This page last modified
19 September 1998
Po 92
Hawkdun Range & Raggedy Range
Otago Land District
Tenure review approved by Commissioner of Crown Lands <June
1994
Back to ... Po 092 Blackstone Hill
Landcorp Property Limited
DRAFT PROPOSAL TO
COMMISSIONER OF CROWN LANDS
Application for Exchange of Property Rights
Landcorp File: P92
Office of Crown Lands File:
3rd September 1993
APPLICATION
1. To surrender pastoral lease Po92 (Blackstone Hills) from 1st January 1994.
2. To preferentially dispose of approximately 2552 hectares to the current lessees of Blackstone Hills under freehold title.
3. To allocate approximately 3197 hectares (approximately) to the Department of Conservation.
4. To provide public access to the proposed Conservation Area.
5. To recognize that the Department of Conservation has negotiated a conservation covenant over an area within the proposed freehold in order to protect botanical and landscape values.
LEASE:
Legal Description: Section l9, Block X and Section 5 Block XI, Blackstone Survey District.
Area: 5719 hectares
Lease Details: Tenure: Pastoral Lease
Term: 33 years from I July 1986
Expiry: 30 June 2019
Rent Review: 1 July 1997
Rental Value: $439,000
Annual Rent: 56,450
Crown Improvements: Nil
Stock Limitation in Lease: 5005
Personal Stock Limit:
7500 Sheep (including not more than 3500 breeding ewes).
275 cattle (including not more than 175 cows).
Overall stock limit while run with 1128 hectares of other land;
12750 Sheep (including not more than 7000 breeding ewes),
375 Cattle (including not more than 275 breeding cows).
LESSEE: R R & R R Hore
LOCATION
The Pastoral lease is disjointed. The Homestead Block is situated on the western side of Blackstone Hill Ridge on the eastern bank of the Manuherikia River. The homestead is on State Highway 85 approximately 3 hens northeast of Becks. The Hawkdun Run Block is some 20 kms further up the Manuherikia River on the western side of the Hawkdun Range.
OTHER LAND HELD: 1128 ha held as freehold.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
(a) Aspect Variable, as lease is disjointed. Homestead Block is flat and ward northwest facing hills. The Hawkdun Run Block predominantly has a warm westerly aspect.
(b) Altitude: 397 - 1830 m
(c) Contour: Contour varies from flat to moderately steep at Blackstone
(d) Area Ploughable: Approximately 250 ha.
(e) Rainfall: Homestead Block: 400 mm. Hawkdun Run Block: 630 - 650 mm.
(f) How Watered: Adequate stock water available from natural sources and an irrigation race on the Homestead Block.
(g) Subdivision: The Pastoral Lease is fenced into fifteen blocks of varying size. The flats and easy country on the Homestead Block has been subdivided into numerous paddocks.
(h) Snow Risk: Snow is common in this area; however due to the property's warm aspect it usually clears quickly from the lower slopes.
(i) Summer/Winter Balance: The property is well balanced in terms of summer and winter country.
(j) Shelter: Predominantly contour (adequate).
(k) Reversion: Reversion is not a serious problem. Some matagouri is present on lower slopes, especially on gullies and fans. Sweet briar is common on the warm Homestead Faces.
(l) Erosion: Natural scree and gully erosion above 1300 m. Localized moderate to severe depletion, sheet and wind erosion on sunny faces.
(m) Weeds & Pests: See reversion. Hieracium pilosella is evident in many areas. Rabbits are present on the Homestead Block.
(n) Soils: Homestead Flats and terraces - mixture of Wetherburn and Ranfurly soils. Medium to high natural fertility, very stony in parts. Original vegetation cover - silver and fescue tussock and some matagouri.
Flat across Manuherikia River - mainly Struan soils. Low natural fertility, silt loam over a pan. Original cover of fescue tussock.
Hawkdun Run Block - Cass soils on easy terraces - low to very low naturaI fertility. Original cover of fescue tussock. snow tussock and matagouri, Kaikoura steepland and Puketeraki soils on Hawkdun Range. Very low natural fertility, shallow soil. Includes much bare scree on tops. Original cover of snow tussock and sub-alpine species.
