The Department of Conservation (DOC) has received five applications from parties seeking to operate the commercial farming concession at Molesworth Station, New Zealand's largest farm. The application period closed on March 21, 2026.
Stacey Wrenn, DOC South Marlborough Operations Manager, confirmed the number of applicants. The 180,787-hectare station in the South Island is Crown Pastoral Land managed by DOC, with farming operations run under a concession.
The current concession, held by the Molesworth Recreation Reserve Board, expires on June 30, 2026. The new operator will be granted a 10-year term. DOC's evaluation process will assess the applicants' proposals against criteria including environmental sustainability, farm management capability, and public access provisions.
A decision on the successful applicant is expected to be announced before the current concession ends. Molesworth Station is renowned for its size, high-country landscape, and historic cob cottage.
