This page last modified 17 September 1999
Os 39
Mavora area
Southland Land District
Tenure review approved by Commissioner of Crown Lands xxxx
Knight Frank
Land Resources Division
COMMISSIONER OF CROWN LANDS
DRAFT PROPOSAL
Tenure Review of Pastoral Occupation Licence
KF REF:: MARAROA Os39
Date: 22 May 1996
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This report describes the physical characteristics of the property and discusses those aspects relevant to a decision regarding the future tenure of the area. Based on an assessment of the natural resources of the property in terms of their inherant values and of the risks to sustainable use a tenure review has been negotiated with the lessee. The report recommends a proposal which has been agreed to in principal by the lessee. A summary of the proposal is as follows:
(a) Areas A, B and part C (approx 312 ha) on the attached the Crown for inclusion into the conservation estate.
(b) The reclassification and preferential allocation of part Area C (approx 128 ha) on freehold title to G C & I Glover.
(c) The construction of approximately 5.4 km berm fence along the Mararoa River as part of the proposal.
LEASE DETAILS:
Legal Description: Part Run 603, Block VII, Burwood Survey District and Block II Snowdon Survey District.
Area: 440 hectares
Lessee: G C & I Glover
Licence: Pastoral Occupation Licence
Term: 1 year from 1 January 1995
Previous Terms:
5 years from 1 January 1973
5 Years from 1 January 1978
10 Years from 1 January 1983
2 Years from 1 January 1993
Annual Rent: $440
Stock Limit:
2000 breeding ewes February/March
500 dry sheep November/December
50 breeding cows May/August
Local Body: Southland District Council
RESOURCE REPORTS:
3.1 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:
The land comprises two hillside forest clearings of approximately equal size plus one small river terrace clearing on the true right bank of the Mararoa River approximately 2.5 kms south of South Mavora Lake and 35 kms from State Highway 94 Mossburn to Te Anau.
Altitude ranges from 487 - 1196 m.a.s.1. Rainfall averages 1500 mm per annum.
Access to the POL is by 4WD track through the adjoining freehold owned by the previous lessees. Legal public access can be gained up the marginal strip by using the DOC swing bridge over the Mararoa approximately 1 km up stream.
The land has an unfenced boundary with the adjoining freehold property owned by the lessee. It has run a mob of around 600 wethers in conjunction with approximately 50 ha of adjoining freehold. In addition cows have grazed up the riverbank as far as the northern part of the lease. Cattle periodically trespass up the Kiwi Burn and within the fenced berm on the opposite side of the river.
Soils comprise Eglington steepland soils of low natural fertility on the hill with Mavora soils on the terraces and flats of low to medium fertility.
Original cover on the hill was beech forest which was most likely removed by accidental fires within the last 150 years. No fencing or pasture improvement has taken place hence current vegetation is at various stages of succession to bush. It varies from fescue tussock grassland to bracken fern to broadleaf forest.
The southern portion of the lease (Area C) has remained predominantly grassland due to the higher grazing occurring here. The large northern portion (Area B) has reverted to almost total cover of broadleaf with small patches of pasture on the lower slopes. The small terrace to the north (Area A) has remained largely in fescue and red tussock and low fertility grasses, being less inclined to revert to forest.
There are no weeds present within the POL although there are scattered patches of broom along the marginal strip.
Land Use Capability Classification (Southland Catchment Board Classification):
VIIeII 270 ha
VIIeII 170 ha
440 ha Total
History:
The POL resulted from the reclassification and freeholding on Deferred Payment Licence of Mararoa Station (Po74, Case No 8577), the area being considered at that time unsuitable for reclassification. 890 ha of Ps74 was surrendered to become conservation area with 440 ha being issued under POL.
3.2 CONSERVATION RESOURCES:
Summary of significant conservation resources:
Ecological Setting:
The POL lies within the Livingstone ecological district and is bounded to the west by Snowdon Forest conservation area. The two northern areas are bounded in the east by marginal strips. The POL contains small areas of beech forest, a variety of shrublands, mainly seral or regenerating types, and modified tussock grasslands. The two larger areas were originally beech forest and would return to forest cover if left ungrazed.
Landscape Context:
The POL is located on the west side of the Mararoa River dearly visible from the Mavora Lakes Road. Areas B and C form an important transition between the developed river flats and surrounding bush covered mountain lands when approaching the Mavora Lakes from the south.