(o) Land Use Capability
| CIass III | 264 ha | 5% |
| Class IV | 404 ha | 7% |
| Class VI | 2252 ha | 39% |
| Class VII | 1995 ha | 35% |
| Class VIII | 804 ha | 14% |
| 5719 |
(p) Cover:
Sown pasture (14 ha irrigated).
Native - 4047 (Run Block).
AOSTD (not maintained) 650 ha (Homestead).
Scree 494 ha (Run Block).
(q) General: A disjointed lease in three blocks. The Homestead Block at Blackstone Hill on State Highway 85 comprises an area of flats and warm Iying hills and includes Al I the main buildings. A block of 200 ha is situated just across the Manubenkia River from the Homestead and is mainly poor panny river terraces.
The Hawkdun Run Block is some 30 kms by road from the Homestead and runs from the Manuherikia River over the top of the Hawkduns and down to Clear Stream, at the back of Qtematata Station. Only the front easier country of the Run Block is stocked (the wethers run hem for approximately 6 months of the year).
Considerable oversowing was carried out on the Homestead hills and subdivision fencing erected on the Hawkdun Run Block in the early 1980's. These developments led to a substantial increase in carrying capacity, however in recent years there has been little maintenance fertiliser applied.
PRODUCTION (typicial):
Lambing: 95%
Wool Weights: 3.8 - 4 kg/head
Death Rates: 3.5%
Calving: 75 - 80%
Stock Wintered (1992) Sheep. 4500 ewes, 1800 hoggets (ewes & wethers), 3000 wethers, 200 rams & killers. Cattle: 56 cows, 78 rising 3 year olds' 58 rising 2 year olds, 40 rising 1 year old steers, buIIs and heifers.
PREVIOUS HISTORY:
The Hore family has run Blackstone Hill since prior to Pastoral Lease tenure. The property has been conservatively run. ln recent decades considerable development has occurred. Soil conservation works were conducted on the property in 1963, 1969 and 1970. A Soil and Water Conservation PIan drawn up in 1983 was rejected by the lessees, primarily because they were unhappy with the requirement for retirement of Class 7 and 8 lands. The Hores have been interested in freeholding some or all of their property for several years. In response to a DOC initiative to implement some of the findings of the Manorburn PNAP report in 1990, Mr Hore indicated that he was interested in freeholding, and that at this time he may be willing to do a deal regarding protection of lands with high conservation values.
BOTANICAL VALUES:
Botanical features of high conservation value are concentrated in two areas.
1. Hawkdun Range
The steep faces of the Hawkdun Range have been the subject of much debate over recent years. Some 10 years ago a proposal to "retire" the land above 800 to 900 metres along the range was proposed under a run plan concept. The Department of Lands and Survey recognised that the hill slopes had special values worthy of protection and proposed the concept of a management area for protection purposes. However agreement under the SWCP framework was not reached.
Whilst the area has been grazed, natural values along the range remain high. While only one RAP was identified, many of the other catchments are similar. The PNAP brief is to identify the best representative example of a vegetation community; because the whole area was not given RAP status does not indicate that it is unworthy of protection.
The eastern side of the Hawkdun Range supports a cover of Chionochloa macra and C.rigida. The western scarp below a band of scree and cushionfields supports Chionochloa rigida, with smaller areas of Festuca mathewsii and Poa colensoi. Botanical diversity is greater at lower altitudes. Valley bottoms are shrub covered. The area between the Mt Ida water race and the snowline fence is particularly diverse, with remnants of red tussock and associated wetland plants.
The flora of the lower slopes adjacent to the Manuhenkia River has been substantially modified, but does contain remnants of red tussock, cushionfields of Galium and shrublands containing the locally endemic species, Coprosma intertexta. The lowland area lies on the Maniototo/Hawkdun Ecological District boundary and may well be better represented in the nearby Kirkwoods Creek RAP.
2. Blackstone Hill (RAP MAN 11)
Lying within the Manorburn Ecological District, this small RAP (30 ha) of gully shrubland is one of the least modified representative habitats remaining in the Manorburn. While the botanical diversity of the surrounding area is low, some 50 dryland plant species were recorded in the gully system. The RAP forms a distinctive landscape feature that is visible from a considerable distance as it contrasts greatly with surrounding farmland.
