Medical costs.

It seems that tourists are costing us about $50 million dollars a year in unpaid medical costs. If you have an accident you are covered by Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) but you are otherwise hospitalised or treated you get a bill, but it seems that lots are skipping the country before they pay. Whenever we travel overseas we always have travel insurance that covers everything maybe tourists should be required to carry insurance?

yes but how much are you making from the tourism trade?

Lots Davo! It's a booming business at the moment but still,  If I travel overseas without insurance and anything untoward happens- I'm in debt for decades, especially if it's in the USA.

yes but the Kiwis are such a kind hearted loot!   - 10.6 billion received from tourism

tourism dollars NZ

ya gotta pinch a penny or two Sir ya gotta pinch a penny or two !

Yeah but it costs me $10 a year!

surely some simple electronic communication between your  health services and airports/seaports should ensure those who haven't paid don't leave the country

Then we'd have to pay for them in jail! :;smile:

who said anything about jail??

Well you'd have to restrain them or they'd go home.

how can they go home if they are prevented from boarding ? [for those who are not from the antipodeas this is an example of a typical ozzie and kiwi conversation!]

'Cause we're far too polite to say no you can't get on. Allow us to entertain you in a private room with it's own toilet.

politeness must give way to common sense in this instance - preventing them boarding means they  have to seek their own lodging places and pay their own bills??  from us down udder and also your big brother!