Stony Batter on Waiheke’s east coast. Photo \/ Department of Conservation<\/p>\n
In a rare move, Spencer spoke about his excitement and hopes for Stony Batter.<\/p>\n
A spokesman for Man O\u2019 War Vineyards said: \u201cWe are delighted that the proposal we submitted with Ng\u0101i Tai ki T\u0101maki has made it to this stage of the process for the Stony Batter concession.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe obviously don\u2019t want to get ahead of ourselves, but if we are successful, we\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we submitted is all about caring for what exists, improving access and delivering an enriching experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the concession is granted, Man O\u2019 War and Ng\u0101i Tai ki T\u0101maki would work together to share this important piece of Waiheke history with all visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n
The department<\/a> held a notified hearing on February 27 this year, which considered only the first application, not the second.<\/p>\n This strongly indicates that Spencer and the iwi could win, although no announcement has yet been made.<\/p>\n \u201cWe received 24 submissions: 18 in support and six opposed,\u201d the department said of the Spencer\/iwi application.<\/p>\n One of those submissions referred to the outgoing Waiheke Local Board supporting Moon\u2019s concession and renewal.<\/p>\n Stony Batter land, owned and managed by the department, is surrounded by Spencer\u2019s Man O\u2019 War Station.<\/p>\n Berridge Spencer\u2019s father the late John Spencer<\/a> was once New Zealand\u2019s richest man but blocked access to the fort, which could only be gained over his farmland.<\/p>\n But in 2002, the Privy Council in London supported <\/a>the then-Auckland City Council, allowing permanent public access.<\/p>\n Berridge Spencer, with co-owner Sydney-based sister Mertsi, controls Waiheke\u2019s eastern end near the award-winning Man O\u2019War Vineyard and farming operations via Man O\u2019 War Farm. <\/p>\n NBR\u2019s Rich List estimated Spencer\u2019s wealth last year at $1 billion.<\/p>\n Moon complained to the Herald today about his lease not being renewed and said he had wanted to continue operating Stony Batter.<\/p>\n He sought to renew his company\u2019s concession for a five-year lease, which expired on June 4, 2025.<\/p>\n But last year, Moon\u2019s company won an interim extension until this Sunday.<\/p>\n Now, he says, his attempt to renew his lease and continue his operations has been unsuccessful, and he is unhappy about that.<\/p>\n Instead, Moon claims all indications are that a new lease or concession will be struck with Spencer and M\u0101ori. <\/p>\n The department ran a closed tender process ahead of the lease\u2019s expiry last year.<\/p>\n That was advertised on its website. <\/p>\n The department said Ng\u0101i Tai ki T\u0101maki and Man O\u2019War Vineyards proposed to establish a visitor centre for guided tours, using existing structures without any proposed structural modifications.<\/p>\n Scheduled guided tours would offer visitors the opportunity to explore the historic underground tunnels and gun emplacements.<\/p>\n Educational, historical and cultural information would be provided by staff. <\/p>\n Access to the tunnels would be restricted to paying customers, but non-paying visitors would be able to explore the above-ground features free of charge, the department said.<\/p>\n Exclusive use of the visitor centre and historic tunnels is so that they can be locked after hours to protect the public\u2019s safety and the security of the tunnels.<\/p>\n A term of 10 years with a 10-year right of renewal is sought.<\/p>\n Moon said his lease was initially for five years until last June.<\/p>\n \u201cRenewal discussions were underway and then Man O\u2019 War entered the picture,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n An interim lease was issued to maintain the status quo while the department process ran its course, he said.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing else has been determined, so the tunnels close without a new concession,\u201d Moon said today.<\/p>\n $400m+ Devonport plans<\/p>\n Separately, Spencer has $400m-plus plans<\/a> for Devonport after buying nearly a block for more than $40m two years ago.<\/p>\n A master-planned town centre is planned to result in intensified urban housing and commercial regeneration on more than half a hectare.<\/p>\n The announcement of plans was made by Mark Hiddleston, for Spencer\u2019s Peninsula Capital.<\/p>\n The project on 6026sq m is planned to bring new urban housing, offices and shops to enhance the economic vibrancy of the local community.<\/p>\n New buildings are planned as well as the integration, enhancement and adaptive re-use of many listed heritage buildings for intensified urban living.<\/p>\n Vineyards, Swiftsure<\/p>\n Spencer has also invested heavily in the South Island<\/a> in recent years.<\/p>\n He has a new, much-acclaimed South Island restaurant as well as two vineyards.<\/p>\n Last May, Arrowtown\u2019s Swiftsure by Man O\u2019 War restaurant opened.<\/p>\n That has received positive reviews<\/a> and is serving wines from vineyards Spencer has on Waiheke Island as well as his new southern vineyard ventures.<\/p>\n \u201cThe food is outstanding,\u201d reviewer Jesse Mulligan wrote in Viva last August of Swiftsure.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI can see why the people behind Man O\u2019 War wanted to plant a flag down here, both to start a new chapter for the company and to continue creating a portfolio of wines that will help tell the story of New Zealand to the world.\u201d<\/p>\n Berridge Spencer interests<\/p>\n Owns Man O\u2019 War Vineyards and Man O\u2019 War Farm with Sydney-based sister Mertsi;Application from Te Haerenga o Ng\u0101i Tai ki T\u0101maki and the Spencers\u2019 Man O\u2019 War Vineyards to operate Stony Batter, Waiheke;Long-established much-awarded Man O\u2019 War Vineyards, Waiheke;His Peninsula Capital owns almost an entire block of shops and offices in Devonport;Has Swiftsure By Man O\u2019 War bar and restaurant, Arrowtown, which opened May 12, 2025;Has Birch Hill vineyard in the Wairau Valley, Marlborough and a 5.1ha vineyard at Bannockburn near Queenstown.<\/p>\nMan O’ War Vineyard, Waiheke Island.<\/p>\n
Berridge Spencer with his father John Spencer who has since died. This image was taken some years ago. Photo \/ Brett Phibbs<\/p>\n
New Stony Batter concession or lease to be awarded by the Department of Conservation. Photo \/ Michael Craig<\/p>\n
Could new operators take over Stony Batter? Photo \/ Michael Craig<\/p>\n
Stony Batter gun emplacement on Waiheke Island is now a family attraction. Photo \/ Michael Craig<\/p>\n
Berridge Spencer from the 2024 story. Photo from Facebook.<\/p>\n
Mike Hiddleston outside the strip of buildings Peninsula Capital has bought in Devonport.<\/p>\n
New Arrowtown restaurant and bar Swiftsure by Man O’ War. Photo \/ supplied by Swiftsure<\/p>\n
Swiftsure. Photo \/ Sam Stewart<\/p>\n