Raukapuka Area
Peel Forest
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Raukapuka Area Office
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Phone:
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+64 3 693 1010
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Fax:
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+64 3 693 1019
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Email:
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raukapukaao@doc.govt.nz
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Address:
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North Terrace
Geraldine 7930
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Postal Address:
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PO Box 33
Geraldine 7956
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Raukapuka Area covers the portion of the Conservancy between the Rakaia and Waitaki rivers, and stretches from the coast - inland to the Hunter Hills and Burks Pass, and following along the Two Thumb Range to the main divide of the Southern Alps.
The Area Office is located in Geraldine. Key public conservation lands that fall within the administration of Raukapuka include the conservation areas of the upper Rakaia/Rangitata catchments, reserves on the Hunter Hills and adjacent foothill catchments, the Wainono and Washdyke Lagoons and Peel Forest Scenic Reserve.
Currently, a proposal to create a new conservation park in the Ashburton Lakes District is underway. Recent progress with tenure review within the region will see significant additions to public conservation lands and may mean more parks in the near future.
Conservation highlights
Biodiversity programmes in the area have a significant focus on wetland restoration and wildlife habitat inventory work.
Habitat restoration projects include Ealing Springs, an area of unique, low-altitude terraced wetland. The wetland is a nursery area for salmon and other sport fish. It is also of significant interest to Ngāi Tahu, and a Statutory Acknowledgement applies to the area which recognises Ngāi Tahu manawhenua.
Pekapeka/long-tailed bats are in a state of critical decline. The local population in the hanging Rock area is the only population on the South Island's east coast. DOC, along with Environment Canterbury, the Timaru District Council and Forest and Bird, started a conservation package in 2002 to enhance the bats' habitat, provide roosting boxes, control predators and monitor the population. Their habitat is mostly on private land so efforts to involve land owners and where possible, the broader community are key to the success of this programme.
Recreation and historic
Recreational facility maintenance and development are a priority at front country area such as Peel Forest Scenic Reserve and the Mt Somers Conservation Area.
There are approximately 135 structures on land managed by Raukapuka Area, including around 27 bridges, 96 km of track (which can include boardwalks, handrails and other structures) and 33 backcountry huts.
Pest control
Pest control programmes in the Area include Himalayan thar management, wallaby and other pests. Weed control in the upper catchments of braided rivers is a particular focus for the Raukapuka teams.
Working with communities
Raukapuka Area works closely with the local communities that neighbour key conservation lands and has built strong working relationships with several groups. These include the Mt Somers Walkways Society, Bank Peninsular Tramping Club, Friends of Kelceys Bush and the Aorangi Rural Fire Team. DOC has recently signed a community involvement agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) with Friends of Kelceys Bush.
DOC established the Aorangi Rural volunteer fire team in 1987 and has valued its contribution ever since. The Aorangi Rural volunteer fire team plays a key role in fire prevention and suppression. It also is a key link between DOC and the immediate community and helps build relationships in other areas.
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