Information about the proposed Monorail and Tunnel projects

This page was initially set up for Destination Fiordland members in the submission stage of the proposals to keep them updated and informed, but with interest being still being high, we have decided to keep adding information to it as it becames available.

 

[Monorail information]

[Milford Dart Tunnel proposal]

[Save Fiordland]

[The Submission Process]

[Press releases of interest]

 

The Save Fiordland campaign 

This group's aim is to rally the Te Anau community "to organise a concerted and steadfast campaign to prevent the irreversible loss of a priceless part of New Zealand and World Heritage Area Wilderness"

• "Like" their facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/SaveFiordland

 

The submission process

Currently there are a range of proposals being promoted to allow faster, alternative means of access into Milford Sound other than the current road link and Milford Road corridor which travels via Te Anau. Two of these proposals, the Milford Dart Tunnel and Fiordland Link Monorail, have been granted approval to apply for concession from the Department of Conservation who oversee activity in the National Park. Permission to apply for concessions are the first step in the process and includes the ability for the public to express their views and or concerns about the proposals, and also includes the ability for additional conditions to be requested.

Destination Fiordland (who maintain this website and represent a membership base of Fiordland businesses) want to ensure that our members are fully informed of the proposals and that individuals and businesses alike take the opportunity to express their veiws as part of the submissions process.

 

Information about the Monorail proposal

The Directors of Riverstone Holdings Limited have released a media statement and associated background information (Thursday 8th December 2011) advising of the decision by the Southland Conservator that the Department of Conservation has approved in principle the granting of a concession easement for 60 years to construct and operate a monorail subject to the outcome of a public notification process.

Press release by Riverstone Holdings Ltd - 8th December 2011

DOC press release - 8th December 2011. 

Information from DOC regarding the process can be found by clicking http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-doc/news/media-releases/2011/doc-invites-public-comment-on-proposed-monorail-concession/

Fiordland Experience Link website (Riverstone Holdings Ltd / Infinity Group) http://www.fiordlandlink.com/

Monorail Fact Sheet and website http://fiordlandmonorail.info/

Information sheet and submission information from Southland Forest & Bird - click here

Additional ways that people can get involved:

• 'Like' the facebook page: People Against the Fiordland Link  https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/People-against-the-Fiordland-Link/194304104003664

• Talk to your Tourism Industry Association rep and make your collective views are heard through their national advocacy role

• Entities of influence may wish to supply content to Inside Tourism magazine, or other media to raise public awareness

• Talk to your local MP

• Sign the petition - http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-plans-to-build-fiordland-link-experience-and-ruin-world-heritage-area 

Proposed Milford Dart Tunnel

Milford Dart Ltd have proposed to build a tunnel between the Routeburn Road end and the Hollyford Valley and allow 'invitees‘ to use this tunnel for faster access to Milford Sound from Queenstown. This is currently subject to a concession process with the Department of Conservation. The concession application consists of investigating, constructing, operating and maintaining a bus tunnel and associated infrastructure. Their concession application has been approved in principle by the Department of Conservation (DOC), subject to public notification. Now is the time for YOU to have your say!

Destination Fiordland's official position is that we oppose the Milford Dart application for concession because of the potential environmental impacts and degradation of the visitor experience presented by this proposal.  We urge members to provide their own submissions. Details of the requirements of the concession are included in the documents below. Please note that only points relevant to the concession application will be considered i.e. the likely social or economic effect on Te Anau businesses will not be deemed relevant to the concession application and will not therefore be considered.  It is important to request that the hearing be held in Te Anau and you should ask for your submission to be heard.


A good overview of the application and general explanation of effects is contained in the Executive Summary of the report (copied into these guidelines).

Venture Southland have prepared submission guidelines upon request from Southland District Council, to assist people with making informed submissions - click here to see this.

The Te Anau Community Board have also prepared a submission and the summary document of this submission is available by clicking here.  This can be used as a stand-alone submission by members of the Fiordland community.  It is recommended that you add your own "flavour" to the submission - there may be other points that you wish to add.  It is important that as well as signing your submission, you include your name and contact details (including email) so that your submission can be acknowledged.

