Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka, alongside partners Fish and Game and the Department of Conservation (DOC), is pleased to announce that local entrepreneurs Steve Lockwood and Peter Egerton are taking up stewardship of Te Punanga Manu, the beloved bird park in Te Anau.

Both Mr Lockwood and Mr Egerton bring longstanding connections to Fiordland and a track record of conservation projects across the region and throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Their involvement signals a strong commitment to preserving the natural and cultural values of Te Punanga Manu while reimagining its facilities for future generations.

“This is a very special place with immense cultural and environmental significance,” said Mr Egerton. “We are honoured to be working alongside the rūnaka and our partners to help realise its full potential.”

Te Punanga Manu is a site of deep historical and environmental importance, valued by both the local community and manawhenua Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka. The new stewardship aims to build on this legacy through thoughtful development that respects the area's heritage and natural surroundings, with the support of stakeholders including the rūnaka, DOC, Fish and Game and Great South.

This announcement follows a community engagement process last year in which 90 submissions were received – a response that made one thing clear: Te Anau's community and its visitors want this place to thrive.

Sue Crengle, deputy chair of Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka, said submissions played a key role in shaping the path forward – and that community input would continue to play a role as the park’s development is planned.

“It was clear that the community want to see the bird park endure and continue to be a place that puts the wellbeing of our taonga species front and centre,” Dr Crengle says. “Te Punanga Manu is an incredibly important site for the rūnaka as well as the wider community, and what has given us confidence through this process is that every partner we’ve engaged with is totally committed to getting it right.”

Fish and Game, the site’s owner, is currently working with Mr Lockwood and Mr Egerton to progress the next steps for Te Punanga Manu. Through their Fiordland tourism operation, Cruise Milford, the pair have arranged a sponsorship agreement with DOC to support the care of the park’s birds during this transition period – ensuring continuity for the wildlife while plans are developed and implemented.

Although final plans are still under development, the intention is to capture the heart of the bird park and the significant role it has always played in the Te Anau community – and to establish it as a world-class destination.

© Scoop Media