Welcome

Kia ora and welcome to the last edition of the Milford Opportunities Newsletter for Stage 3, Phase 1 of the project.

At the end of this week, the Milford Opportunities Board is due to hand over the project’s advice to Ministers Tama Potaka and Matt Doocey on options for better managing tourism to Piopiotahi. The advice is based on detailed research and engagement as we worked to test the feasibility of the Milford Opportunities Masterplan recommendations over the last 2 years.

I must say, I write this with mixed feelings – I have thoroughly enjoyed this work. It’s been challenging, insightful and rewarding. And, while I lived in Te Anau for a number of years, my understanding of the area and its community has increased as a result of this work. A highlight for me has been having had the opportunity to meet some amazing people with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.

We have heard people’s knowledge and passion for the place, whether that’s from a business, tourism, environment, or social perspective. We have also heard how these elements are interconnected in what some described as a self-supporting ecosystem.

I truly hope this project delivers on its objectives to support people and place.

If you want to check in on the project over the coming weeks and months, the best place to find information remains our website www.milfordopportunities.nz

I’d like to close out with a Māori proverb which many of you will know:

He aha te mea nui o tea o? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people!

We have the responsibility to make good decisions, because our decisions have far-reaching implications for all things.

A huge thank you to everyone who has given time to support this work.

Phil Tisch

Engagement & Communications Lead