Election 2026 & Tourism Taxes: Winston Peters says bed levies for Auckland and Queenstown are “still on the table” despite National’s push to drop the idea, keeping the bed-tax fight front and centre for tourism hotspots. Car Hire Demand: New Zealand’s rental market is growing fast, with travellers increasingly booking larger vans for group trips, while regional demand rises for routes into Abel Tasman, Golden Bay and Marlborough. Aviation Access: Australian charter operator Navair has won approval for unlimited-frequency access across 13 New Zealand aerodromes, removing a major cap on trans-Tasman bookings. Conservation & Visitor Levy: Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announces $9.7m over four years to manage wild goats and deer in national parks, aiming to protect native ecosystems and reduce reinvasion risk. Local Impacts of Rates Capping: Local Government New Zealand warns a 4% rates cap will squeeze councils’ ability to maintain infrastructure and services, with tourism-linked councils among those feeling the pressure. Tourism Business Moves: Tourism Holdings reports strong FY26 profit and momentum for the next season, despite Middle East-driven travel disruption. Cruise & River Travel: AmaWaterways opens 2028 reservations with two new ships and expanded land packages, targeting early interest from Australian and New Zealand travellers.