Information sheet and submission information from Southland Forest & Bird - click here

Glenorchy Community Press Release - 23 January 2012  

Additional ways that people can get involved:

• 'Like' the facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/People-Against-the-Milford-Dart/122229837886973 (see also Fiordland Advocate article http://www.fiordlandadvocate.co.nz/component/content/article/148.html )

• Talk to your Tourism Industry Association rep and make your collective views are heard through their national advocacy role

• Entities of influence may wish to supply content to Inside Tourism magazine, or other media to raise public awareness

• Talk to your local MP

• Sign the petition - http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-plans-to-dig-up-fiordlands-national-park-in-new-zealand-for-a-private-use-tunnel

 

Press Releases:

2012	Paper	Headline	Link
11 October	The Southland Times	Anti Tunnel lobby told to stir NZ conscience	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7799725/Anti-tunnel-lobby-told-to-stir-NZ-conscience
5 October	The Southland Times	Concern over park plans	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/opinion/7695197/Concern-over-park-plans
4 October	The New Zealand Herald	Southland forest gnomes protest against monorail	http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10838347
	The Southland Times	Gnuffs hit Wellington streets	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7769120/Gnuffs-hit-Wellington-streets
	TV3 News	Mayor turned gnome protests Fiordland tunnel-monorail	http://www.3news.co.nz/Mayor-turned-gnome-protests-Fiordland-tunnel-monorail/tabid/423/articleID/271498/Default.aspx
	NZ Herald	Southland forest gnomes protest against monorail	http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10838347
	The Southland Times	Labour MPs to visit tunnel opponents	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7765953/Labour-MPs-to-visit-tunnel-opponents
	The Southland Times	Cardno takes protest to Wellington	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7765952/Cardno-takes-protest-to-Wellington
1 October	The Southland Times	Gnuffs taking their protest to capital	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7750013/Gnuffs-taking-their-protest-to-capital
30 September	National Business Review	Beattie quits Infinity board to focus on Monorail	http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/beattie-quits-infinity-board-focus-monorail-checked-and-ready-go-ja-129273
26 September	The Southland Times	Club pledges funds to Fiordland battle	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7728543/Club-pledges-funds-to-Fiordland-battle
	Otago Daily	Trampers Climbers group pledges $15000 to Fiordland campaign	http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/227524/trampers-climbers-group-pledges-15000-fiordland-campaign
21 September	The Southland Times	Monorail bid not affected by director's resignation	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7710017/Monorail-bid-not-affected-by-directors-resignation
25 September	Scoop	Federated Mountain Clubs on Monorail	http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1209/S00327/federated-mountain-clubs-on-monorail.htm
20 September	The Southland Times	"Tunnel would turn Milford into Mordor"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7703949/Tunnel-would-turn-Milford-into-Mordor
	The Southland Times	Beattie off board	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7707991/Beattie-off-board
	Mountain Scene	Campions 100 pure outrage at Milford shortcut	http://www.scene.co.nz/campions-100-pure-outrage-at-milford-shortcut/303298a1.page
27 August	The Southland Times	"English hears campaign group's concerns"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7551916/English-hears-campaign-groups-concerns
24 August	The Southland Times	"Concerns for concession sale"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7538168/Concerns-for-concession-sale
23 August	Local Bodies Blogspot	"Fiordland or Disneyland"	http://localbodies-bsprout.blogspot.co.nz/2012/08/fiordland-or-disneyland.html?spref=tw
21 August	nzherald.co.nz	"Monorail developer plays down receivership"	http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10828314
17th August	Otago Daily Times	"Wilkinson 'dodging responsibility' over tunnel"	http://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/221982/wilkinson-dodging-responsibility-over-tunnel
	The Southland Times	"MP accepts Stop the Tunnel petition"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7494622/MP-accepts-Stop-the-Tunnel-petition
16th August	The Southland Times	"Select committee for anti-tunnel petition"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7488204/Select-committee-for-anti-tunnel-petition
	TV3 News	"English cancels on constituents' petition"	http://www.3news.co.nz/English-cancels-on-constituents-petition/tabid/423/articleID/265667/Default.aspx
10th August	The Southland Times	"Tunnel, monorail risk heritage status"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7450277/Tunnel-monorail-risk-heritage-status
	nzherald.co.nz	"Unesco watches Fiordland tunnel project"	http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10825928
8th August	nzherald.co.nz	"Debate: Fighting over Fiordland"	http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10825300
2nd August	Mountain Scene	"Milford tunnel a ‘PR disaster’ for Queenstown Hobbit tourism"	http://www.scene.co.nz/milford-tunnel-a-pr-disaster-for-hobbit-tourism/301864a1.page
23rd July	The Southland Times	"Tunnel protest forces gather"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7327104/Tunnel-protest-forces-gather
