Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park owner Steve Edwards says the West Coast glacier towns have had a tough five years.
The Government has been accused of passing the buck to Development West Coast (DWC) and not helping struggling tourism businesses in South Westland. Tourism Minister Stuart Nash met with business owners in Franz Josef Glacier on Tuesday to tell them the Government could not save every business, but was working on a support package to help them until the borders reopened. Nash said he had hoped Development West Coast (DWC) could release 10 per cent of its almost $128 million fund to help businesses get through the Covid-19 pandemic, but the trustees agreed to release only $5m.
A visitor explores Franz Josef Glacier. “To spend money coming here to tell us nothing it’s ridiculous. We need help to keep our staff on and to be able to pay our rates and insurance,” she said. Tunnah said the offer of $5000 worth of advice through the $10 million Regional Business Partners network would not help cover her overheads. “We are asking help to survive,” she said.
Tourism and Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash says the Government can not save every struggling tourism business. “I paid $6 million just in wages here in Franz and $1m in PAYE. Why wouldn’t they want to support us to get our doors open. They just don’t get it,” she said.
West Coast glacier towns plea for help as populations nosedive Newshub 9/01/2021
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There s concern for the future of two glacier towns on the South Island s West Coast.
Fox and Franz Josef have experienced a tough few years with washed-out bridges and roads.
Now the loss of international tourists has slashed the towns populations as longtime residents are forced to move out.
Stunning glaciers put Fox and Franz Josef on the must-do list for international tourists.
But with borders closed they ve become ghost towns. Trading at the Matheson Cafe in Fox Glacier is down by 90 percent. It means we re existing on reserves and borrowings. And really there is no margin for the businesses to survive, says owner Chris Alexander.