That is the opinion of a Queenstown lobby group on the coming visitor levy referendum and the preferred option of a 5%-10% bed tax, announced yesterday. Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult revealed more details of the June 5 non-binding referendum. "We want the final model to be as fair as possible on end-users and have minimum effect on accommodation providers with regards to administering the levy," Mr Boult said. The announcement of a referendum has received widespread support in the district, including from Queenstown Chamber of Commerce. But Villa del Largo co-owner Nik Kiddle, who represents more than 70 businesses in the district opposed to a bed tax, said: "The referendum is farcical and a waste of time.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 28, 2019 15:22 UTC