Tourism industry divided on mining

The tourism industry appears split over the Government's proposal to open more conservation land to mining.

Tourism Industry Association chief executive Tim Cossar said there was a 50:50 split within the TIA membership in terms of those being open to mining of extra land and those opposed.

"Our surveys within our membership are around 50:50 unopposed and those against are very vocal. They are very, very strong in their opposition of mining on conservation land.

"There's a couple of common denominators. Certainly they don't seem to support mining on national parks.

"That seemed to be a no-go zone for our membership, certainly some of the areas like Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel."

On the other hand, some felt tourism was only one part of the economic equation, and there were other things including mining that made up the total economy of New Zealand, Mr Cossar added.

The debate is one of the hot topics at the annual tourism showcase, Trenz2010, being held in Auckland.

The economic benefits of any mining of protected conservation spaces needs to be balanced with the wellbeing of New Zealand's No2 export earner – tourism – ministerial and industry bosses say.

"Nothing is a done deal at this stage," Associate Tourism Minister Jonathan Coleman said of the Government's investigation of whether some of the country's conservation land should be removed from Schedule 4 protection from mining.

The Government was extremely conscious that the country's branding internationally was vital to the tourism industry, and it did not want to do anything to damage that brand.

"It's a delicate balance, but at the end of the day we're a country that spends more than it earns and we do have to look at ways as to how we're going to earn the money to provide first world services [for tourism and New Zealand]."

Asked if there could be a damaging perception in Europe that New Zealand would no longer be seen as pure and green and long-haul travellers would cancel, Mr Coleman said: "I certainly agree with you. That has to be a major consideration. That's why no decision has been made, this is just a document for discussion."

Tourism contributes close to 10 per cent of gross domestic product, similar to dairy in terms of export earnings, commentators say.

- © Fairfax NZ News