Governance to protect ‘tourism icon’

PLANNING for the future of Milford began in Invercargill yesterday during the inaugural Milford Opportunities Governance Group meeting.

The governance group was created as part of the Southland Regional Development Strategy action plan.

It aims to provide strategic direction and leadership around the opportunities for Milford, including managing growing tourist numbers, maintaining a quality experi ence for visitors, upholding conservation values and adding value to Southland and ‘‘New Zealand Inc’’.

The group comprises representatives from the Southland District Council, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the Queenstown Lakes District Council, Department of Conservation, Ngai Tahu, Distinction Hotels, Real Journeys and the NZ Transport Agency.

It is led by independent chairman Dr Keith Turner, who said the focus was not just on Milford.

‘‘Milford is an icon of New Zealand tourism, and indeed international tourism. It has high value to those who come to see it and we have a duty to protect it. But the Milford road and indeed the whole corridor is part of that journey. There was strong agreement today that the role of the governance group is driving creative opportunities around Milford and grappling with the rapid growth of visitor numbers.’’

The group will advertise for a project manager and meet again early next year.