August 01, 2021
Ngai Tahu gets places on Milford board
Two representatives from Ngāi Tahu will be included on a new board to oversee Milford Sound Piopiotahi and its surroundings.
Recognising Ngāi Tahu’s presence in and knowledge of the landscape is part of a new plan to address visitor pressures and safety at the UNESCO World Heritage site in Fiordland.
Tourism Minister Stuart Nash says the Milford Opportunities Project Masterplan follows four years of work by cross-agency representatives, mana whenua, commercial interests and the wider community.
He says tourism at Milford Sound Piopiotahi cannot return to its pre-COVID state.
It proposes a self-funded, sustainable tourism system paid for by visitors.
Conservation Minister Kiri Allen says the sheer volume of visitors in recent years 870,000 in 2019 – has undermined conservation values and the visitor experience.
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