Fort Stony Batter Heritage Park held the concession, which expired last June.<\/p>\n
Top secret: Visitors make their way through the World War II tunnels at Waiheke Island’s Stony Batter gun emplacement. Photo \/ Michael Craig<\/p>\n
After assessing two competitive expressions of interest, the department<\/a> invited Te Haerenga o Ng\u0101i Tai ki T\u0101maki and Man O\u2019 War Vineyards to apply.<\/p>\n The Department of Conservation (DoC) has now formally approved the application by Ng\u0101i Tai ki T\u0101maki and Man O\u2019 War and granted a 10-year lease and licence concession.<\/p>\n \u201cTheir 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,\u201d Rogers said.<\/p>\n The tunnels are temporarily closed for tours from April 19 to allow for a transition period until the new operators start.<\/p>\n The reserve and surrounding tracks remain open to the public.<\/p>\n Last month, Spencer spoke about his excitement and hopes for Stony Batter.<\/p>\n A spokesman for Man O\u2019 War Vineyards said then: \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\u201d.<\/p>\n In reference to a previous operator, the statement said: \u201cIf 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat we submitted is all about caring for what exists, improving access and delivering an enriching experience.\u201d<\/p>\n Today, Ng\u0101i Tai ki T\u0101maki chief executive Jada MacFie said: \u201cWe\u2019re partnering with Man O\u2019 War to help protect and enhance the site, ensuring more people can experience and learn about a significant part of Aotearoa wartime heritage.\u201d<\/p>\n The win reflected a Treaty settlement, which recognised the iwi as mana whenua.<\/p>\n Man O\u2019 War Vineyards tourism operations manager, Mitch Beresford, said it will work together to protect and enhance the historic underground World War II fortress, \u201crecognising its important role in coastal defences\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re exploring shuttle access from Man O\u2019 War Bay directly to Stony Batter. This partnership will deliver high-quality experiences while preserving the site and improving public access for more people,\u201d Beresford said.<\/p>\n Ng\u0101i Tai ki T\u0101maki and Man O\u2019 War will work with the department and the New Zealand Walking Access Commission to enhance access.<\/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 The 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 Spencer, controls Waiheke\u2019s eastern end near the award-winning Man O\u2019 War Vineyard and farming operations via Man O\u2019 War Farm.<\/p>\n The National Business Review\u2019s Rich List estimated Spencer\u2019s wealth last year at $1 billion.<\/p>\n Moon complained to the Herald 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.<\/p>\n With today\u2019s announcement, he no longer continues operations at Stony Batter.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Berridge Spencer interests<\/p>\n Owns Man O\u2019 War Vineyards and Man O\u2019 War Farm with Sydney-based sister Mertsi Spencer;Te Haerenga o Ng\u0101i Tai ki T\u0101maki and the Spencers\u2019 Man O\u2019 War Vineyards won concession 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 in 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>\nUninterrupted views: Stony Batter on Waiheke’s east coast. <\/p>\n
The Stony Batter gun emplacement on Waiheke Island.<\/p>\n
The entrance to the tunnels at the Stony Batter gun emplacement on Waiheke Island, Auckland. Photo \/ Michael Craig<\/p>\n
The Department of Conservation has awarded a concession for Stony Batter to Man O’ War Vineyards and Ng\u0101i Tai ki T\u0101maki. Photo \/ Michael Craig<\/p>\n
A view of Hook Bay from the Stony Batter gun emplacement on Waiheke Island. Photo \/ Michael Craig<\/p>\n