Tourism
Our region is lucky to have some great tourist attractions. One of the real gems is the Kapiti Island Nature Reserve which offers day tours, guided walks, and night time kiwi-spotting.
However, I’m concerned the fees for visiting Kapiti Island might be putting people off enjoying this experience. I have been raising this issue with Conservation Minister Nick Smith to see if he could implement a review.
When he spoke at the Electra Kapiti Business Breakfast last week he said he is concerned about the fees, is reviewing it and will have a decision in July this year.
I’m sure pricing has a big effect on those who want to visit this iconic attraction and growing local tourism numbers will boost our regional economic growth.
Access to the island is helped by more flights available through Kapiti Airport. I’m a regular user of the airport and it is great being able to fly directly to Auckland and Christchurch. I attended the opening of the new Kapiti Aero Clubrooms on Saturday, which will continue to attract new members to their wonderful new facility.
A lot of hard work is being done to boost tourism in our region. The clean-up of Lake Horowhenua offers great tourism potential for our community while acknowledging its cultural history. Also, the historic town of Foxton, with its iconic working windmill, is a great example of how we can be proud of our Dutch history while also creating further tourism opportunities.
As our economy picks up and Australia’s is softening, fewer Kiwis are looking for jobs across the Tasman. They are realising the National Government has weathered tough economic times and Budget 2014, (which is delivered on Thursday), will show our growth path while also repaying debt. A growing economy will also help to attract more tourists to our beautiful part of New Zealand.
From my diary
*Cabinet was on Monday.
*On Tuesday I opened the Beef + Lamb NZ Leaders forum in Wellington.
* The House is sitting this week.