Prime Minister John Key says he has failed to convince Britain not to increase airport departure taxes for people coming to New Zealand, despite numerous discussions with government ministers.
The tax has been raised from $NZ170 to $NZ184.
Mr Key, who is also Tourism Minister, says he has been working aggressively trying to convince British leader David Cameron that the tax is unfair and should be adjusted so travellers to Europe paid more and those to New Zealand less.
Mr Key says raising the duty due to concerns over emissions is not justified, as emissions are being addressed through the European Union with a levy on airlines.
The extra duty on passengers discriminates on the basis of distance and puts a significant burden on New Zealand's tourism industry, he says.
