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Local iwi will appeal against a Department of Conservation decision to reject their application to take tourists to the Stephens Island nature reserve in the Marlborough Sounds.
The island, also known as Takapourewa, is home to most of the world population of the endangered tuatara, as well as a range of other rare animals and plants.
Local iwi Ngati Koata had proposed taking four tourists by helicopter to the reserve 14 times a year.
Tuatara Maori managing director Dion Paul said the iwi was shocked by the decision, especially after DoC field staff recommended two years ago that the proposal be accepted.
