Feedback on the Milford Opportunities Project is being sought on potential ideas for the future of Milford Sound Piopiotahi.
The project was set up to manage growing visitor numbers in the area, while maintaining a quality visitor experience. The initiative aimed to uphold conservation values, reflect the unique nature of the place and increase revenue for local businesses plus create opportunities for Te Anau, Southland and New Zealand.
Project governance group chairman Dr Keith Turner said the national survey, which would run from July 13-27, was important to the next steps for the project.
“This survey will pull together all the ideas and feedback we have received from the public and stakeholders and seek feedback on them so we can really get an idea of what the broader public want for Milford Sound Piopiotahi, the corridor, Te Anau and the surrounding regions,’’ he said.
The survey feedback, along with material built up from the project’s wide-ranging workstreams, consultation and research, would support the creation of a list of ideas for the governance group to develop into a shortlist, then a master plan. There would be more engagement opportunities then.
Dr Turner said the team had to be flexible and change direction reacting to Fiordland flooding in February and then the Covid-19 lockdown.
Master plan development team research covered infrastructure, conservation impact, tourism impact, social impact, hazards and landscapes. It is due in May-June next year.
The survey can be found at www.milfordopportunities.nz.