The remainder of the Homestead Block is predominantly modified farmland supporting pasture grasses and some scattered short tussock on the irrigated flats. A small area of saline soils exists on the northern boundary of the property; however it is considered that better examples can be found elsewhere in Central Otago. These soils support the relatively rare plant Lepidium sisymbrioides.
FAUNA
Both areas of Blackstone Hill have a fauna that is typical of Central Otago. No distinctive or rare fauna is known from the area.
Rabbits, hares, possums, pigs and goats are the most common feral animals. Goats penodically require eradication.
VISUAL & SCENIC VALUES
The Hawkdun Range is a prominent landscape feature. It is highly visible from SH 85, the Manuherikia Valley, the Ida Valley, Ranfurly and Naseby areas. The Hawkdun Run Block is sandwiched between two blocks of the Two Mile property that have recently been purchased by the Department of Conservation. Hence the area above the snowline fence will provide a contiguous landscape unit of conservation lands.
The homestead RAP with its rocky ridges and gorge is distinctive when viewed from SH 85, which runs close to the base of the hill.
CULTURAL VALUES
(a) Historic
The Hawkdun area provides a backdrop to considerable gold workings around Naseby, including the Buster diggings. One of the largest water races in Otago foIlows the base of the Hawkdun Range for many kilometres from the headwaters of Manuherikia River to Naseby. It provides convenient public access to the range and its catchments.
The homestead block has been subject to some mining activity; however this has not adversely affected an area of considerable historical interest. The homestead complex of the original run forms an interesting set, and is an excellent exampIe of a 19th century farm settlement. The continued use of mud brick for all the buildings and compIexity of patterns of pIantings represents an historic integrity not seen in other building complexes.
Hamel (1992) described the layout and detail of this site. Parts of the homestead complex dates back to 1857 when the Run was established. The homestead itself was built in 1868. A woolshed, cook house, stables and bunk house are in varying conditions of repair. In general, only minor restoration and stabilisation would be required to protect these buildings.
The plantings around the complex date back to the 1880s. Their layout in relationship to the buildings is of particular interest.
(b) Recreation
The Hawkdun Range provides potential for tramping, ski touring, walking, botanizing and other outdoor activities. The implementation of this proposal will in conjunction with DOC land purchases at neighbouring Two Mile, allow for full public enjoyment of the area. An unformed legal road into the adjoining DOC estate will assure legal public access. The Mt Ida water race has been considered for its suitability as a walkway. While this concept is feasible, the distance involved is great. It is more likely that sections will be utilised for walking, mountain biking and horse riding.
The homestead RAP, while being of scientific interest is unlikely to be subject to high levels of demand for public use.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
The Proposal has not yet been advertised for public comment. This will be done with the consent of the Commissioner of Crown Lands. The concept has been discussed with representatives of Forest and Bird, Fish and Game, Public Access NZ, Federated Mountain Clubs and the Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club. Feedback was generally positive. The need for public access into the proposed DOC estate was emphasised. As with many of the properties discussed these groups stated that they would have to research proposals thoroughly before giving them their approval.
DETAILED PROPOSAL:
Specific DOC interests on Blackstone Hill involve three areas. Proposed boundaries following tenure exchange are depicted on the maps at the back of this report.
1. Hawkdun Range
It is proposed that the area on the Hawkdun Range above the snowline fence adjacent to the Mt Ida water race is incorporated into the DOC estate and retired from grazing. This land (approximately 3197 hectares) will adjoin existing DOC estate.
The balance of the Hawkdun Run Block will be freeholded to the current lessees.
Public access is available by legal unformed roads into the adjoining DOC estate. It is proposed that a legal easement will provide public access through the land to be freeholded at the base of the Hawkdun Range. This easement will follow the 4WD track adjacent to Shepherds Hut Creek.
2. Blackstone Hill RAP
The Homestead block is to be freeholded. A small shrubby gully which comprises RAP MAN 11 will be protected under a conservation covenant. Public access is not being pursued as this area is being protected primarily its scientific and landscape values. Access as of right is considered undesirable as it would be through the most intensively farmed part of the property.
3. Homestead Complex
Whilst it is considered desirable that this valuable site receives protection, it is not considered that tenure exchange is the most appropriate mechanism through which to achieve this end. Following tenure exchange, DOC may attempt to negotiate some form of protection. Any protection would require a management plan or strategy to outline conservation and restoration measures that may be required to preserve the integrity of the complex.