Conservation Values:
Area A: This area does not have highly significant botanical values, however it is surrounded by conservation land and is unfenced. It does provide the access route to the Kiwi Burn and adjoins a portion of the Mararoa River used frequently for kayaking and fishing. Stock grazing of this area has resulted in trespass of stock, particularIy cattle, into the Kiwi Burn. Stock access to this area requires access through Snowdon Forest.
Area B: Has important landscape values being highly visible from the Mavora Road, the gateway to Mavora Park. The area exhibits advanced regeneration into broadleaf and other native shrub species. There are also small beech forest pockets showing marginal regeneration. A continuation of the trend to taller denser vegetation is expected to culminate in the eventual return of beech forest. There are small areas of unimproved grasslands on the lower slopes and river terrace. Stock access to these areas is through the beech forest and river margin. This has resulted in stock grazing the marginal strip on both sides of the Mararoa River.
Area C: This area is less steep and has less altitude range than Area B. The cover is largely unimproved grasslands dominated by exotic grasses. There are scattered areas of coprosma species, matagouri, prickly shield fern and bracken fern within the grassland. The area has been slowly invaded by woody species but is much slower and less advanced than Area B due to the level of grazing.
3.3 OTHER RESOURCE USES:
Areas B and C have some forestry potential, however the cost of clearing and planting and later extraction costs would tend to make such a proposition unattractive.
Lack of easy access precludes this land being suitable for other uses such as tourism.
4. DETAILS OF PROPOSAL:
This proposal has been developed by Knight Frank (NZ) Limited as agents for the Commissioner of Crown Lands, in consultation with the previous licence holder, Mr G C Glover, and the Department of Conservation and after consultation with the Ngai Tahu, Fish and Game Council and NGO's. The aims of the proposal are:
4.1 DISCUSSION:
It is the Crown's position that land containing principally commercial productive values is most effectively managed under freehold tenure subject to the Resource Management Act 1991. Land containing principally conservation values should be retained by the Crown or protected in some other way such as covenants, whichever is appropriate to the particular situation.
In assessing these areas it was necessary to consider whether there existed sustainable commercial values and whether these outweighed the conservation values identified on the site. The opportunity was also taken to consider the wider public interest in the area. In this context it was considered that the issue of protecting the Mararoa River margin with a berm fence outweighed any conservation benefits which might eventually accrue from removing stock from Area C. In addition this area is considered to have sustainable commercial value for grazing.
4.2 LAND PROPOSED FOR FREEHOLD:
Area C within the lines shown on attached map 128 ha (approx)
Justification:
The Department of Conservation considers that this area does not contain significant conservation values, although they comment that it is in early stages of reversion to woody species.
The previous licensee, Mr Glover, considers this area important to his farming operation and has potential for pasture improvement with oversowing and topdressing. He is thus keen to acquire freehold title. Similar areas have been successfully oversown on the property confirming Mr Glover's contention. It is not proposed to fence the bush boundary with the Conservation area apart from a wing fence from the river to the bush at the northern end. Stock do not tend to trespass into the bush.
The Department of Conservation consider that the protection of the margins of the Mararoa River from stock encroachment is of greater conservation value than obtaining Area C as conservation estate.
4.3 Land Proposed for Inclusion in Conservation Estate:
Area A: 30 ha
Area B: 282 ha
Area Total: 312 ha
Justification:
Area A: This area does not contain important botanical values but is important for recreational access and for management purposes to avoid stock trespass into the conservation area.
Area B: This area has important landscape values being highly visible from the Mavora Lakes Road. It also has significant botanical values, being in an advanced stage of regeneration. Grazing of this area without fencing would also exert stocking pressure on the marginal strip and beech forest remnants.
This area is not considered economically suited to development for pastoral purposes or for other commercial uses.
4.4 Other Aspects of the Proposal:
It is proposed that as part of this proposal a berm fence be constructed along the Mararoa River from the northern end of Area C to the Snowdon Forest to the south, a length of approximately 5.4 kms. This proposal would see the completion of a berm fence on both sides of the Mararoa River below the Mavora Lakes, an area renowned for its trout fishery..
