Tourist levy increase considered for Stewart Island

A plan to triple the Stewart Island visitor levy is proving unpopular with local residents, who say it could deter people from visiting their island home. More than seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars has been collected since the only regional tourist tax in the country was introduced in 2013. Southland District Council will consider whether to increase the levy from 5 to 15 dollars as part of a levy policy and bylaw review at a meeting this morning. But it isn't proving popular.