Nicola Willis: Finance Minister hopeful visa changes for digital nomads will help grow tourism numbers

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Finance Minister is determined to get tourism figures back up to their pre-pandemic levels - and she hopes the newest batch of visa changes will speed that along.

From today, visitors can work remotely for overseas companies while holidaying in New Zealand for up to nine months, but they may need to declare themselves New Zealand tax residents if they stay for over 90 days.

Nicola Willis says there's capacity for growth officials will be tracking the number of visitor visas that come out of this change.

"We think it will make an impact on economic growth, because every tourist that comes to New Zealand benefits our bottom line. That's what supports people who are working for tourism providers, who are working for accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes - the more people they have coming through their doors and spending, the better."

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