Associate Local Government Minister John Carter says he is pleased four of Auckland’s mayors have worked together on a detailed submission to the select committee on Auckland governance.

North Shore mayor Andrew Williams told Mr Carter at a public meeting at Takapuna last week that he and three other mayors had prepared a plan for how they think the city should be shaped under the unitary merger now in train.

“This is great. Four mayors from across the spectrum have worked together to produce their concerted submission on Auckland governance,” Mr Carter said.

“They are all encouraging submissions from their communities as well. This is exactly the type of input we hoped for within the democratic process for uniting Auckland. I’m happy with that,” Mr Carter said.

He said first stage submissions close on June 26 and the select committee would be sitting from July 6 to consider the submissions.

“Get them in. They can be as simple as a single point about what you consider important for your own area, or as complex and detailed as the approach taken by the four mayors,” he said.

More than one million Australian tourists visited New Zealand in the past year and Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, John Key says that proves the wisdom of recent Government investment into the Australian market.

Statistics New Zealand figures released today show that 1,001,880 visitors arrived from Australia in the year to May, the first time more than a million visitors arrived from Australia in a 12 month period.

“Our decision in March to boost marketing in Australia by $2.5 million was based on very sound principles. In tough economic times the New Zealand market is still very accessible to Australians wanting to holiday, and we recognised the need to take advantage of that.”

Since the 100% New Zealand Pure campaign started 10 years ago the number of Australian visitors has almost doubled.

“Tourism New Zealand has seen increased awareness of New Zealand in Australia in recent months and highly competitive airfares, good seat capacity, and a favourable exchange rate are all working in our favour."

Tourism New Zealand today launched a promotional campaign to celebrate the one millionth visitor. The ‘Thanks a Million’ campaign will see two people win a millionaire’s holiday to New Zealand.

“The one millionth Australian visitor is a major milestone for the New Zealand tourism industry and a great achievement given the challenges being faced at the moment.”