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Fencing
DOC has negotiated with the lessee that it will reserve the right to fence the Blackstone Hill RAP area should it be determined that stock are damaging the vegetation. Fencing would be required on two sides over approximately 2 km.
The base of the area of the Hawkdun Block proposed for incorporation into the DOC estate is well adjacent to the water race and along the eastern and western boundanes. A small amount of fencing will be required in the southwest corner of the proposed freehold area above the water race. This fencing will be paid for by the lessee. Higher up the hill fencing will not be required as the conservation area is contiguous with existing DOC estate.
2. Feral Animals
Goats are a concern in RAP MAN 11 , but could be effectively destroyed or removed if numbers warrant. Elsewhere, rabbits and hares are present but not in large numbers at this point in time.. RAP MAN 11 is not an environment conducive to high rabbit numbers. The proposed DOC estate on the Hawkdun Range is predominantly at an elevation and of a vegetation type which does not support high rabbit populations.
3. Grazing
Grazing will not be catered for in the area proposed for incorporation the DOC estate; however some limited stock trespass may occur from time to time from the Otematata Basin. If DOC were to determine that grazing is desirable in terms of management for conservation at a future date, the occupiers of Blackstone Hill will be given first priority.
4. Weeds
Hawkweed is present and in places dominates the vegetation sward on the Hawkdun Range. The removal of grazing and the associated boost to tussock growth is likely to inhibit further spread of this species. The Hawkduns are remarkably free of other weed species.
In RAP MAN 11 briar is present; however it is believed that other shrub species are vigourous enough to prevent this species from dominating the vegetation.
ACCESS
Public access into the Hawkdun Range will be provided for via the adjoining DOC estate and via a track adjacent to Shepherds Hut Creek. Signs will be required on the boundary to mark the DOC boundary. Right of access into the proposed public estate, which is currently part of Blackstone Hill pastoral lease is guaranteed to the family of the current lessees in perpetuity.
DISCUSSION
This proposal has been investigated in depth. As it stands there are major gains for both the Crown and the lessee. The lessee will gain freehold title to the property's most productive lands. The Crown achieves the protection of a large area with high conservation/recreation values. The property lends itself to tenure exchange as the boundary between lands which can be classified as farmland and lands with low productive potential and high conservation is relatively clear.
There is an area on the Homestead Block which is mapped on the MOWD Land Resource Inventory as being a composite of Class VIe22 and VIIel2 lands. Class VIIel2 is described as being suited to extensive grazing and OSTD. It is not practical to exclude this class VII land from freeholding as it is in the centre of the block and is surrounded by productive and versatile class 6 land.
DESCRIPTION OF AREA TO BE FREEHOLDED:
(a) Area: 2552 ha.
(b) Aspect: Comprised of flat land and warm west facing slopes.
(c) Altitude: 397 - 984 metres
(d) Contour: Contour on the Homestead Block ranges from flat to moderately steep. Contour on the freehold portion of the Run Block ranges from flat to gentle.
(e) Area Ploughable: Approximately 250 ha
(f) Rainfall: 620 mm at Homestead. 650 mm on Run Block.
(g) Water Supply: Adequate stock water available from natural sources and the irrgation race on the Homestead Block.
(h) Shelter: Predominantly contour (adequate).
(i) Reversion: Some areas of brair and matagoun.
(j) Erosion: Restricted to localised areas on low sunny aspects.
(k) Weeds & Pests: Hieracium pilosella present, rabbits present on Homestead Block.
(l) Soils: Homestead Flats and terraces - mixture of Wetherburn and Ranfurly soils. Flats across Manuhenlda River - mainly Struan soils, Hawkdun Run Block - predominantly Cass soils.
(m) Land Use Capability Estimate
| Class 3 | 302 ha | 12 % |
| Class 4 | 461 ha | 18% |
| Class 5 | 0 ha | 0% |
| Class 6 | 1313 ha | 52% |
| Class 7* | 446 ha | 18% |
| Class 8 | 0% | 0% |
| 2552ha |
* Composite of Class VIe22 and Class VIIel2
(n) Cover
Sown pasture 430 ha (14 ha irrigated)
Native 1327 ha
AOSTD 450 ha
RECOMMENDATION:
That you approve the proposal being advertised with the following outcomes being recommended:
1. That 5719 hectares comprising Po92 be surrendered by the current lessees.
2. That 3197 ha above the snowline fence on the Hawkdun Range be allocated to the Department of Conservation.
3. That 2552 hectares (approximately) be classified as farmland and be preferentially disposed to the current lessees of BIackstone Hills as freehold title under section 51 of the Land Act 1948.
