A campaign to crowd-fund the purchase of a $2 million block of land at Awaroa in the Abel Tasman National Park has raised more than $1 million.
The stretch of land that the group are trying to raise funds for. Photo: Wilson's Abel Tasman.
Christchurch businessman Duane Major and his brother-in-law are behind a givealittle web page, set up to give the land back to the New Zealand public.
With eight days to go until the tender closes, Mr Major hoped New Zealanders would become part of history.
More than 15,000 donors have contributed to fundraising efforts.
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry has congratulated the organisers of the campaign, saying it was a fantastic idea, but has stopped short of committing any government funding towards the purchase.
Ms Barry said that sometimes when the Crown gets involved it can push prices up.
"We are looking carefully at what we can usefully contribute."
Ms Barry said she could promise the government would put the land into the national park, so it would be protected in perpetuity.
Duane Major said while he had also been talking with staff at the Department of Conservation about the government chipping in, the campaign was not relying on it.
