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

MSTL welcomes the Conservation Minister’s decision on long-term concession

MSTL Chief Executive Haylee Preston welcomes Conservation Minister Tama Potaka’s announcement, confirming his decision to grant the company’s long-term concession through to 2050 for the operation of key visitor infrastructure at Piopiotahi Milford Sound.

“While the terms and conditions of the concession are still to be negotiated, this decision gives us much-needed stability and the confidence to move forward, working closely with the Department of Conservation and partner agencies to align long-term planning and investment in Piopiotahi.”

MSTL has developed, operated and maintained essential infrastructure like the visitor terminal, parking, harbour, wastewater systems, and rubbish and recycling services for 35 years.

“Operating in a remote southern national park is complex and capital-intensive,” says Haylee.  “We’ve continued to invest in short-term maintenance, but without a decision on the concession, we couldn’t commit to major long-term upgrades or secure the necessary financing. Having that uncertainty resolved is a real relief.”

Last year, the company was pleased to announce a new shareholder partnership with Ngāi Tahu Holdings and several Kāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnaka, which comes into effect in March.

“It feel like things are finally coming together, with planning and decision-making aligning across Piopiotahi for the first time in years,” says Haylee. “We’re now in a strong position to begin progressing capital infrastructure planning, helping ensure Milford Sound continues to welcome the world while respecting the environment, the local community, and the visitor experience.”

MSTL will now start working with DOC on the detailed terms and conditions, a process that’s expected to take several months to finalise.

Kāi Tahu and MSTL partnership opens new chapter for Piopiotahi Milford Sound

A new chapter begins next year for the development of Piopiotahi, one of New Zealand’s most precious places, with Milford Sound Tourism Limited (MSTL) and Kāi Tahu announcing a shareholder partnership today.

On 31 March 2026, Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation and several Kāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnaka acting through a joint venture entity, will become the third equal shareholder in MSTL, the primary provider of visitor services and developer of key infrastructure in Piopiotahi Milford Sound.

MSTL Chief Executive Haylee Preston says talks between all parties over the past six months have created a strong foundation for the future and delivered the best possible outcome for the world-renowned destination through a combined wealth of experience in environmental, land, and infrastructure management.

“We’re delighted to partner with mana whenua. We all share the same goal – ensuring this special place is respected, protected, and valued by our community and visitors for generations to come.

“Our new partnership brings together nearly 40 years of MSTL’s operational expertise with the enduring connection Kāi Tahu holds to Piopiotahi. We look forward to working together in managing critical infrastructure, and creating opportunities for communities and visitors to learn more about Piopiotahi and its rich history.”

Awarua Rūnaka Limited Chair Barry Bragg represents one of the eight Kāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnaka with interests in Piopiotahi.

“Kāi Tahu welcome the opportunity to become the third equal shareholder and play a greater role in decision-making for a special place that holds deep significance to our people. This is an investment in the future of Piopiotahi and strengthens our commitment to its long-term care.”

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa hopes this investment will see Kāi Tahu reflected more in the landscape of Piopiotahi, enhancing the visitor experience.

“Our journey in tourism began several decades ago as a way for us to invest in our takiwā, tell our own stories, and share our heritage with the world. We look forward to strengthening how Kāi Tahu history is shared and understood by all who visit Piopiotahi.”

MSTL is currently 49 percent owned by Real Group Ltd (RealNZ) and 49 percent owned by Skeggs Group Ltd, with two percent held by Southland District Council (SDC). As part of the new partnership, SDC will sell back its shareholding, and Kāi Tahu will acquire a 33.33 percent shareholding in MSTL by 31 March 2026.