4. That an easement be registered under section 60 of the Land Act 1948 against the freehold title to cater for walking access up a farm track adjacent to Shepherds Hut Creek into the proposed conservation estate.
5. That it is recognized that the Department of Conservation has negotiated a conservation covenant to be issued under section 77 of the Reserves Act 1977 over the area known as RAP MAN 11 (30 ha) on the Homestead Block.
Prepared by:
Rob Wardle for Manager, Alexandra LANDCORP PROPERTY LIMITED
Mike Clare for Regional Conservator DEPT OF CONSERVATION
Back to ... Po 092 Blackstone Hill
DOC Conservation Resources Report
BLACKSTONE HILL
File P 92
Blackstone Hill lessee, Ralph Hore, has applied for tenure change. This report outlines the conservation values that are currently known and seeks input from various field staff. Landcorp has agreed to fast track the proposal as the lessee is keen, and it fits the conservation interests, because it lies between two blocks of land that have been recently purchased on the Hawkdun Range.
Blackstone Hill was formerly one of the larger Central Otago runs (350 000 acres), today it encompasses two blocks of land, one on the Hawkdun Range and the other one the Homestead Block near Becks (5719.76 ha).
Tenure change on Blackstone Hill has considerable implications for DOC in that its implementation will allow for a greater contiguous land area to be protected on the Hawkduns as well as protecting a small RAP in the Manorburn Ecological District and will also provide protection over an important historic farmstead complex.
Botanical Values
1 Hawkdun Range
The steep faces of the hawkbun Range have been subject to much discussion and debate over the years. Some 10 years ago a proposal to "retire" the land above 800 to 900 metres along the range was first made under a run plan concept. The Department of Lands and Survey then recognised that the hill slopes had special values worthy of protection and did propose the concept of a management area for protection purposes. No opportunities existed for this concept to proceed.
While the area has been grazed, the natural values along the range are high, and while only one RAP was identified on the range, many of the other catchments are similar and as the PNAP brief is to identify the best representative example it does not indicate other areas are worthy or exclusion.
This proposal captures values on the eastern side of the Hawkdun Range of Chionochloa macra and C. rigida, while the western scarp below the scree slopes and cushionfields is more or less Ghionochioa rigida, giving way in places to Festuca mattewsii and Poa colensoi. The lower slopes have a greater diversity with shrublands in the valley bottoms. The area between the Mt Ida water race and the snowline fence is particularly diverse, with remnants of red tussock as well as wetland plants.
The lower slopes or plains of the Manuherikia River have been degraded in terms of indigenous vegetation, but doe' contain remnants of red tussock, cushionfields of Galium and Coprosma intertexta, All have possibly some potential for recovery. These lowland areas possibly lie within the Maniototo Ecological District/Hawkdun boundary and may well be better represented in the Kirkwoods Creek RAP nearby.
b Blackstone Hill (RAP MAN 11)
Lying within the Manorburn Ecological District this small RAP (30 ha) of gully shrubland is one of the best representative habitats remaining in the Manorburn. While the diversity of the area is low, some 50+ dryland plants were recorded in the gully system, forming a distinctive landscape feature that will be visible from a considerable ??? and will contrast greatly from the surrounding farmland.
This shrubby gully represents an opportunity to acquire an area that is no longer well representative in the ecological district, and is also the only one available for protection.
Elsewhere on the Homestead Block the remaining land is predominantly farmland of pasture grasses on hill slopes with scattered short tussock and irrigated flats. A small area of saline soils exists on the northern boundary of the property, but it is considered that better saline soil types exist elsewhere in Central Otago, however, a community of relatively rare Lepidium sp doe exist.
Fauna
Both areas of Blackstone Hill have a fauna that is typical of Central Otago. No distinctive or rare fauna is known from the area.
Rabbits, hares and goats are the main feral animals, the latter has a population that does cause problems from time to time.
