Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
Introduction
Rangitahi (converging sky) is the ancestral description for an iconic landscape: where sky and land blend; and tributaries and arterial waterways flow across vast mountainous terrain.The generational imprint of history and people’s relationship to the whenua culminate in a convergence of spirit, landscape, and nature’s treasures.
Rangitahi is the Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and Ngāi Tahu name for this area. Using Rangitahi and Molesworth together gives mana to both names.
You can explore the reserve virtually to learn more about its values.
Plan review status
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is not progressing the review of the Molesworth Recreation Reserve Conservation Management Plan. Instead, we are prioritising a competitive allocation process for farming and other commercial opportunities ahead of the current farming lease expiring in June 2026. DOC is currently defining the scope of the opportunity to be offered and will be calling for expressions of interest in late 2025.
More information is available in the media release.
Competitive process for future Rangitahi/Molesworth operator
The Molesworth Conservation Management Plan 2013 remains operative.
There is no timeframe for when the plan review will be restarted. However, the significant work that has been undertaken to date, including Treaty Partner and stakeholder feedback will not be lost and will help inform the scope of the expressions of interest DOC will be seeking, and the future management of the Reserve.
DOC remains committed to the wellbeing and protection of Rangitahi/Molesworth.
Contact
If you require any further information, email the Rangitahi/Molesworth review team: rangitahimolesworth@doc.govt.nz
Intellectual property rights statement
This website also includes artwork commissioned by DOC based on Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura narratives. DOC waives Crown copyright in this commissioned artwork but retains a perpetual licence to use it in its publications and media in connection with the Rangitahi/Molesworth Conservation Management Plan review. As the commissioned artwork is based on Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura narratives, re-use or publication in any other form is prohibited.