Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced a $25 million boost for conservation projects yesterday, including $5m to plan, build and maintain a track at the tourist attraction near Hahei.
It comes after the 2.5km track was officially closed last February when Cyclone Gabrielle caused a slip that took out some of the steps leading down to the beach and the rock.
The money for the track will come from a $35 levy on international visitors to New Zealand established in July 2019 to invest in tourism growth that supported and protected the environment.
He said of the $25m, $3.65m would be spent on eradicating pests including pigs, cats and mice from Maukahuka — Auckland Island — as well as $6m to enhance and expand the Department of Conservation’s network of short walks.
A new programme to support the maintenance and management of Huts of Recreational Importance through partnerships would receive $4.2m in funding over the next four years, while work to eradicate the aggressive coastal weed known as sea spurge would receive a boost of $1.28m toward protecting New Zealand coastlines.
There would also be $5m invested over the next three years in information and advocacy activities to connect people to nature and visitor experiences across the country, aimed at making it easier for people to get involved through activities like donating, volunteering and investing.
