Crowdfunded Abel Tasman beach bid successful

Abel Tasman National Park - the Awaroa Inlet beach is now owned by New Zealanders (Getty)
Abel Tasman National Park - the Awaroa Inlet beach is now owned by New Zealanders (Getty)

A Givealittle bid aiming to buy an Abel Tasman beach has been successful, with the help of a 'modest' donation from the Government as well as New Zealanders.

Fundraiser Duane Major confirmed the news on the Paul Henry programme this morning.

"We've done it," he said.

"At 10:57 last night we delivered a pristine piece of beach and bush into the hands of all New Zealanders to look after and to cherish and to treasure and enjoy forever," Mr Major said.

"My heart is beating and I've got goosebumps."

Earlier this morning Mr Major said the decision was "imminent" but  there were "some key people we need to speak to and so those i's can't be dotted until they've been spoken to."

The Givealittle effort raised more than $2 million to buy Awaroa Beach to ensure it remains public land.

Conservation Minister Maggie Barry says the Government put $350,000 towards the beach, which she called a "modest contribution". 

Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner says the funding will be allocated from the Nature Heritage Fund, a fund which enables acquisition of land for the conservation estate.

"I'm pleased that so many Kiwis have pulled together to ensure that this iconic piece of land will be held in trust and close to our hearts forever," she says.

Mr Major said the process had been long and complicated but he never gave up hope of success.

"I always thought we could do it. You think about the heartbeat of New Zealanders and you think about the numbers, I always thought we could do it. I did not anticipate the crazy, freakish nature of this campaign but boy is it ever rewarding and satisfying to actually pull it off and to take those ideas and hunches and feelings and put it into practice."

Mr Major said 39, 249 people donated a total of $2, 278, 171.09. He did not say how much the Government put in.

"Those details will come," he said.

Minister of Conservation Maggie Barry said it was "an outstanding outcome".

"To me, it's the great Kiwi spirit come alive. Guys have a good idea over a barbeque, it gathers momentum. The generosity and the level of engagement that New Zealanders have had with this is inspirational.

"I love the idea that the people of New Zealand have not only spoken but they've put their tuppence worth in and that's added up to a great outcome."

Ms Barry said the Government had put in "what I consider to be still a modest amount of money".

"It isn't as much as the combined forces of those nearly 40,000 people but it came in at a crucial time and we were very happy to be able to help out."

Newshub.