Visitor levy funds Tongariro fire restoration

The Te Ririo pou whenua at the beginning of the Tongariro Crossing survived the fire in November last year with some fire damage and charring.

The Government is putting $3.5 million from the International Visitor Levy into the restoration of 3000ha of Tongariro National Park that was damaged by fire.

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced the funding on Saturday, saying Tongariro is a “taonga, and a cornerstone of the Ruapehu District economy”.

It is also a Dual World Heritage site.

“The fires have damaged biodiversity, disrupted recreation, and affected the livelihoods of families and businesses across Ruapehu District.”

The money will be spent over five years and will fund weed control, pest management and biodiversity monitoring.

“The IVL ensures visitor revenue goes back into maintaining and improving the places that support local jobs, businesses and communities.”

Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro is working alongside the Department of Conservation to deliver Maunga Ora, a restoration plan based on science, tikanga and mātauranga Māori.

“Recovery is already visible, with native plants pushing through the charred ground. But without sustained weed control and pest management, including managing deer, that regeneration will be at risk.

“I want to acknowledge the commitment of Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro, DOC staff and the wider Ruapehu community who have been working on the ground since the fires. Their partnership is critical to restoring the mauri of this sacred landscape.

“The investment restores ecological resilience while backing the regional economy and people who depend on it.

“Tongariro is our taonga and restoring its mauri is essential. That’s why the Government is working to secure its long-term future.”