5 RECOMMENDATIONS:
(1) That the Commissioner of Crown Lands approve the proposal with the following outcomes:
(a) Areas A and B and that portion of Area C outside the line shown as proposed freehold on attached map (total area 312 ha approx) being retained by the Crown and transferred to the Department of Conservation.
(b) Area C within the lines shown on the attached map as proposed freehold being reclassified as "farmland" under Section 51 of the Land Act 1948.
(c) The preferential allocation on freehold title of approximately 128 ha of land classified as farmland (as shown on attached map) to G C and I Glover under Section 54 of the Land Act 1948.
(d) The construction of a berm fence of approximately 5.4 kms adjacent to freehold title along the Mararoa River.
REPORT ON CONSERVATION VALUES - MARAROA POL
Introduction
Current government policy regarding Pastoral Occupational Licences (POL's) is that they are phased out upon their expiry. This phase-out is usually achieved by allocating to the Department of Conservation (DOC) or by allowing the area to be freeholded {usually by the lessee). The Mararoa POL had expired and has had an extension while the future of the POL is determined. Landcorp asked DOC to attend an inspection of the Mararoa POL to assess its conservation values and determine any areas which DOC may wish to have allocated to it.
An inspection was arranged for 15 November 1994. On this date the weather was unsatisfactory to allow a site inspection, however the process under which the POL would be dealt with, the present utilisation (including stocking) of the POL and the importance of the POL to the lessee were all discussed with Mr Glover (the lessee). This initial inspection was undertaken by Conservation Officers Brian Rance and Peter McClelland, accomanied by Philip Murray (Landcorp). A second delayed site inspection was undertaken on 30 March- 1995. This second inspection was undertaken by Conservation Officers Brian Rance and John Von Tunzelman, accompanied by Philip Murray (Landcorp). An additional off-site inspection was undertaken by departmental Regional Landscape Architect Alan Petrie, to obtain a landscape perspective.
Study Area Description
The Mararoa POL is located on the west side of the Mararoa River between the Mararoa Downs Station bridge and Mavora Lakes Park Conservation Area. The POL consists of three discrete areas, which total approx 440 ha.
Area A: The northern area is the smallest of the three, being less than 30ha. It consists of a narrow grassy river terrace on the west side of the Mararoa River in the vicinity of the Kiwi Burn. This area lies between part of Snowdon Forest Conservation Area and the marginal strip along the Mararoa River both administered by DOC. The area has no legal stock access and is separated from Mararoa Downs Station by a large block of forest which extends down to the river
Area B: This is the middle and largest area of the three, being approx 260ha. This area consists largely of steep hill slopes which are regenerating strongly. The vegetation includes a mixture of shrub land types, beech forest and grassland/tussockland. There is a small (less than 1 5ha) flat terrace adjacent to the Mararoa River {and its marginal strip). This area also lies between Snowdon Forest Conservation Area and marginal strip along the Mararoa River. The area has an altitudinal range of almost 700m (500-11 94m}. Area B is separated from Area C by a tongue of beech forest.
Area C: This is the southern area which consists of approx 1 50ha of hill slopes which extend up to the skyline. This area lies between part of Snowdon Forest Conservation Area and the northern extent of Mararoa Downs Station {freehold land). The vegetation consists of unimproved grassland, bracken, shrubland and beech forest. The patches of unimproved grassland are concentrated on the lower slopes and sunny faces, this indicates more modification to the vegetation from stock pressure the Area B.
Ecological Setting
The Mararoa POL lies within the Livingston Ecological District, near the boundary with the Upukerora E.D. (to the south}. The Livingston ED is largely mountainous, but contains the upper valleys and headwaters of the Mararoa, White Stone and Upukerora Rivers. The ecological district is dominated by modified {formerly red tussockland) and wetlands on the valley floors, beech forest on the hill slopes, with alpine tussockland, wetlands, screes and fellfield. The Mararoa POL contains limited areas of beech forest, a variety of shrublands mainly seral or regenerating types) and modified tussocklands.
Areas A & B represent old fire scars, which removed the forest. These areas have subsequently been grazed and maintained by grazing and burning. These two areas show two stages of the eventual return to the natural forest cover {if allowed to proceed).
