Below are some facebook messages about 18 hours after Taupo Council announced they are to reduce spending on promotion by about one third. There is not a single comment of support. To help regain the confidence of ratepayers they could reduce the salaries of the CEO and all executive staff by one third instead.
Taupō District Council
18 hrs ·
Taupō District Council has confirmed a $500,000 reduction in operational funding for Destination Great Lake Taupō for the 2020/21 year, as the council-controlled organisation focuses on domestic tourism for the immediate future.
Council chief executive Gareth Green said the reduction in funding aligns with council’s commitment to deliver a zero per cent general rates rise for the next financial year, to help ease the burden on ratepayers post COVID-19.
“With our borders remaining closed to international visitors for the foreseeable future, DGLT recognises the need to build on the domestic tourism market, which generates over 60 per cent of the Taupo District’s tourism spend,” he said.
“In light of this stronger focus on the domestic market, along with the need to deliver operational savings in the Annual Plan, DGLT and council have agreed to a reduction in operational funding for the 2020/21 financial year of $500,000.
“As part of this decision, DGLT will maintain the same level of marketing spend for the region, effectively boosting the domestic spend to entice more kiwis to visit the district.
“Not only do we support this strengthened focus on the domestic market for DGLT, but we will also continue to advocate for investment from central government and other initiatives, including leading the recovery plan – Regenerate Taupō District – which has a strong focus on tourism opportunities.
“This decision adds to the savings already identified as part of the council customer service centres and i-SITE visitor centres merging from July 1,” Mr Green said.
A base level of connection will remain with key international markets in preparation for their recovery.
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- Ross Baker The was on the same day the government announced a further $25 Million to support tourism while Toe-paw reduces the DGLT budget by one third. Absolutely short-sighted and a real let-down to all tourism operators and other businesses trying to promote tourism in Toe-paw region. i.e. Try to explain: They easily found $millions to widen their footpath but fail to support the only industry that they claimed they had to widen it for? Dick-heads!3
Pauline Jenkins Not too mention the two roles that have disappeared from Turangi in the recent review… how many were lost from the rest of the District?3
Michelle Caldwell This is such a short sighted move by Council. This is the time to invest in marketing and get our destination top of mind. There is basically a full reset happening in international markets meaning we’d be in a prime position to capitalise when the borders open. And isn’t most of our business domestic?? Sad to hear this.2
- Michelle Caldwell Does this mean we also miss out of STAPP funding?
They specifically say this on the criteria. …See More1
Justin Smith Yes I have read that somewhere that additional govt funding is dependent on councils input. Have you done your homework Taupo Council?
Brad Alexander Davidson This is the time that we need DGLT out there, marketing our region and bringing people to Taupo! Why would you decrease their funding when this is when we need them the most?! It’s ludicrous!1
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Ian Chamberlain This is not a good business decision for the town and the area. It will only help unemployment and business to close and which will end up with a higher rate next year for the same council service or less.11
James Simpson Absolutely crazy council!!! So wrong on so many levels.
Now is the time you step up and support your community so it can thrive in 12 months time when we’re through this.
You should be ashamed of yourselves. 😡7
Sean Alexander That’s what ya get Taupo. Dont want to throw down when times get tough, the buck has to stop somewhere.
Anna Bain Stupid move council1
Taupo’s Treat Can the council please explain how essentially dissolving the Love Taupō Tourisms marketing and trade teams will help attract visitors to Taupō? Out of the $675 MILLION tourism dollars Taupō received last year $453 MILLION of that was domestic tourism. International tourism only accounted for $222M. Could we please have the rational for your disproportionate response please. Kind regards.
Stephen Punter Snr ‘Stinking thinking’, TDC. What expensive genius advised you to do that? Our tourism, hospitality and retail sectors, and those who depend on them for work, need all the help they can get. DGLT’s job was to bring those customers here. When times are tou…See More13
Harry Wilson Good call TDC, borders will be closed or limited for 12 months, ..focus has to change ,VOTE JACINDA at election time and receive funding from the govt. Try Queenstown tactics and receive millions all you Central Plateau operations. Once election is over, so will all the millions the govt is dishing out..Good decision TDC..2
Sonya Warne This is absurd. We need DGLT more now than ever to continue promoting our region domestically, which they have been doing a bloody fantastic job of in this recovery phase so far. Operators and many other Taupo businesses need them here for the long haul to continue to compete successfully, as it is going to be a long winter after these school holidays! Please rethink this decision or we will see many in our district closing their doors.23
- Jane Stafford Sonya Warne I agree!
Top FanCasey Brunsdon Now is the time to be actively promoting what this amazing destination has & to drive visitors in. Cutting funding to the regions marketing arm is just crazy! 🤷♂️🤬11
Dan Pearl Why haven’t government Covid subsidies and grants been used to preserve these local jobs?10