Waiheke Stony Batter lease awarded to Berridge Spencer’s Man O’ War and Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki

Fort Stony Batter Heritage Park held the concession, which expired last June.

After assessing two competitive expressions of interest, the department invited Te Haerenga o Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Man O’ War Vineyards to apply.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) has now formally approved the application by Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Man O’ War and granted a 10-year lease and licence concession.

“Their joint venture offered a broad vision for a premier landmark destination, supporting cultural and historic tourism in the eastern side of Waiheke Island, along with access to resources and marketing opportunities,” Rogers said.

The tunnels are temporarily closed for tours from April 19 to allow for a transition period until the new operators start.

The reserve and surrounding tracks remain open to the public.

Last month, Spencer spoke about his excitement and hopes for Stony Batter.

A spokesman for Man O’ War Vineyards said then: “We are delighted that the proposal we submitted with Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki has made it to this stage of the process for the Stony Batter concession”.

In reference to a previous operator, the statement said: “If we are successful, we’re excited at the possibilities of building on what Tim Moon has done to hopefully enable more people to experience what is a fascinating part of New Zealand history.”

“What we submitted is all about caring for what exists, improving access and delivering an enriching experience.”

Today, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki chief executive Jada MacFie said: “We’re partnering with Man O’ War to help protect and enhance the site, ensuring more people can experience and learn about a significant part of Aotearoa wartime heritage.”

The win reflected a Treaty settlement, which recognised the iwi as mana whenua.

Man O’ War Vineyards tourism operations manager, Mitch Beresford, said it will work together to protect and enhance the historic underground World War II fortress, “recognising its important role in coastal defences”.

“We’re exploring shuttle access from Man O’ War Bay directly to Stony Batter. This partnership will deliver high-quality experiences while preserving the site and improving public access for more people,” Beresford said.

Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Man O’ War will work with the department and the New Zealand Walking Access Commission to enhance access.

The department held a notified hearing on February 27 this year, which considered only the first application, not the second.

This strongly indicates that Spencer and the iwi could win, although no announcement has yet been made.

“We received 24 submissions: 18 in support and six opposed,” the department said of the Spencer/iwi application.

The Stony Batter land, owned and managed by the department, is surrounded by Spencer’s Man O’ War Station.

Berridge Spencer’s father the late John Spencer was once New Zealand’s richest man but blocked access to the fort, which could only be gained over his farmland.

But in 2002, the Privy Council in London supported the then Auckland City Council, allowing permanent public access.

Berridge Spencer, with co-owner, Sydney-based sister Mertsi Spencer, controls Waiheke’s eastern end near the award-winning Man O’ War Vineyard and farming operations via Man O’ War Farm.

The National Business Review’s Rich Listestimated Spencer’s wealth last year at $1 billion.

Moon complained to the Herald about his lease not being renewed and said he had wanted to continue operating Stony Batter.

He sought to renew his company’s concession for a five-year lease, which expired on June 4, 2025.

But last year, Moon’s company won an interim extension.

With today’s announcement, he no longer continues operations at Stony Batter.

How much visitors to the tunnels will be charged and what the terms and conditions are for them under the new arrangements were not stated today.

Anne Gibson has been the Herald’s property editor for 26 years, written books and covered property extensively here and overseas.