Guided by its Board, MSTL works to protect and enhance Piopiotahi Milford Sound, funded through a levy on visitors’ cruise tickets and other revenue streams such as parking, rent, and berthage. Originally initiated in 1987, the private entity that became the Milford Sound Development Authority, and later MSTL, developed and operates key infrastructure including the harbour, wharves, visitor terminal, parking facilities, staff accommodation, Eglinton Valley Camp, Knobs Flat visitor centre, and the area’s wastewater, rubbish and recycling systems. Working closely with the Department of Conservation, tourism operators, and local organisations, MSTL aims to support outstanding visitor experiences that reflect the Tiaki Promise.

The MSTL Board met with Kāi Tahu and Council representatives on 12 December to formally welcome the iwi and thank the Council for its support in helping facilitate the partnership, as well as its 35 years of service on the board.

“Council’s decision to sell its shareholding reflects our commitment to protecting Piopiotahi for future generations,” says Southland District Mayor Rob Scott. “We’re pleased that Ngāi Tahu Holdings and Papatipu Rūnaka will take over our stewardship role, and that our community has benefited from our long-standing involvement with MSTL. The shares, originally gifted to Council when MSTL was established, will return significant funds* to SDC, and MSTL’s contribution has meant ratepayers haven’t had to fund essential infrastructure over the years. We look forward to continuing to work with iwi, MSTL, the community, and tourism operators to support the future of Piopiotahi.”

Ms Preston notes that further investment will be needed over time to ensure Piopiotahi is managed sustainably.  “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to Piopiotahi. The partnership strengthens the stewardship of one of New Zealand’s  most precious places, supporting sustainable tourism, protecting natural and cultural resources, and fostering collaboration between Kāi Tahu, tourism operators, DOC, and the community.”

A formal ceremony to celebrate the return of iwi and the new partnership will be held in Piopiotahi Milford Sound at the end of March 2026, with details released closer to the time.

* Note: Southland District Council is unable to disclose the price of its shareholding until the sale process is concluded at the end of March 2026.

Photo caption: Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa and Milford Sound Tourism Limited Chief Executive Haylee Preston welcome the new partnership

Callum Webber has been appointed as MSTL’s new Operations Manager, replacing long-serving team member Tony Woodham. A seven-year local, former Operations Manager at Mitre Peak Cruises, and a current volunteer with Fire and Emergency NZ in Milford, Callum brings strong business and community connections, deep local knowledge, and a solutions-focused approach to his role.

With extensive experience in asset management, maritime safety, and regulatory compliance, Callum has worked as a skipper, harbour controller, and contractor across multiple operators in the fiord, giving him unique insight into Milford Sound’s complex operational environment.

In his new role, Callum now oversees MSTL’s operations, including the harbour, wharves, visitor terminal, parking facilities, and sustainable wastewater and recycling systems. His expertise in emergency response, health and safety systems, and infrastructure coordination will be invaluable as MSTL continues to enhance its service delivery.

Joining Callum on the leadership team is Ginny Christians, who will take on the newly created role of Chief Operations Officer (COO) from 28 July. Ginny brings a wealth of experience in transport management, logistics, and operational leadership—most recently as National Transport Manager for Open Country Dairy Ltd. Her background also includes senior roles at the Ministry for Primary Industries, where she led large teams, managed complex budgets, and oversaw cross-agency projects.

Ginny holds a Master of Supply Chain Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Massey University. She brings strong expertise in data analysis, contractor management, and strategic planning. As COO, Ginny will lead initiatives focused on process improvement, project delivery, and both short and long-term operational strategy.

MSTL CEO Haylee Preston welcomed the appointments, saying she’s looking forward to the value Callum and Ginny will bring to her team and the wider Milford community.

“Callum and Ginny’s energy, skills, and experience—from local knowledge and maritime safety to supply chain and project management—will play a key role in delivering safe, reliable visitor services and infrastructure in one of Aotearoa’s most iconic and sensitive environments. Just as importantly, they share our deep sense of responsibility to protect this place and its people. Their appointments reflect our commitment to building an innovative, world-class tourism ecosystem that’s sustainable, resilient, and worthy of the privilege of operating in such a special location.”