Passengers leaving Australia from Sunday will have to pay an additional NZD$10 (AUD$8) after the federal parliament approved a departure tax increase.
People leaving the country after July 1 will be charged NZD$70 (AUD$55) - a move
opposed by the tourism industries on both sides of the Tasman.
The federal government dropped its original plan to index the passenger
movement charge annually in line with rises in the consumer price index before
the bill passed the lower house.
The change was demanded by the opposition coalition based on concerns from
the tourism sector.
The Passenger Movement Charge Amendment Bill 2012 passed the Senate without
amendments on Wednesday.
It's been estimated Kiwis will give the Australian government an additional
NZD$12.4 million over the next year as a result of the hike.
Australia's Tourism and Transport Forum chief executive John Lee said last
month the increase unfairly impacts trans-Tasman visitors, especially those
travelling on discounted airfares.
It is understood that Prime Minister John Key, who is also tourism minister,
raised industry concerns with his Australian counterpart Julia Gillard.
NZN