	Otago Daily Times	"Fight against tunnel monoral outlined"	http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/218187/fight-against-tunnel-monorail-outlined
22nd July	stuff.co.nz	"Tunnel, monorail plan fuels anger"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/7324531/Tunnel-monorail-plan-fuels-anger
21st July	Otago Daily Times	"Monorail Flow concerns"	http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/218057/monorail-flow-concerns
		"Passion and due process"	http://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/editorial/218012/passion-and-due-process
19th July	The Southland Times	"Tunnel opponents look to bolster cause"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7305021/Tunnel-opponents-look-to-bolster-cause
18th July	Otago Daily Times	"Meeting called fight concessions"	http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/217527/meeting-called-fight-concessions
17th July	The Southland Times	"Fiordland campaigners elect board"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7288920/Fiordland-campaigners-elect-board
16th July	Forg Blog	"History (sometimes) repeats - Saving Fiordland	http://blog.greens.org.nz/2012/07/16/history-sometimes-repeats-saving-fiordland/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed
14th July	The Southland Times	"Board election bid to save Fiordland"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7277543/Board-election-bid-to-save-Fiordland
5th July	Fiordland Advocate	"Minister gets given the message"	http://www.fiordlandadvocate.co.nz/archives/book/201-2012-jul-5/12-2012-jan-jun.html
		"Save Fiordland - who, why and where to now?"
	The Southland Times	"Stop the tunnel Wilkinson told"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7222741/Stop-the-tunnel-Wilkinson-told
	Otago Daily Times	"Minister feels passion of parks projects protesters"	http://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/215737/minister-feels-passion-parks-projects-protesters
4th July	The Southland Times	"Protestors confront Minister"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7214689/Minister-to-face-Fiordland-protest
		"Minister to face Fiordland protest"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7214689/Minister-to-face-Fiordland-protest
	TV3 News	"Fiordland residents rally against transport projects"	http://www.3news.co.nz/Fiordland-residents-rally-against-transport-projects/tabid/423/articleID/260143/Default.aspx
2nd July	The Southland Times	"Fiordland protest aimed at minister"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7202644/Fiordland-protest-aimed-at-minister
29th June	The Southland Times	"DOC staff not told to avoid meeting"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7189921/DOC-staff-not-told-to-avoid-meeting
	Blog		http://localbodies-bsprout.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/te-anau-turmoil-and-tunnel.html
27th June	The Southland Times	"Crowd gathers to Save Fiordland"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7175006/Crowd-gathers-to-Save-Fiordland
25th June		"Next stop court in anti-tunnel fight"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/7162507/Next-stop-court-in-anti-tunnel-fight
28th June	Fiordland Advocate	"Community endorses campaign"	http://www.fiordlandadvocate.co.nz/archives/book/200-2012-jun-28/12-2012-jan-jun.html
27th June	Local Bodies Blog	"Te Anau turmoil and tunnel"	http://localbodies-bsprout.blogspot.co.nz/2012/06/te-anau-turmoil-and-tunnel.html
11th June	Otago Daily Times	"Thousands protest tunnel"	http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/212670/thousands-protest-tunnel
29th May	The Southland Times	"Tunnel opponents gearing up for fight"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7003908/Tunnel-opponents-gearing-up-for-fight
30th May	The Southland Times	"Monorail petition makes history"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/7017358/Monorail-petition-makes-history
21st April	Otago Daily Times	Milford Dart Ltd responds"	http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/206328/milford-dart-ltd-responds
		"Submitters not allowed to film"	http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/206333/submitters-not-allowed-film
	The Southland Times	"Developers insist tourist want new tunnel"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6783400/Developer-insists-tourists-want-new-tunnel
20th April	TV3	"Milford Sound tunnel up for discussion"	http://www.3news.co.nz/Milford-Sound-tunnel-up-for-discussion/tabid/367/articleID/251078/Default.aspx
19th April	Otago Daily Times	"1000 sign tunnel petition"	http://www.odt.co.nz/your-town/glenorchy/205974/1000-sign-tunnel-petition
18th April	Otago Daily Times	"Monorail promoter confident concession"	http://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/205850/monorail-promoter-confident-concession
	The Southland Times	"No reason to halt monorail plan firm says"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6761167/No-reason-to-halt-monorail-plan-firm-says
17th April	Otago Daily Times	"Fiordland Monorail decision impossible"	http://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/205677/fiordland-monorai-ldecision-impossible
	The Southland Times	"DOC ignored boards advise on monorail"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6753831/DOC-ignored-boards-advice-on-monorail
		" DOC planned slammed"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6757567/DOC-plan-slammed
14th April	The Southland Times	"Monorail most effective initiative for tourism"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6742030/Monorail-most-effective-initiative-for-tourism
