rest of the world wants to come and see, travel and enjoy.

The Tourism and Hospitality Minister is Matt Doocey and yesterday, he came out saying that nothing is off the table when it comes to helping fund the industry and the vital infrastructure it needs. Nothing? Really? That sounds like a giant blank cheque for the tourism industry to sink their teeth into right?

Minister Matt Doocey has been touring the country, meeting with regional tourism operators in the past few weeks and listening to what they want, and their concerns. That’s great… I’m sure this is great news for anyone with a wale watching venture, a bungy jumping business or sight seeing bus for the vineyards of Martinborough.

Minister Doocey says he wants to find out how his ministry can support the tourism sector grow and become a big part of the economic success of Aotearoa. Now doesn’t that sound like the ideal path forward for anyone looking to swing the spotlight upon this great nation?

Some parts of the country are already seeing the numbers or tourists getting back to the numbers seen before the world screeched to a halt with the COVID pandemic. Queenstown is one center luxuriating in high numbers of tourists.

Other areas that once enjoyed high numbers of sheepskin slipper and stuffed kiwi purchasing pundits – like Rotorua and Dunedin, are not faring so well.

The key to getting tourism booming here once again, is funding. That was the key message that The Tourism Minister heard on his road trip around the county.

Another aspect that he’s taken back to The Beehive is just how crucial it is for the regions to have the visitor infrastructure necessary to accommodate our overseas friends and to put less strain on communities.

Minister Doocey is spot on. The infrastructure of the country is pretty good in some places and completely woeful in others.

Anyone who’s had conversations with tourists over the past few months will know that one of the most common complaints they have, is the inability to get anywhere with public transport.

We’ve been here a million times haven’t we? New Zealand can’t afford to run trains and busses to all points of the compass at all times. New Zealand doesn’t have the population to sustain the level of infrastructure required to keep you and me happy – let alone the swathe of tourists who arrive here expecting more.

They expect more – because largely speaking, they come here from countries that are light years ahead of us. Here; we continue to be hamstrung by our inability to see the rails for the sleepers.

I sincerely hope that The Minister for Tourism can convince this coalition government to find the money to build what we need in order to make New Zealand a first class, top-notch destination for all tourists. God knows we need them.