Key questions for Motel-owners to ask Election candidates   1 Sep 2014

Key questions for Motel-owners to ask Election 2014 candidates

The Motel Association of NZ (MANZ) has published its list of key questions that motel-owners should be asking of their local candidates as the country draws closer to the 2014 general election.

The main themes of the questions are based around giving motels and other small businesses a fair go by creating an even legislative playing field, nurturing small businesses which are New Zealand’s lifeblood and ensuring the legislative framework keeps up with the expansion of online commerce.

“We see the 2014 election as a crucial one for small businesses in New Zealand. As we know, small business is the lifeblood of our economy and yet they can be crowded out by politicians who often seem more interested in catering to the whims of big overseas companies,” MANZ Chief Executive Michael Baines says.

“Motel-owners in particular are struggling against the likes of B&Bs and holiday homes who are unregulated and do not pay their fair share of tax. They also have to deal with the online accommodation providers, many of whom are based offshore and once again are not subject to New Zealand consumer protection and tax laws,” Mr Baines says.

Parties from across the political spectrum need to come up with a set of policies that ensure that small-local owned businesses are allowed to thrive, in order to reinvest back into our communities.

“In 2014 New Zealand’s small business sector is at the crossroads. Is the incoming Government going to provide us with a policy framework that will allow the sector to thrive, or will the needs of small businesses fall by the wayside in the rush to accommodate the needs of big corporates, many of whom are based offshore.”

“Motel-owners know which of these scenarios is best for New Zealand, and we would call on all kiwis to support your local economy by making sure you put your support behind the candidate who will work the hardest for small businesses,” Mr Baines concluded.

Suggested questions for parliamentary candidates

1. Do you feel there should be tighter regulations on accommodation providers? If not, then why should Motels and registered businesses have to comply?
2. Should there be tighter regulation on the income of holiday homes and B&B properties who are withholding greater tax payments as commercial accommodation providers?
3. How does your party plan to support SME’s?
4. What is your party doing to adapt our legislative framework to recognise the increasing level of commerce that is being done digitally through the web? New Zealand businesses are being penalised for operating in New Zealand whilst off shore entities do not comply with New Zealand’s legislative consumer protection and tax laws.
5. Typically while you travel, time spent within accommodation facilities is significant compared to one off adventure activities. We are yet to hear of any party offer any ideas around what can be done to: a) promote the sector b) regulate the industry to lift the standard c) provide support and education to up skill the people working within the sector.
6. What initiatives is your party considering to stimulate domestic travel?

Ends

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