July 2021, in a groundbreaking move, The Milford Opportunities Project launched an ambitious Masterplan for the iconic Milford Sound Piopiotahi, its corridor, and the surrounding region.
It’s aim is to re imagine tourism in the area, focusing on benefiting both the environment and its visitors.
The collaborative effort brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Ngai Tahu, the Department of Conservation, Waka Kotahi, the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, Southland District Council, and Environment Southland. Their shared vision is to create a sustainable and enriching experience for all who visit this natural wonder.
In a recent webinar, The Milford Opportunities Project, shared last week by Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Rebecca Ingram and The Milford Opportunities Project director Chris Goddard, it outlined an update of the project’s status since its launch and it’s continued plan of engagement moving forward.
As a conceptual blueprint that outlines potential future management strategies for the region. It highlighted the importance of community engagement, ensuring that the plan is shaped by the insights and expertise of local residents, interest groups, tourism operators, national park users, and experts.
A comprehensive engagement program is currently in progress. It aims to gather feedback and insights from a broad spectrum of individuals and groups with a vested interest in Piopiotahi Milford Sound. This inclusive approach ensures that the masterplan is not only visionary but also grounded in the realities and aspirations of those it will impact the most.
The project aligns seamlessly with the New Zealand Aotearoa Government Tourism Strategy and the draft Tourism Environment Action Plan.
Key to the Masterplan are its pillars and values, which reflect the role of Ngai Tahu as Mana Whenua and Treaty Partner. It underlines the importance of protecting Milford Sound Piopiotahi for future generations and ensuring that the visitor experience remains unique, enhancing both conservation and community ties.
The Milford Opportunities Project director Chris Goddard says the approach the team is taking is careful and precise. “We are making sure they are testing the recommendations of the Masterplan as the plan is quite detailed and nuanced.” he says.
One of those insights he says is making sure that “New Zealanders do see Piopiotahi as iconic and making sure there is engagement publicly and one on one with key stake holders, the wider community and wider New Zealand.”
He says the project also recognises the invaluable experience and wisdom of the community, interest groups, experts, and park operators. Their insights, coupled with input from Tourism Industry Aotearoa, will be instrumental in shaping the future of tourism in the region.
Their key goal is to establish a regenerative tourism system, offering world-class experiences that seamlessly blend culture, nature, and conservation.
With a deadline of June 2024 to complete feasibility testing, it will result in a report and business case back to Cabinet. Any further decisions will then rest with the project’s Ministerial Group and with Cabinet as the final decision maker. The work stands to provide a valuable test case for transformational change to tourism management approaches, in line with the New Zealand Aotearoa Government Tourism Strategy and draft Tourism Environment Action Plan.
