Denis O’Rourke, Transport spokesperson for New Zealand First, has lambasted Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL) for charging retailers selling to tourists taking goods out of the country ‘outrageous’ fees.

“CIAL this week doubled its charges for off-airport retailers who arrange for GST-free goods purchased by international travellers to be picked up at the airport prior to departure,” said O’Rourke.

“The previous charges are high enough at $225 and the new charges at $500 cannot be justified when the service simply involves a contractor receiving the goods and passing them on for airside collection by the traveller.”

O’Rourke said The Jewellers Association of New Zealand, part of Retail New Zealand, has asked the government to adopt the Australian system, which ‘avoids these charges altogether.’

“Already there are reports from the jewellery industry of tourists declining to buy here because they can get a better price in other countries,” says O’Rourke.

Removing the fees would encourage consumers to purchase locally, rather than overseas said O’Rourke.

“CIAL has an absolute monopoly on the service and off-airport retailers are understandably angry, with nowhere else to turn. CIAL should be acting like a good citizen, encouraging off-airport sales to tourists, not just profiting from it at rapacious rates.”