Molesworth is a special place with a significant role in New Zealand’s history. It rests beneath the highest peak in the Kaikoura ranges, named Tapuae-o-Uenuku. It is the largest farm in the country and is owned by New Zealanders. It is administered by the Department of Conservation under the Recreation Reserves Act (1977) and leased to Pāmu New Zealand. Since Crown ownership, it has had just three farm managers and their families.
AgFirst consultant, Erica van Reenen has completed a plan and report that aims to bring the relevant values associated with Molesworth together to provide an integrated land use approach. This approach recognises that history, culture, place, people and the natural world are all connected and interrelated. This plan is an operational plan developed for Pāmu Farming Ltd and is not part of the Management Plan for the Molesworth Recreation Reserve.
The environmental impacts from grazing on Molesworth have been reducing over time, and in many cases, farming may provide an ecological benefit. While access has been a point of contention over the years, this has been increasing and Pāmu are open to further access for recreational use providing this can be done safely for visitors, staff and animals.