Draft Reserve Management Plan for Morning Star Beach Recreation Reserve out for consultation

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is seeking public feedback on a draft Reserve Management Plan for Morning Star Beach Recreation Reserve in Tāhuna, Queenstown.

Co-Chair of the Mana Whenua Kōmiti for Morning Star Beach Recreation Reserve Jana Davis says that the draft plan articulates a vision that is focussed on protecting the wellbeing of the reserve and Kimiākau/Shotover River for the enjoyment of all and promoting the Kāi Tahu cultural connection with the area.

“The plan’s vision, ‘Kimi ākau, kimi ora’, is not just a statement. It is a commitment to the health and vitality of this place and our people,” Jana says.

“While guided by our tikanga and responsibilities as kaitiaki, the plan has also been shaped by the voices of the walkers, riders and community who care about this place and use the reserve today,” he says.

Jana says that the plan recognises and protects the recreational values of the reserve and safeguards existing public access to Kimiākau via the defined access routes.

The draft plan can be viewed online here. Physical copies of the draft plan are also available for viewing during regular business hours at the Shotover Jet base in Arthurs Point, the Department of Conservation’s Whakatipu-wai-Māori Queenstown Visitor Centre and the office of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu in Addington, Christchurch.

Submissions on the draft plan are open until 28 August 2025 and can be made by emailing [email protected] with "Morning Star Beach Recreation Reserve Management Plan" in the subject line.

Anyone preferring to submit via post should send their submission to Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, PO Box 13-046, Christchurch 8141, marked attention to Puna Mahara. Submitters should include their name, address, telephone number, and email address and indicate if they wish to be heard in support of their submission.

All submissions will be considered in the preparation of the final Morning Star Beach Recreation Reserve Management Plan.

More information on Morning Star Beach Recreation Reserve is available here.