The visitor levy for Stewart Island is again proposed to increase to $15, pending consideration by Southland District Council (SDC) and public consultation.

SDC announced plans to raise the levy to $15 in 2018, but this was put on hold after push-back from some in the tourism industry, fearful that the hike could turn people away.

The levy, used to fund services, facilities, and amenities for visitors while they are on the island, has remained at $5 since it began in 2013.

However, the rate is now deemed likely not enough to fund future costs of visitor-related activities, following a review of the services it delivers.

Stewart Island/Rakiura has a small resident population, which is unable to fund the facilities required by the large number of short-term visitors to the island.

Since 2013, more than $1.2 million has been collected by the levy, and just over $1 million has been allocated for infrastructure improvements, operational costs, and other island projects.

During pre-consultation engagement by SDC with members of the island community and external stakeholders in September 2021, most respondents said they favoured an increase, although the preferred amount of the increase varied.

SDC’s Community and Strategy Committee is now being asked to consider draft changes to the Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Policy and Bylaw, including increasing the levy to $15 per visitor. 

If this happens, and Council endorses the proposal to amend the draft policy and bylaw, anyone would be able to provide feedback during a formal consultation process. This is scheduled for 1-31 March 2022.

The committee will discuss the increase at its meeting on 1 February 2022.