Landscape Context
The POL is located on the western side of the Mararoa River and is characterised by a series of steep sided slopes which are the product of past glaciation. A small portion of the POL is on river flats, located in the northern areas. This POL forms the interface between the extensive Mararoa Valley floor and the surrounding high hills which ascend in altitude towards the Livingstone Mountains. In visual terms the coarse texture and tawny colours of the predominantly native vegetation on these slopes contrasts markedly with the "emerald green" farmland on the valley floor.
Areas B and C form an important transition between the more fertile river flats and the surrounding mountainlands. The distinctive shape of the glaciated carved slopes are a noticeable feature for a distance along the Mavora Lakes Road, and could be described as the gateway to the Mavora Lakes. The existing broad vistas of both the Mararoa and Oreti Valleys are rapidly becoming more restricted due to the establishment of shelterbelts running at right angles to the valey floor.
Conservation Values
All three areas have some conservation values. The conservation values can be divided into 3 major types; botanical, landscape and management values. There is limited recreational use, no historical sites are known. These values are described for each of the three areas.
Area A: This area was not inspected during the inspection. The area is known by departmental staff and consists of unimproved grassland, which has been modified by stock grazing. The area is described as being dominated by exotic grasses, with a range of native herbs with a scattering of red tussock, fescue tussock and shrubs (mainly matagouri and Coprosma propinqua). Therefore the botanical values are not highly significant, however the area retains its natural character. The area is in reality an island surrounded by marginal strip and other areas of land administered by the Department of Conservation. This area is not fenced therefore stock are free to move onto adjacent areas of land administered by the Department of Conservation which contain greater conservation values. The area is low Iying and therefore of low visibility from the Mavora Road, however the access to the Kiwi Burn and the Kiwi Burn hut passes adjacent to this area. This section of the Mararoa River is used for kayaking and fishing.
The major values of the Area A is its "management" values. There is no stock access to the area. The access to the block is either through Snowdon Forest (on the west side of the Mararoa River) or along the marginal strip (on the east side). DOC does not want stock in either of these areas (or the adjacent Kiwi Burn clearing) and this can not be assured as there is no fencing.
Area B: Only the southern portion of this area was inspected from the ground, however much of the area is highly visible from the Mavora Road. The location is important as it is along the approach to Mavora Park. This area exhibits advanced regeneration patterns. The boundary of the area follows the forest edge above and the river bank below. The forest edge exhibits marginal regeneration and indicates the ability of the forest to expand. There are other small beech forest pockets present. The majority of the area is shrubland, these shrublands vary from semi- areas which are relatively young, through to dense, taller areas with scattered forest trees (Pittosporum tenuifolium, occasional mountain beach, broadleaf). The majority of the shrubland is dominated by Coprosma propinqua, C. sp. aff parviflora and matagouri with prickly shield fern, bracken, mountain cottonwood and inaka. There are localised areas where inaka or cottonwood are dominant In gullies, often there is flax, toetoe and koromiko. There is a trend to taller denser vegetation, this succession is expected to continue, culminating in the eventual return of beech forest.
There are areas of unimproved grassland found on the lower slopes and on the river terrace. The access to these areas is through areas of beech forest, which is undesirable. These terraces have no internal fencing to restrict stock access, the marginal strip is also unfenced. These grasslands are dominated by exotic grasses. Without stock the woody invasion of these areas and the eventual return of forest will be sped up. There are also tussocklands and tussock-shrublands at higher altitudes. These areas are below bush line and so will continue to be invaded by woody plants.
These steep slopes show signs of past erosion, this erosion has been stabilised by the woody vegetation. The grasslands and tussocklands are largely unimproved and are poorly utilised by stock. None of the boundaries with the surrounding DOC land are fenced. Without fencing stock can cross the Mararoa River into fenced marginal strip or push upstream along the marginal strip and into Snowdon Forest.
Area C: This area was inspected from the adjacent part of Mararoa Downs Station. This area is less steep and has a lesser altitudinal range. There is a good vegetation cover and no active erosion present.
The area is largely unimproved grasslands dominated by exotic grasses. Most of the grassland contains scattered Coprosma species, matagouri, prickly shield fern, red tussock and bracken clumps. There are also areas where shrubs or bracken dominate and some limited areas of beech forest. The area appears to be slowly invaded by woody species and this is expected to continue. The regeneration is much less advanced than Area B. The area is unfenced, either from adjacent DOC land or Mararoa Downs Station. These faces can be readily viewed from the Mavora Road.
