Historic partnership strengthens the future of Piopiotahi
22 May 2026
Historic partnership strengthens the future of Piopiotahi
A crisp bluebird day in Piopiotahi Milford Sound provided a stunning backdrop to celebrate a milestone that will help shape the future of one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations.
The Board and staff of Milford Sound Tourism Limited (MSTL), together with tourism operators, partner agencies and members of the local community, gathered to formally welcome Ngāi Tahu Holdings and several southern Papatipu Rūnaka as equal shareholders in the company. They join existing shareholders RealNZ and the Skeggs Group, owner of Southern Discoveries, in what’s believed to be a world-first partnership between commercial tourism operators and local iwi to manage key tourism infrastructure in Piopiotahi.
The investment sees Ngāi Tahu Holdings and participating Papatipu Rūnaka acquire a 33 per cent stake in MSTL, reflecting a shared commitment to the long-term future of Piopiotahi.
The celebration was as much about people as it was about partnership. Connections were renewed and new relationships forged as guests from across Te Waipounamu gathered at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal for the whakatau, speeches, waiata and kai. A cruise on the fiord and shared lunch followed, providing an opportunity to connect with both people and nature in one of the world’s most remarkable places.
Ōraka-Aparima is one of the Kāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnaka joining MSTL as a shareholder. Representative, Jana Davis, says there is a vision and expectation from tīpuna and kaumātua, to uphold the mystery and the majesty of the special place that is Piopiotahi.
“This exciting new partnership between Milford Sound Tourism Limited through the Ngāi Tahu Holdings joint venture with Papatipu Rūnaka is a world-first step for iwi in this space. It gives us a stronger platform to contribute and to lead, and it sets an example for how investment might look not just within the Kāi Tahu Takiwā, but across indigenous rohe around the world.
“Together these shared values and shared expectations create a strong and practical foundation for responsible tourism that honours our whenua while growing real opportunity for our people and communities.”
MSTL Chief Executive Haylee Preston described the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter for Piopiotahi.
“Today marks a new partnership, stronger connections, and a shared commitment to the future of a place with such deep history and meaning,” she said.
Since 1990, MSTL (formerly the Milford Development Authority) has managed most of the essential infrastructure that supports tourism in Piopiotahi, including the harbour, wharves, visitor terminal, staff accommodation, Knobs Flat Visitor Centre, Eglinton Valley Camp, and the area’s wastewater, rubbish and recycling systems.
By bringing together MSTL’s operational experience, and Kāi Tahu, with its deep cultural connection to the area, the partnership creates opportunities to strengthen infrastructure, share stories and mātauranga Māori, and support positive environmental and community outcomes.
With a shared commitment to caring for this extraordinary place, the partnership provides a strong foundation for the future of Piopiotahi, helping ensure it remains one of New Zealand’s most treasured places and a world-class destination to live, work and visit for generations to come.
Photo caption: Whakatau at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal