A group of senior Ministers have pledged their support to growing the national cruise industry following discussions at the Cruise Forum.
Following the Cross-Government-Industry Cruise Forum on 26 May 2026, a collective effort from Ministers has resulted in shared commitment to cruise tourism as an important contributor to New Zealand’s economy, regional development and international connectivity.
The New Zealand Government has reflected the Forum’s objective to address barriers and align priorities to support the sustainable growth of cruise tourism.
“We recognise the cruise sector as an important part of New Zealand’s tourism system, supporting regional economies, local businesses and international connections. We also recognise the contribution of cruise tourism to the wider South Pacific region,” a statement read.
Growing the value of cruise tourism supports the Government’s wider economic growth objectives, including doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034, creating jobs, and improving the productivity, resilience and long-term value of the tourism and hospitality sector.
This effort was led by Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston, who was joined by Minister for Conservation Tama Potaka, Minister for Auckland Simon Watts, Minister for Primary Industries Andrew Hoggard, Minister for the South Island and Associate Minister of Transport James Meager, and Minister for Customs Casey Costello.
“We have agreed that the Cruise Forum will continue to meet biannually, once at pre-cruise season with the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and once post-cruise season with all Ministerial members. The Forum will be a key mechanism for strategic engagement with cruise industry leaders to review the progress to-date and confirm forward priorities.”
Over the next 12 months, the Government will prioritise practical actions to strengthen sector confidence in New Zealand, including further enhancing cross-government coordination to improve regulatory certainty, such as improved visibility of changes to fees and levies affecting cruise operations, biofouling management settings that enable operations while protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems, including interaction with regional settings.
It also aimed to strengthen trans-Tasman cooperation, attract and enable more turnaround and homeport opportunities in New Zealand, and collaborate with the industry on improved cross-sector data.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with the cruise industry to build a sustainable, high-value and resilient cruise sector that delivers benefits for visitors, communities, regions and the wider New Zealand economy.”
More news here.
