National MPs Jacqui Dean and Joseph Mooney have given their opinion on the ongoing discussion around what to do about the economic hole left by the downturn in foreign tourists. 

Lately, there has been a lot of discussion and debate on local social media pages around the topic. 

The Government has signalled its support for tourism businesses while injecting millions into digital and emerging industries. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has voiced her support for tech giants and entrepreneurs, while the Government has also injected NZ$401 million to keep research and development going post-COVID.

Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean, who represents Maniototo, Omakau, Tarras and Cromwell, said there is room for ideas across a range of industries. 

“It doesn’t have to be one industry or the other – as a country, we need to have many high performing sectors to ensure a strong and sound economy.

“Tourism has been a major contributor to the New Zealand economy for a long time and will be once again once the borders re-open.

“We need to get visitor numbers up and spending back to pre-COVID levels as soon as possible, but in order to do that, we need to have a tourism workforce in place for when visitors return.”

That’s why the tourism industry needs support during this time, Jacqui said.

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The debate surrounding the ongoing government support for tourism businesses who made their trade primary off foreign tourists is often opposed by those supporting emerging industries, such as digital. 

Jacqui said investment and support for emerging industries should be a priority.

“Digital technology is important and I’d love to see this sector increase significantly,” she said. 

“This can be done with faster internet, less regulation and a greater government focus on technology.”

Southland MP Joseph Mooney, who represents the Alexandra, Clyde and Teviot section of Central Otago, said “the key thing here is doing whatever possible to get our communities through. 

“This includes doing what we can to rebuild our tourism sector in whatever ways possible, but also supporting the growth of other industries in these areas such as digital technology.

“Tourism was Queenstown’s bread and butter and as a community, we are all having to explore what the future looks like here. 

“What is evident is we need to get spending back up in these communities as soon as we can and ensure it is sustainable.

“In the interim though the sector needs support and we need to help them get through.”

Southland MP Joseph Mooney wants to see support for struggling tourism businesses and investment in digital and emerging industries. Photo Pixabay.

He said his party supports emerging industries and has a plan to boost the digital sector. 

“National recognises the importance of other industries such as technology, including digital technology which is why we released our NZ Tech Policy 2030. 

“The technology sector has huge potential and we need to promote this where possible. 

“We can start by improving our connectivity in areas like Central Otago.”

A report by the Government's recently convened Digital Council, chaired by Mitchell Pham, was set up to guide the country's transformation to a digital economy.

The report said New Zealand has an advantage as one of the first countries to emerge from the COVID-19 lockdown.

It recommended the Government apply a digital lens to all post-COVID recovery policies.

The council said the Government should not underestimate the role innovation and entrepreneurship would play in the post-COVID recovery.

"New Zealand's resounding entrepreneurial nature is one of our major assets, and with the right leadership by Government, digital and data-driven innovation can revitalise the sectors hardest hit, such as tourism, hospitality and the primary industries, as well as create new industries and ways of working," the report stated.