Model that opened Whakapapa River access could be used elsewhere

Friday, 17 July 2026

A novel funding model that allowed Auckland/Waikato Fish and Game to secure permanent public access to one of New Zealand's best trout fishing rivers without spending a cent of licence-holder money is being touted as a blueprint for projects across the country.

The organisation this week officially opened a new public access point to the Whakapapa River after buying a riverfront property, creating legal easements and esplanade strips over the land, then preparing to sell the balance of the property.

Fish and Game says the approach permanently protects public access while allowing the original investment to be recycled into future projects.

The Stone Jug Rd property near Kakahi was purchased through Auckland/Waikato Fish and Game's Angler Access Fund using external funding and donations rather than fishing licence revenue.

The Outdoor Access Commission contributed funding and technical support, while Ngāti Hāua, Ruapehu District Council, neighbouring Fish and Game councils and other partners also supported the project.

Auckland/Waikato Fish and Game chief executive David Klee said the model addressed a growing problem as rural land changed hands and long-standing informal access arrangements disappeared.

'Public access is one of New Zealand's greatest outdoor traditions, but it cannot be taken for granted. Opportunities to secure access are becoming increasingly rare as properties change ownership and long-standing access arrangements disappear.'

Klee said buying strategically important land, securing permanent legal access through easements and esplanade strips, then selling the remaining property meant the initial investment could be used repeatedly.

'The Stone Jug Road project was delivered at no cost to Fish and Game licence holders. The property was purchased using externally sourced revenue and donations secured through the Auckland Waikato Fish and Game Angler Access Fund, demonstrating how partnerships and innovative funding can create lasting public benefits without drawing on licence revenue.'

He said every dollar invested had the potential to create multiple permanent public access opportunities over time.

'This is about creating a legacy. Rather than simply purchasing land, we are investing in permanent legal access that will remain in place forever, regardless of who owns the surrounding property in the future.'

The project secures permanent public access to the Whakapapa River for activities including fishing, swimming, kayaking and tramping.

Klee said the success of the project highlighted the need for a national contestable public access fund that could move quickly when strategic opportunities arose.

'Strategic opportunities to secure permanent public access often arise with very little notice. Having a dedicated national contestable fund would allow organisations to move quickly to secure these opportunities before they are lost forever.'

He said Stone Jug Rd showed a relatively modest investment could permanently protect access to an iconic river and could be replicated around New Zealand.

Outdoor Access Commission chief executive Dan Wildy agreed, saying the project demonstrated a practical model that could be used elsewhere.

'We want to thank Auckland/Waikato Fish and Game for what they've achieved here. This is a lasting contribution to public access - and it's not just anglers who'll benefit, but anyone wanting to experience the Whakapapa River.

'This isn't just about access here at Stone Jug Road - it's proof of what's achievable elsewhere. People around the country can look at this and see a real, workable model for getting similar results.'

Minister for Hunting and Fishing James Meager, who attended Wednesday's opening, also suggested the project could be replicated nationally.

'As Minister, these are the exact sorts of projects I encourage and want to see more of. Access to our rivers and outdoor areas is part of who we are as New Zealanders, and projects like this help ensure those opportunities are protected not just for today, but for the future.

'I believe this initiative provides a model that could be replicated across New Zealand.'

Wednesday's opening ceremony was attended by representatives of Ngāti Hāua, the Outdoor Access Commission, the Department of Conservation, neighbouring Fish and Game councils, local community members and other project partners.

Guests were welcomed onto the property with a whakatau by Ngāti Hāua acknowledging the significance of the whenua and the Whakapapa River and the importance of protecting the area for future generations.