Introduction
This document discusses a number of management options for the Kaimanawa wild horses and makes recommendations, the rationale for which is also discussed. These recommendations were developed via a consultative process, which considered different perspectives identified in response to the 1991 and 1995 draft plans. They are also based on an analysis of several areas of research commissioned in recent years.
Kaimanawa horses
The representatives of a number of interest groups were asked to evaluate the "values" basis for their views and weigh different values against each other to determine priorities. In doing so they were able to more accurately define the objectives for a Kaimanawa Wild Horse Plan in the context of the Moawhango Ecological District. From this it was possible to suggest options for management which would act to eliminate, reduce or mitigate the adverse effects of the horses on the other conservation values in the area, while being mindful of horse welfare concerns. The plan also suggests options for management which act to retain the positive values associated with the Kaimanawa wild horse herd.
No one representative of the group dominates this plan. It is a composite of many views. The approach was adopted that if a view held some aspect to be important and the other members were not opposed to the action necessary to promote this view and its outcomes, it was acceptable for inclusion. This approach, adopted initially, was an attempt to cater for all views and values. In this way some consensus was achieved, as values were often not in direct conflict.
Then an effort was made to weigh up the "benefits and liabilities" of various options, catering for the different values to a greater or lesser degree. Numerous aspects of management were considered in this appraisal of options. These included: the level of difficulty and time frame for implementation; financial considerations; the long term effectiveness of the option; management tools; humaneness; as well as the retention of positive and elimination of negative values.
The result was the identification of a number of values which could not be compromised and a number that could be catered for with compromise. The working party concluded that the Kaimanawa wild horse population should not be allowed to continue to grow unchecked, especially where it compromises the indigenous environment. A range of population control options were also reviewed. Criteria for assessing the relative humaneness of techniques were developed.
Beyond "population control", three possible horse range options are discussed in this document. Each assumes that population growth will be controlled as an inevitable feature of management. The possible horse range options are :
Option A: Retain the Present Horse Range.
Option B: Reduce the Current Range to a Southern Zone.
Option C: Move the Horses to a New Place.
It is important to recognise that the working party, while emphasising the clarification and balancing of subjective values and perspectives, was also provided with and guided by research reports. The reports' scientifically quantified results were evaluated and their results debated.
The recommendations suggested in this document therefore are endeavouring to provide for both;
- the quantitatively defined needs in relation to protecting the environment and the horses
- the qualitatively defined human ambitions concerning a desirable future situation.
This document reports on the processes involved in making choices, as well as reporting on the characteristics of the Moawhango Ecological District and of the Kaimanawa wild horses. Information sources on the ecology and the horses are referenced in the bibliography.
back to top