Support For Stand On ‘Cowboy’ Accommodation Welcomed

Support For Stand On ‘Cowboy’ Accommodation Welcomed

The Motel Association of New Zealand (MANZ) welcomes the support from YHA New Zealand in calling for a crackdown on non-compliant and unregulated commercial accommodation providers.

Both MANZ and YHA New Zealand want to see a level playing field in the accommodation sector, with the likes of holiday homes and Bed & Breakfasts regulated and taxed to the same extent as other commercial providers.

“We’re calling on all the sectors of the accommodation market to come together and put pressure on the government to work with local authorities to end this two-tier system, which is encouraging the growth of cowboy operators,” MANZ Chief Executive Michael Baines says.

If a builder does not adhere to the rules and regulations of their industry they are referred to as cowboys, and it’s no different for accommodation providers.

“Allowing these cowboys open slather to provide accommodation could ultimately end up damaging our tourism industry, with huge consequences for New Zealand’s economy,” Mr Baines says.

“When it comes unregulated accommodation, there is no guarantee the building is up to scratch, and probably no plan for what to do in the event of a fire or earthquake. This sort of reckless endangerment could well end up costing lives should a disaster strike.”

Like hostels, motels are feeling the effects of operating in a competitive-market where some providers are subject to an ever-increasing burden of costs and compliance, whereas others get away scot-free.

“It’s time for the Government and Local Authorities to act. We need to clean up the cowboys and ensure a level playing field for motels, hostels and other accommodation providers,” Mr Baines concluded.

ENDS

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