Cruise ship travellers look likely to be charged a higher rate - possibly nearly $3 per person more - than others under a new levy imposed from January on all travellers arriving and leaving New Zealand.
A public consultation document on the border clearance levy, confirmed in the Government's MayBudget, recommends a higher rate for cruise ship travellers reflecting the extra costs incurred by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Customs New Zealand in processing cruise ships stopping at multiple ports.
The original levy cost was estimated at $16 for arriving passengers and $6 for those departing. The consultation documents suggests a range of $15.20 to $15.90 for arriving passengers, $19 to $19.70 for arriving cruise ship travellers, and $2.60 to $3.10 for departing travellers.
The new tax comes on top of existing airport charges.
By 2017/18, the levy is expected to fully fund the $103 million a year it costs to protect New Zealand from pests, diseases and contraband.
Treasury documents released yesterday show it's likely to return Crown savings of $25.9 million in 2015/16, $78 million in 2016/17 and $104 million by 2017/18.