Landscape
The Hawkdun Range is a very prominent feature, highly visible from SH 85 and the surrounding Manuherikia and Ida Valleys, Ranfurly and Naseby areas, sandwiched between the two blocks off Two Mile that have recently been purchased, this area above the snowline fence will provide a contiguous landscape unit.
The homestead RAP is distinctive in that its rocky ridges and gorge is prominent when viewed from SH 85 which runs close to the base of the hill.
Recreation
The Hawkdun Range provides potential for tramping, ski touring and a range of general activities. This deal, in conjunction with Two Mile, allows this potential to be realised. An unformed legal road into the adjoining DOC estate will allow good public access into the area. The Mt Ida water race has been discussed as a walkway, while this is feasible, it is an extremely long water race, sections however may be utilised for walking on Mt Biking if desired.
The homestead RAP, while being of scientific interest, may not have a high demand for public use, however, it seems appropriate to cater for any future use by allowing for walking access. This access could be by way of a walkway agreement from SH 85 across the farm paddocks directly to the RAP.
Historic
The Hawkdun area provides a backdrop to considerable gold workings around Naseby and Buster diggings. One of the largest water races in Otago follows the range for many kilometres from the headwaters of Manuherikia River alongside this proposal to Naseby. It provides good public access to the streams and range itself.
The homestead block has had some mining on the property, but it was not of significance to affect this proposal. The homestead complex of the original run forms an interesting set, and shows a magnificent 19th century farming pattern. The continued use of mud brick for all the buildings and complexity of patterns o plantings and buildings provides a richness in detail not seen in other building complexes.
Hamel (1992) outlines the farmstead of the area and describes the layout and detail of this site. The history stems from 1857 with the acquisition of the run, to the building of the homestead in 1868. A woolshed, cook house, stables and bunk house are found in varying forms. Considering their age, only minor restoration and stabilisation would be required to protect these buildings.
The plantings around the complex date back to the 1880s and their layout in relationship to the buildings is of particular interest. A conservation covenant over the homestead complex and outbuildings is proposed and will be discussed in detail in a later section.
Detailed Proposal
Tenure change on Blackstone Hill involves three area:
1. Hawkdun Range
This encompasses the Hawkdun Range from the snowline fence adjacent to the Mt Ida water race. This land will adjoin existing DOC estate and become part of a contiguous }and system.
Public access is available by legal unformed roads into the adjoining DOC estate.
Grazing will be discontinued upon completion of this tenure deal.
2. Blackstone Hill RAP
This small shrubby gully will be fenced off and be protected as part of the conservation estate. (Negotiations may result in a conservation covenant over the gully.) Public access will be available from the adjoining state highway into this gully.
3. Homestead Complex
A conservation covenant under the Conservation Act or a heritage covenant under Historic Places Trust Act could provide adequate protection for this complex. This complex forms a remarkably complete 19th century farmstead, that has not been modified by 20th century farming. Any protection would require a management plan or strategy to outline conservation and restoration measures that may be required to preserve the integrity of the complex. Public access to the complex on a once or twice a year basis may be desirable.
Management Considerations
1 Fencing
Fencing is required for RAP MAN 11 along two sides - approximately 2 hen is involved. This would effectively exclude stock from the area and allow regeneration to occur.
The Hawkdun Block is well fenced along the bottom by the water race and along the boundaries. Higher up the hill fencing will not be required as it will be contiguous with the adjoining DOC estate.
2 Feral Animals
Goats are a concern in RAP MAN 11, but could be effectively destroyed or removed if they continue to have a presence. Elsewhere, rabbits and hares are present but not in large numbers to cause concern. MAN 11 will be largely inhospitable and the Hawkdun Range is at an altitude and aspect that will not cause concerns.
3 Grazing
Will not occur in either area. Some limited stock trespass may occur from time to time from the~ Otematata Basin.
4 Weeds
On the Hawkdun Range Hieracium is present and in places is dominant. Recovery is probably possible with the removal of grazing and the promotion of good tussock growth. Otherwise the Hawkduns are remarkably free of other weeds.
In RAP MAN 11 briar is present, but over time wil1 become part of the overall conununity in the shrubby gully and is not considered a problem. One pine tree should be removed before seedlings become a problem in the area.
