30 September 2024
Letter From Tourism Industry Stakeholders to the Government of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister

Hon Nicola Willis, Minister of Finance

Hon Simon Watts, Minister of Climate Change

Hon Matt Doocey, Minister of Tourism & Hospitality

Parliament Buildings

Wellington 6160

Dear Prime Minister and Ministers,

As representatives of the tourism industry, local tourism operators, tourism advocacy groups, climate action and environmental groups, district and regional councillors & councils, as well as concerned residents and cruise ship passengers, we the undersigned are writing to express our deep concern regarding the urgent need for government action on climate change. We ask that you bring emissions from international shipping and aviation into your emissions targets, count them, and appropriately charge for them based on your emissions reduction framework making them part of your emissions reduction plan.

The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly severe and widespread, posing significant threats to ecosystems, communities, and economies worldwide. From rising sea levels and extreme weather events to disruptions in food and water supplies, the consequences of unchecked climate change are already being felt across the globe.

We are committed to proactively addressing our carbon footprint, including investing in cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency, and supporting carbon offset initiatives.

However, without government regulation to level the playing field, companies that voluntarily pay for their emissions face a significant competitive disadvantage in the marketplace. The cost of internalising carbon emissions would inevitably be passed on to consumers, resulting in higher prices for cruise vacations. In today's highly competitive industry, where price sensitivity often dictates consumer choices, this could render our businesses uncompetitive and ultimately financially unsustainable.

Therefore, we urge the New Zealand Government to implement robust regulations to limit carbon emissions and create a fair and equitable framework for all businesses.

In closing, we stand ready to work collaboratively with government stakeholders to develop and implement effective climate policies that address our urgent challenges. Together, we can create a sustainable future for our industry, our planet, and all those who depend on them.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

51
signatures
46 verified
  1. James Cockle, Software Developer, Climate Liberation Aotearoa, Dunedin
  2. Sbaunguest, Fisherman, Christchurch
  3. Zenith Rose-Wills, Caregiver, Dunedin
  4. Eilish Hayman, Student, eilish.hayman@gmail.com, Wellington
  5. marji Smith, Retired, Ballarat Australia
  6. Corinne Sullivan, Film maker, Dunedin
  7. Judith Morrogh, Teacher, Auckland
  8. Hannah Murphy, Engineer, Sumner
  9. Rosie Cruickshank
  10. Kathy Manhire, Midwife, Cloud Appreciation Soicety, Otepoti / Dunedin
  11. David Kay, Retired, Oteoti
  12. Rachael Andrews, Climate Liberation Aotearoa, Palmerston North
  13. ANNE SMITH, Greatgrandmother, XR Whakatū, Whakatū
  14. Tommy Thomson, Student, Wellington
  15. Rosemary Penwarden, Retired scientist, Climate liberation Aotearoa, Dunedin
  16. Lynne Stewart, Native tree planter, Central Otago Environmental Society, CLyde
  17. Jill Jackson, Retired, Climate Liberation Aotearoa
  18. Rachel Smith, Librarian, Christchurch
  19. Dallas Henley, Business owner, Port Chalmers
  20. Claire Hagglund, Port Chalmers
  21. John Tovey, Caregiver, Extinction Rebellion Aotearoa, Paraparaumu
  22. Amanda O'Hagan, Wife, mum, post grad student, Climate Liberation Aotearoa, Wellington
  23. Jordan, Hamilton
  24. Andrew Pang, Counsellor, Wellington
  25. Paolito Viertesunikat, artist, die4art, Wellington
  26. Colden Sapir, Student, Te Whanganui-a-Tara
  27. Kalen Morison, Christchurch
  28. Lucy Finnegan, Student, Auckland
  29. Daniel Schwalm, Software Engineer, Wellington
  30. Bruce Mahalski, Artist, Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery, Dunedin
  31. Graham Townsend, retired teacher, ClimateActionŌtautahi, Christchurch
  32. Alyss Campbell, Sterilization technician, Dunedin
  33. Clive Copeman, Photographer, Clive Copeman, Dunedin
  34. claire coveney, retired social worker, many, Otautahi Christchurch
  35. Steven Jenkins, Electrical Inspector, Earth., Dunedin
  36. Kat Spears, Public Servant, Wellington
  37. Alannah Brown, Senior library Assistant, Dunedin
  38. Jill Bowie, Librarian, Dunedin
  39. Duncan Davidson, Retail worker, kiwiDuncan@gmail.com, Dunedin
  40. Phoebe Morris, Designer, Wellington
  41. Loren Squires, Teacher, Dunedin
  42. Paul Wratten, Observer, Port Chalmers
  43. Glennis Moriarty, Retired science teacher, Hastings
  44. James Hegarty, Clinical Psychologist, Dunedin
  45. Stephen Mateer, Lyttelton Coffee co, Christchurch
  46. Donald Skerman, Professional Engineer, Upper Hutt