Competitive allocation process applications closed for NZ’s largest farm

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  23 March 2026

Rangitahi/Molesworth is New Zealand’s largest farm and has a long history of high-country farming.

It’s also a nationally important drylands ecosystem with a deep cultural significance to Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Kurī, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and Rangitāne o Wairau, and significant biodiversity and recreation values.

DOC South Marlborough Operations Manager Stacey Wrenn says DOC received five applications.

“We’re really pleased with the response we’ve had here. Given the scale of the reserve and the specialised type of farming, we think this is a good level of interest,” Stacey says.

“We appreciate the effort that has gone into preparing the applications.”

Stacey says the applications will now be carefully assessed against set criteria and DOC aims to select a preferred operator by the end of May.

“Assessment criteria includes the operator’s experience, skills and resources, how biodiversity and heritage values will be protected, how cultural values will be upheld, and how public access will be improved and facilitated.

“Details of this process are available in the tender document on the DOC website.

“Once a preferred operator is chosen, they will be invited to apply for a concession, which will be publicly notified so people can have their say on the proposal.”

The existing lease with Pāmu (Landcorp Farming), expires 30 June 2026. DOC and Pāmu are working together to ensure operations continue smoothly while the preferred operator is selected and new concession processed, and to work through the change of operators, if necessary.

“As the incumbent, Pāmu continues to engage closely with the Department of Conservation regarding the future of the Molesworth lease, and we’re committed to working constructively through their process,” says a Pāmu spokesperson.

At 180,787 ha, Molesworth Recreation Reserve is slightly larger than Rakiura/Stewart Island and larger than 10 of New Zealand’s National Parks.

More details about the competitive allocation process can be found on the DOC website.

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