The Government will spend $3.5 million over five years to restore more than 3000 hectares of Tongariro National Park destroyed by fire last year.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said the funding – drawn from the International Visitor Levy (IVL) – is aimed at protecting fragile native regeneration and safeguarding the Ruapehu district economy.
“Tongariro is a Dual World Heritage site, a taonga, and a cornerstone of the Ruapehu District economy,” Potaka said.
“The fires have damaged biodiversity, disrupted recreation, and affected the livelihoods of families and businesses.”
The funding will cover weed control, pest management – including deer control – and biodiversity monitoring to ensure native plants now emerging from the scorched landscape are not overwhelmed.
Without intervention, Potaka warned invasive weeds and browsing animals could undo early signs of natural recovery.
“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,” Potaka said.
Local iwi Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro is working alongside the Department of Conservation (DOC) to implement Maunga Ora, a restoration plan combining scientific methods with tikanga and mātauranga Māori.
Mr Potaka said the IVL model ensures international visitors contribute directly to maintaining the landscapes that underpin regional tourism and employment.
He acknowledged iwi, DOC staff and the wider Ruapehu community for their work since the fires, describing the partnership as critical to restoring the mauri of the 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.”
Awa FM – Te Reo Irirangi o Whanganui
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