COMMENT:With tourism our biggest income earner (or even when it isn't because the dairy price is up) the reality is that tourism is the golden goose.
And we have taken great care to tell a wonderful story and ride a fantastic wave. There has been debate over whether we are technically 100 per cent pure, but I always thought that was petty, literal and almost childish. Anyone who takes branding that literally needs a sense of imagination, humour and a life.
We have been debating the merits of taxing tourists. The argument 'for' appears to be other people do it. That's not actually an argument for anything.
We should do things on genuine merit. And here's what I have learned about being a tourist last week.
Hawaii has blown it. Waikiki is one of the great destinations of the world.
I first went there in the early 1980s on the way back from Europe. I got horribly sunburned, got offered a massive amount of dope because it was summer break at American schools and they thought I was a student, and saw King Curtis the wrestler selling surfboards.
But I have been back last week. And for the last time, because they have failed to heed the warning signs of success. Fundamentally the place hasn't changed in 30 years. The hotels are old, the place is expensive, and the service now is crap.