Morning Star Reserve Management Plan finalised

The Reserve Management Plan for the 0.8 hectare portion of the Morning Star Beach Recreation Reserve in Tāhuna, Queenstown that was vested in Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu in 2023 by the Minister of Conservation has now been finalised. 

The plan was developed by consultancy firm Kauati working alongside the Mana Whenua Komiti for Morning Star Reserve and kaimahi from the Office of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. 

Four submissions on the draft plan were received, all of which were largely supportive of the content and intent of the plan. 

While the preparation of Reserve Management Plans is not a new activity for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the vesting of this particular section of reserve presents a significant opportunity for the iwi to exercise rangatiratanga in line with its mātauranga, kawa and tikanga. At the time of the vesting, the Minister of Conservation also approved the delegation of some Ministerial powers under the Reserves Act 1977 to Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu including approval of the reserve management plan. 

Shotover Jet, one of the Ngāi Tahu Tourism businesses, has a long-term lease of the reserve site on the banks of Kimiākau (Shotover River). Under the terms of the vesting, the rent from the lease is now paid to Te Rūnanga for reinvestment in the site and other Department of Conservation administered reserve land within the wider Kimiākau catchment. 

Co-Chair of the Mana Whenua Komiti for Morning Star Reserve, Jana Davis says the approval of the plan represents a significant milestone for the komiti. 

“The approval of the Morning Star Reserve Management Plan marks an important step for our komiti and the seven Papatipu Rūnaka who hold mana whenua across the upper lakes and Kimiākau," Jana says.

"The vision, Kimi ākau, Kimi ora, captures our ki uta ki tai (from the mountains to the sea) approach as kaitiaki. This plan strengthens whakapapa connections, honours our tīpuna, and deepens relationships with Takata Tiriti partners," he says.

"The komiti acknowledges Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Kauati, and community groups including Kapow and the Arthur’s Point Community Association for their support - together, we move forward, ensuring the mana of Kimiākau endures meeting the expectations of our mokopuna.”

In the coming months, the Mana Whenua Komiti for Morning Star Reserve and kaimahi from the Office of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu will develop a work programme for the reserve in line with the objectives of the plan, continuing to engage with key stakeholders during this process.