The Immigration (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) Amendment Bill had its third reading on 20 May. It was introduced by Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway.

The Act will come into force on 1 July 2019.

The bill amends the Immigration Act 2009 to provide for the collection of an international visitor conservation and tourism levy (IVL). Its intention is to create a revenue stream directly from international visitors that can be used to contribute to the funding of conservation and infrastructure used for tourism and other initiatives relating to tourism.

The IVL will be collected by Immigration New Zealand through the immigration system. The bill allows for regulations to be made to require visitors to pay the IVL alongside fees for temporary entry class visa applications and electronic travel authority requests.

Part 1- Amendments to preliminary provisions – section 3 (Purpose) is amended by inserting a new subsection (h) after section 3(2)(g), enabling a levy to be charged.

Clause 5 amends section 4 (Interpretation) by inserting “conservation” and “international visitor conservation and tourism levy”.

Part 2 – Main amendments. Clause 6 amends s28 by inserting section 28(6) and (7) so that requests may be processed, accepted, or refused by an automated electronic system.

Clause 7 inserts new sections 399A and 399B, which relate to a new international visitor conservation and tourism levy (section 339A) and requirement that the Minister consult people and organisations before making the regulations (section 339B).