Development West Coast says the $5million it has released for the glacier towns is intended to protect the social and economic fabric of the community. Before the pandemic and the border closures, the glacier towns were 90% reliant on international tourists. DWC chief executive Heath Milne said it would decide how the $5million was distributed after consulting with the community via Glacier Country Tourism. Mr Nash rejected calls from DWC and Glacier Country Tourism for an immediate $35million package for Franz and Fox. "The true value of glacier country goes far beyond its significant economic contribution.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 05, 2021 15:33 UTC