The beach property purchased through a crowd-funding campaign has officially become part of the Abel Tasman National Park.
Awaroa beach gifting ceremony. Photo: RNZ/ Tracy Neal
The handover of Awaroa Beach took place this afternoon in a ceremony organised by the Department of Conservation, local iwi, and Duane Major and Adam Gard'ner, who organised of the campaign to buy it.
The men were at the ceremony in Awaroa today, where they thanked New Zealand for joining them on what they said had been a journey of trust.
About 300 wellwishers and supporters attended for the gifting celebration of the beach bought largely by public donations.
Iwi of Te Tau Ihu - the top of the South Island, welcomed guests to the site near the northern head of Abel Tasman National Park.
Mr Major said it was now up to all of New Zealand to honour their role as kaitiaki of the area.
"This beach is ours, but I do want to say for the children and young people that are here and that aren't here, because who's going to look after this place and places like this - it is the people."
The men behind the Awaroa beach campaign, Duane Major and Adam Gard'ner. Photo: RNZ/ Tracy Neal
Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner said the purchase was a victory for positive people power and for preserving the environment.
Almost 40,000 people contributed to the campaign to save the beach, donating $2.2 million.
A government contribution of $350,000 dollars from the Nature Heritage Fund helped secure it.
Tourism operators in the park said last month there had been strong demand from the public to see the beachfront land they now "owned".
The “boat bach” is one of three dwellings on the Awaroa property that now belongs to New Zealand. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal
