Four months after the completion of an $18 million masterplan for Milford Sound, Fiordland tourism operators are urging the government to take decisive action. The ambitious project, developed over three years, was designed to address mounting pressures on one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourist destinations. However, stakeholders fear the lack of progress could render the extensive efforts futile.
The Milford Opportunities team submitted the masterplan to government ministers in June, outlining transformative recommendations, including banning cruise ships, removing the airstrip, introducing a park-and-ride system, and imposing fees on international visitors. Visitor numbers in Milford Sound surged from 430,000 in 2013 to 870,000 in 2019, prompting concerns about sustainability and environmental impact.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka addressed the delay in a statement, confirming that discussions are ongoing. He highlighted the release of two discussion documents last week, which propose reforms to concession processes and the introduction of access charges for Milford Sound and other popular sites.
“We will endeavour to keep everyone informed as we work through this next phase, especially the stakeholders and communities involved,” Mr. Potaka said.
Frustration Among Local Operators
Fiordland tourism operators have expressed growing concern over the lack of clarity and the potential waste of significant resources.
Steve Norris, owner of Trips & Tramps, noted the increasing visitor numbers and the urgent need for a timeline on the government’s decision.
“It would be nice to know that something’s going to happen, and that’s what we’re all hoping for,” Mr. Norris said. “We know it was never going to happen this summer—you know governments don’t move that fast. But no one knows what the report says because we weren’t privy to it. That [$18 million] was meant to start the ball rolling, but what they’ve actually given to the government, no one knows.”
He also stressed the need for accountability over the funds already spent. “Something needs to happen, and the government needs to be answerable to the $17 million that’s been spent so far.”
Kylie Krippner, owner of Wings & Water, echoed these sentiments, citing a noticeable rise in tourist numbers and emphasizing the need for clarity and swift action to support the region’s future.
Elderly Man Loses Life Savings to Online Scam
In a separate incident, an elderly West Coast man has fallen victim to an online scam, losing nearly $100,000 of his life savings.
The man was lured by a Facebook advertisement claiming to double investments. Despite initial skepticism, he made a small investment and received double the amount back, which built his confidence in the scheme. Over subsequent months, scammers posing as cryptocurrency firm representatives convinced him to provide sensitive banking details, ultimately draining his account through multiple transactions.
Acting Senior Sergeant Jayne Bretherton of Greymouth issued a stark warning: “If it seems too good to be true, it most likely will be.”
She urged potential victims to stop all contact with scammers, block communications, and report the fraud immediately to their bank or financial service provider.
The cautionary tale underscores the need for vigilance as scammers continue to exploit trust and financial vulnerability.
