10 November, 2021
Via fyi.org.nz
Kia ora John Luke,
I am responding to your Official Information Act request of 18 October asking for “a full copy of
signed MoU with UnionPay International. What’s the term of conditions and how it get review or
renew? Please provide a list of entities that has similar MoU like the UnionPay International one with
TNZ. “
Given the increasing importance of the Chinese market to the New Zealand tourism sector in 2013,
official recognition of UnionPay International by way of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
served as a clear signal that New Zealand was “open for business” to all Chinese visitors to New
Zealand.
As the reliance on cash payment in China declined and use of electronic payments increased, TNZ
needed to ensure that the necessary payment facilities were readily available to Chinese visitors
throughout New Zealand. The MoU was a way to make it more convenient for visitors to use their
UnionPay International card at a wider range of places in New Zealand. This arrangement did not
commit Tourism New Zealand to any specific activities with UnionPay International but made it more
convenient for Chinese visitors while they were in New Zealand.
We are not releasing the MoU under section 9(2)(i) of the Official Information Act, that enables a
Minister of the Crown or any public service agency or organisation holding the information to carry
out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.
The MoU was valid until 31 December 2015 and was not renewed after that date. Tourism New
Zealand does not have any other MoU’s in place with other payment providers.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or
freephone 0800 802 602.
Tourism New Zealand
Level 23, AON Centre, 1 Willis St,
T +64 4 462 8000
Manaakitanga Aotearoa
Wellington, 6011
W newzealand.com
Ngā mihi,
Rebecca Ingram
General Manager, New Zealand and Government Relations
Tourism New Zealand
Level 23, AON Centre, 1 Willis St,
T +64 4 462 8000
Manaakitanga Aotearoa
Wellington, 6011
W newzealand.com
