# Ngāi Tahu Molesworth Station lease negotiation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ngi-tahu-molesworth-station-lease-negotiation > Updated: 2026-08-17T06:50:35.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) has identified Ngāi Tahu Farming, a subsidiary of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, as the preferred operator to negotiate a farming concession for Molesworth Recreation Reserve. The reserve, which covers approximately 180,800 hectares, is the country’s largest farm. The current lease held by Pāmu Landcorp Farming is set to expire in April 2026. DOC officials stated the selection was based on the iwi’s extensive experience managing high-country stations and its strong financial foundations. The upcoming concession will require the operator to maintain high standards for biodiversity protection, pest control, and public access. Ngāi Tahu intends to prioritize commercial farming, pest management, and potential expansions into tourism. Chief Executive Ben Bateman noted the iwi’s commitment to land stewardship, specifically addressing management of invasive species such as rabbits, possums, and Wilding pines, as well as bovine tuberculosis monitoring. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: Ngāi Tahu selected to operate Molesworth Station Ngāi Tahu has been named the preferred operator for New Zealand’s 180,000-hectare Molesworth Station, planning to focus on commercial farming, pest control, and tourism. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ngi-tahu-selected-to-operate-molesworth-station ### 2026-07-31: Ngāi Tahu Farming Selected to Negotiate Lease of New Zealand’s Molesworth Station DOC appoints Ngāi Tahu Farming as preferred operator to negotiate a concession for New Zealand’s Molesworth Station, citing its high‑country experience and strong financial footing. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ngi-tahu-farming-selected-to-negotiate-lease-of-new-zealands-molesworth-station --- Cite as: Ngāi Tahu Molesworth Station lease negotiation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ngi-tahu-molesworth-station-lease-negotiation