Conservation Minister Tama Potaka. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
The government is using the tourist levy to fund millions of dollars of upgrades on islands in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf.
Six million dollars is earmarked to go to upgrading infrastructure on islands like Rangitoto, Tiritiri Matangi and Kawau.
The government said they get more than 150,000 visitors each year.
It said better wharves, walking tracks and water systems will make the islands easier to enjoy and would be good for tourism, hospitality and recreation.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka is also announcing a philanthropic programme will lead the largest reef restoration the Gulf has ever had.
Led by the NEXT Foundation, $20 million over five years will be used with hopes it can bring new life to the reefs.
"Divers and local experts will clear urchins from damaged reefs, giving kelp a chance to regrow, and creating underwater forests that bring back fish, crayfish, and shellfish," Potaka said.
The first $2m will go to a pilots and a research project.
The government is designed to support the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act that came into force at the weekend.
It brings in two marine reserves, a dozen high protection areas and five areas for seafloor protection.
Potaka said the tourism levy announced Tuesday was additional to $10.5m in operational funding for DOC to establish the new protected areas.
"The Gulf adds over $5 billion of value to the country every year - it makes sense to invest here," he said.
"For too long, it's been under pressure from pollution, sediment, and overuse.
"We're taking practical steps to rejuvenate it, for our children, our kaimoana, and our communities. It supports tourism, hospitality, fishing, and recreation."
Potaka said when the Hauraki Gulf was healthy, people and the economy were too.
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