13th April	The Southland Times	"Tunnel man gets to reply"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6734798/Tunnel-man-gets-to-reply
11th April	Otago Daily Times	"Queenstown Tunnel group have its say next week"	http://www.odt.co.nz/your-town/queenstown/204882/queenstown-tunnel-group-have-its-say-next-week
4th April	WhaleOil		http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/tag/te-anau/
	NZ Herald.co.nz		http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10796593
	Otago Daily Times	"Southland Monorail concept evokes theme park"	http://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/204131/southland-monorail-concept-evokes-theme-park
	The Southland Times	"Objectors warn monorail may not make profit"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6689150/Objectors-warn-monorail-may-not-make-profit
3rd April	The Southland Times	"Monorail would break law hearing told"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6682459/Monorail-would-break-law-hearing-told
2nd April	Stuff.co.nz	"Te Anau Monorail hearings begin"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/new-zealand/6679008/Te-Anau-monorail-hearings-begin
	Radio New Zealand	"Panel hears opinions on Milford Monorail"	http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/102335/panel-hears-opinions-on-milford-monorail
1st April	Otago Daily Times	"Monorail hearings starting Monday"	http://www.odt.co.nz/your-town/te-anau/203633/monorail-hearing-starting-monday
30th March	The Southland Times	"Monorail hearings next week"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6660522/Monorail-hearings-next-week
22 March	Otago Daily Times	"Costs for Hearings Outrageous"	http://www.odt.co.nz/your-town/queenstown/202354/costs-hearingoutrageous
	The Southland Times	"Dart Tunnel an insane venture"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6615980/Dart-tunnel-an-insane-venture
21 March	Otago Daily Times	"DOC told to speak for the trees"	http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/202224/doc-told-speak-trees
		"Milford Dart Tunnel impossible mitigate: submitter"	http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/202189/milford-dart-tunnel-impossible-mitigate-submitter
	The Southland Times	"Resident slams DOC approval of tunnel"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6608231/Resident-slams-DOC-approval-of-tunnel
19 March	TV Three News	"Submissions close on monorail debate"	http://www.3news.co.nz/Submissions-close-on-monorail-debate/tabid/423/articleID/247122/Default.aspx
15 March	The Southland Times	"Fears Tunnel will hurt environment"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6576934/Fears-tunnel-will-hurt-environment
14 March	Otago Daily Times	"SDC backs call veto of Tunnel concession application"	http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/201299/sdc-backs-call-veto-tunnel-concession-application
13 March	The Southland Times	"Submitters voice opinion"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/6565462/Submitters-voice-opinion
	Otago Daily Times	"Tunnel opponents make views known"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6563245/Tunnel-opponents-make-views-known
12 March	The Southland Times	"Tunnel hearing starts"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6559970/Tunnel-hearing-starts
22 February	Otago Daily Times	"200 more Dart submissions"	http://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/198637/200-more-dart-submissions
21 February	The Southland Times	"Tunnel response surprise for DOC"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6450978/Tunnel-response-surprise-for-DOC
		"Monorail sales pitch not a smooth run"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/6451042/Monorail-sales-pitch-not-a-smooth-run
20 February	The Southland Times	"Milford Tunnel submissions exceed expectations"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6448418/Milford-Tunnel-submissions-exceed-expectations
17 February	The Southland Times	"Turmoil over Tunnel"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/life-style/6378675/Turmoil-over-tunnel
		"Glenorchy community against Tunnel"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6434416/Glenorchy-community-against-tunnel
		"Opponents fear tunnel disaster"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/life-style/6378685/Opponents-fear-tunnel-disaster
16 February	Otago Daily Times	"Tunnel submission response noteworthy"	http://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/197922/tunnel-submission-response-noteworthy
9 February	Takaro Lodge	Takaro Lodge invites you to a public picnic on Sunday 19th February from 11am onwards.	An opportunity to see where the monorail would cross the beautiful Upukerora Valley in Snowdon Forest.
8 February	Fiordland Advocate	"Monorail viewed form all sides"	http://www.fiordlandadvocate.co.nz/component/content/article/157.html
13 January		"DOC grants extension for public comment on proposed Dart Passage and monorail concessions"	press release
20 January	The Southland Times	"Key backs extension on tourism projects"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6286651/Key-backs-extension-on-tourism-projects
30 January	The Southland Times	"Milford plans come under scrutiny"	http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/6332738/Milford-plans-come-under-scrutiny
	Fiordland Advocate	"On the monorail trail"	http://www.fiordlandadvocate.co.nz/component/content/article/153.html
2011
17 November	Fiordland Advocate	"Tunnel Vision"	http://www.fiordlandadvocate.co.nz/component/content/article/146.html