Labour's deputy leader Kelvin Davis attempted to use previous statements made by senior members of the National Party against them, during an exchange in question time in Parliament this afternoon, over the Government's proposed tourist tax that will come into effect at the end of 2019.
Mr Davis was being questioned by National's Jacqui Dean over the tourist tax during question time today.
"Does he agree with the recent report from Deloitte that says international visitors contributed $3.2 billion, or 3 percent, of the general tax taken in 2017 and which concludes that tourism visitors are already making a proportionate tax contribution to New Zealand?" Ms Dean asked.
Mr Davis admitted that tourists make a "decent contribution" to the economy, but said the proposed international visitor levy would only have a 0.84 per cent impact on the industry.
Fellow Labour MP Tamati Coffey then asked Mr Davis what support he had received for the levy.
"I have received reports from businesses, local government, and industry supporting the levy—comments like: "It is clear that people living in a booming place with infrastructure challenges need some sort of tourism tax.
"'It's very hard to believe small charges would have any great impact on visitor numbers,' and 'doing nothing is not option.' Those comments were from the Leader of the Opposition, Simon Bridges, and the former Minister of Tourism John Key. I thank them for their support," Mr Davis replied.
Previously Mr Davis said it was not fair New Zealand residents continued to shoulder the burden of conservation infrastructure in particular - which is worn down by the growing tourist numbers.
The Tourism Minister said $3.8 million international visitors arrive in New Zealand every year, and that number is expected to grow to $5.1 million by 2024.
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