It all started when a couple of brothers-in-law were chatting about the “most beautiful piece of earth being sold in the heart of [their] beloved Abel Tasman National Park”. The property, listed on RealEstate.co.nz, is described as a 7 hectare utopia. It is a “rare and stunning location offers a once in a life time opportunity for private ownership of your very own beach and land package in idyllic Awaroa”. And now, it appears, it will be gifted to the people of New Zealand as the crowdfunding campaign on GiveALittle has raised over $2 million necessary to purchase the idylic beach. Over 37,000 backers kicked in to support the project and expections are for a private tender for the beach to occur on February 17th. Recently the Prime Minister of New Zealand suggested that a perhaps a modest donation from the government could be forthcoming to assist in acquiring the heritage property.
Duane Major, one of the campaign organizers, told Stuff that it had been an honor to champion the cause;
“It’s been a privilege to be a part of this collective expression of what we hold dear. We love our land, every piece, and there is a sadness every time a little piece leaves our care. We want to be able to pass that on to our children, to care and protect, and give it as a gift to the legacy of New Zealand.”
Wealthy philanthropist Gareth Morgan has also offered to assist with the acquisition but also indicated he would like to keep a small portion of the property for himself and then gifting it when his family was “finished enjoying it”.
Major welcomed the assistance minus the condition of carving out a piece of the property for himself.
Regardless it looks like there is a good chance the Kiwi citizens will end up with a beautiful new public beach to enjoy.
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