Submissions invited on new park proposal
Date: 01 May 2008
A new park is proposed for mid-Canterbury that brings 11 pieces of conservation land together into one management unit across the Two Thumb Range.
The total area proposed for the conservation park goes from the Rakaia headwaters in the north, to the Godley Macaulay Conservation Area in the west, down to Mt Dobson Conservation Area adjoining Tekapo, as well as Clayton Conservation Area in the east and includes land from Mesopotamia Station (yet to be gazetted) in the north east. The combined land total is about 93,800 hectares,
"As land managed by the department has increased substantially over the last five years, the establishment of conservation parks allows better-integrated management and achieves a higher public profile," said Steve Sharman, community relations officer.
"The proposed park provides multiple opportunities for recreation, primarily in a mountain setting with front-country, backcountry and remote experiences. Skiing (Mount Dobson and Round Hill ski fields), heli-skiing, ski-touring, climbing, tramping, hunting, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, camping, nature/scenery appreciation, photography and painting are all possibilities here."
"Current recreational use is pretty low because of its remoteness, seasonal climate and previous access restrictions, but with access improving as a result of Mesopotamia completing tenure review, we hope to also see use of the area increase," he said.
The park area will add to the Te Araroa Long Pathway Trail (a Government-supported track running the length of New Zealand connecting existing tracks with new tracks), providing public access from the Rangitata River to Lake Tekapo.
"Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua has suggested the name 'Te Kahui Kaupeka' for the new park, which translates in English to 'Gathering place of waters'," said Mr Sharman.
"The name refers to Mount D'Archiac which, sitting at the top of the Two Thumb Range, gives rise to the waters of the Rangitata and Lake Tekapo."
A discussion document including a map showing the areas to be included in the park may be viewed at the Canterbury Conservancy Office, level 4 Torrens House, 195 Hereford Street, Christchurch, or the Raukapuka Area Office at North Terrace, Geraldine. Written comments on this proposal are invited, and must arrive no later than 4 July 2008 with The Conservator, Department of Conservation, Private Bag 4715, Christchurch.