Summary
All three areas of the POL contain some conservation values. An earlier land use survey 11) indicates that this POL falls within class W use of land, In class W, the vegetation cover, whether forest, shrub, or grassland, should be conserved to provide maximum cover to the soil to control erosion and regulate run-off", and falls within sub-class Wt, "to provide adequate watershed protection and essential conservation treatment with complete absence of fires and maximum possible control of animal pests".
Area A: This area is isolated with no stock access. Any grazing of this presents management problems on the surrounding lands administered by DOC, as there is no fencing to contain stock. Fencing to exclude stock from the marginal strip (most of marginal strips along the Mararoa River are already fenced) and the forest would be very costly. The vegetation although thought to be dominated exotic grasses retains a natural character with many native species present and is considered able to regenerate. The recreational use which is largely associated with the river is the greatest of the three areas concerned.
Area B: The area has a strongly regenerating vegetation on steep slopes. Most of the face contains shrubland, these vary from being semi-open young shrublands through to taller, dense shrublands with scattered forest species appearing. The open areas of low altitude grassland are limited with access through forest areas. These grassland areas are largely unimproved and are unfenced, the cost of fencing the marginal strip and forest or other regenerating areas is not thought to be economic. The area is highly visible from the Mavora Road and has important landscape values by virtue of the location and natural character. The faces would originally have been forested and could only be kept open by burning and grazing {on the steeper slopes), fires can not be safely managed and pose a threat to forest areas. The succession will continue culminating in the eventual return of forest. This process would be sped up by the exclusion of stock.
Area C: This face exhibits a less advanced stage of regeneration than Area B. The area remains dominated by an unimproved grassland, with areas of bracken fern and areas of shrubland. The face is less steep than Area B and more open so tends to be more attractive to stock. The area was naturally forest and has been maintained in its open state by fires and grazing. There are concerns with some farming activities on steep erodeable slopes zoned as Wt (1), especially burning. Fire could not be safely managed and poses a risk to the DOC administered forests. The area is not fenced and so stock control is not possible. This area is grazed in conjunction with the part of Mararoa Downs Station on the terrace below. This terrace is unfenced with the marginal strip and allows stock intrusion onto the river bank and across the river at times of low flow (most of the marginal strips along the Mararoa River are fenced). The area is also thought to be marginally economic to over-sow or top-dress and too steep for other development. It therefore seems inevitable that the invasion of bracken and woody vegetation will continue.
Brian Rance: Conservation Officer
- Floral /Habitat
10 April 1995
References
(1) Land Use Capability Survey of the Mararoa River Catchment, Bulletin 1. Soil Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture, 1966.
cc. Tony Perrett Manager PNA/Pastoral, Dunedin
Dave Wilson FCM Te Anau
Recommendations
In light of the conservation values that are found on the Mararoa POL, Southland Conservancy of the Department of Conservation make the following recommendations:
Area A: In light of the lack of suitable stock access and potential management problems (especially stock tresspass} associated with freeholding this area, combined with the fishing and other recreational use of this area, the area should be allocated to DOC.
Area B: This area is a steep highly visible slope dominated by shrublands. The natural trend will be for the invasion of woody plants to continue. The area has no fencing to prevent stock from entering the forest and other regenerating areas or from utilising the marginal strip and crossing the river. Any fencing to prevent these actions is not considered practical or appropriate. The area should therefore be allocated to DOC and fenced along the southern boundary to prevent stock wandering from Mararoa Downs Station along the river bank into this area.
Area C: Although this area is exhibiting regeneration
with prominent areas of bracken and shrubland, much will remain
dominated by unimproved pasture for some considerable time. The
area will probably continue to regenerate despite any ownership
change. There are concerns with some farming activities on steep
erodeable slopes zoned as Wt (1), especially burning. Fencing
of the area from the adjacent portion of Mararoa Downs Station
would be expensive and may not be practical (as these would have
to cross several seasonally flowing creeks). The conservation
values are not considered sufficient to warrant a strong case
for allocation to DOC. A trade off with this area being freeholded
in exchange for fencing of the marginal strip would result in
greater conservation benefits, as most of the marginal strips
along the Mararoa River are already fenced and stock cross the
river onto fenced marginal strips.