Ngāi Tahu Farming chosen to operate country's largest farm, Molesworth Station
Former farm manager Jim Ward "absolutely gutted" after his bid was one of four unsuccessful ones.
The Department of Conservation has selected Ngāi Tahu Farming, a subsidiary of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Group, to operate Molesworth Station, New Zealand's largest high country farm spanning 180,000 hectares. The farm, located in Marlborough and North Canterbury, was previously managed by state-owned Pāmu Landcorp. Ngāi Tahu Farming, which manages 36,000 hectares of high country land across the South Island, was chosen for its strong experience in large-scale farming, financial stability, and business foundations.
The decision was based on the iwi's proven capability in farming, conservation, and commercial management. DOC deputy director-general Henry Weston emphasized the importance of maintaining public access, weed and pest control, and biodiversity at the site, which is also of significant cultural value to Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kurī, Ngāti Māmoe, and Waitaha.
Former farm manager Jim Ward expressed disappointment in the decision, stating that his family had invested 24 years and 12 months into the project. Ngāi Tahu Farming currently manages three high country stations combined, and the final details of Molesworth's operations will be determined through the concession process.
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