Gareth Morgan wades into Awaroa beach
Philanthropist says he will gift the beach to DoC once his family "has finished enjoying it"
Multi-millionaire Gareth Morgan says he’s prepared to pay the $600,000 balance of the Awaroa beach $2 million asking price but he wants exclusive use of part of it.
Crowdfunding and corporate pledges have raised nearly three-quarters of the asking price.
At the same time, however, Mr Morgan questions whether it is appropriate that public money is used – in response to Labour Leader Andrew Little’s proposal for the government to fill the $600,000 gap.
In his blog, he says it is the norm before any public money is spent for the Treasury to give advice on the value for money that the spend offers.
“To let politicians just spray taxpayers’ property around like confetti is a recipe for disaster.”
Mr Morgan points out the beach may disappear in this lifetime depending the extent of sea rise and storms.
But he also claims the “loss” of the beach through private ownership is unlikely to make a difference to visitors and walkers – a claim likely to be scotched by people more familiar with the area.
It is a main dropoff for water taxis and well used as the beach by visitors and people staying at baches.
However, Mr Morgan’s motivation differs markedly from the crowdfunders – he says he wants to enjoy the private benefit enjoyed by the current owner.
He says he will guarantee public access to the main beach and will gift the property to DoC “once my family has finished enjoying it.”
Want to listen to the day's hottest stories, plus interviews and panel discussions? Stream NBR Radio's latest free 40-minute podcast from iHeartRadio, Tunein, or iTunes.
Chris Hutching
Tue, 09 Feb 2016
Tue, 09 Feb 2016
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Gareth Morgan wades into Awaroa beach
55342