Access
Public access into the Hawkdun Range will be provided for via the adjoining DOC estate. Signs will be required on the boundary to indicate the DOC boundary.
Access provisions into RAP MAN 11 will be required in the longer term. Signs, styles, etc, marking the walkway/easement into this RAP will be required. Because this walkway will traverse through farmland, it may be restricted from time to time for farm management considerations, ie, lambing.
Historic Sites
Management and protection of this site (buildings and trees) is a dilemma. The Historic Places Trust classification scheme is not appropriate, as the buildings are not the finest or most intact, but collectively they form a unique complex. The setting of trees and buildings could be usefully protected and enhanced by a covenant designed to encourage continued use and retention of the trees and buildings.
The exact type of covenant that should be used is open to debate - heritage covenants (HPT) are looked at on a national basis, but only a few are dealt with a year. A conservation covenant (DOC) could deal efficiently with this historic site and allow a regional perspective to be catered for. This latter course of action would commit DOC to some expenditure/resources, however, this may be a more expedient course of action.
Preparing a management plan would be a first step and this would possibly involve conservation measures to stabilise any building.
Overall, this historic complex would be a useful site to protect as an adjunct to ~e Otago Goldfields Park. The buildings date from the goldrush era and form an historical pattern of use that was prevalent in Central Otago at the time.
Specific open days once or twice a year may well cater for public interest through DOC conservation programmes. However the most important task at hand is to seek formal protection over the site and initiate some ongoing management strategies.
Recommendations
1 That 3400 ha above the snowline fence on the Hawkdun Range he surrendered from P 92 as a conservation area under section 7 of the Conservation Act 1987 to be controlled by the Department of Conservation.
2 That the area known as RAP MAN 11 (30 ha) on the Homestead Block be surrendered as a conservation area as per 1 above..
3 That public access into RAP MAN 11 via a walkway/easement be created.
4 A conservation covenant over the historic homestead site be negotiated for management by the Department of Conservation.
Mike Clare
Senior Conservation Officer ((PNA/Pastoral))
Back to ... Po 092 Blackstone Hill
Public Access New Zealand
Tuesday, December 21 1993
(dated 3 September 1993)
Landcorp Property Limited
P O Box 27
ALEXANDRA
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft proposal.
Prior consultations with our representative has greatly assisted
our consideration of the proposals.
The proposals are presented as five steps--
Overall the presentation of information on natural and recreational
values in the proposals is light. However we believe that this
is adequate for the purposes of this lease review.
We concur with the concluding comment in the report that, unlike
many other pastoral leases in Central Otago, "the property
lends itself to [two-way] tenure exchange as the boundaries between
lands which can be classified as farmland and lands with low productive
potential and high conservation is relatively clear". The
proposed lower boundary of the proposed Hawkdun public land takes
into account land use capability, natural/landscape values, as
well as practical fencing and stock management considerations.
There are no significant incompatibilities between the proposals
and the requirements of the Land Act. We believe that, with additional
provisions for public access and recreation, the proposal has
substantial merit and should proceed.
The designation of the Hawkdun Range tops and faces as public
land, with exclusion of grazing, will be a major advance for nature
conservation on the range. It will also add significantly to (legalised)
public recreation opportunities in Central Otago. This will formalise
tramping, ski touring, walking, botanising and other public activities.
Much of this potential has been documented in Outdoor Recreation
in Otago. However we believe that a wider range of recreations
should be catered for than that mentioned in the Landcorp report,
such as horse riding, mountain biking, game bird hunting, plus
improved provision for public access across the intended freehold.
We have split our comments into the two distinct blocks--
Healey's Creek fishery
Surveys of the lower reaches by the Otago Fish and Game Council
show that this small creek is one of the most important trout
spawning fisheries for Falls Dam. It has a large population of
brown trout, being equivalent to that of all other main tributaries
to the dam. It also supports a small population of Brook Char.
It is an ideal juvenile fishery, probably because of catchment
stability, year-round flow and low fluctuations in water temperature.
It is most important for the maintenance of this fishery that
stream-side vegetation is maintained, in particular matagouri
and tussock.
While we are aware that this stream would not meet the width requirements
for the laying off of marginal strips, nevertheless we ask that
protection of the stream margins be a condition of freeholding.
We submit that a covenant be registered against the title, being
binding on successors in title, which requires that there be no
clearing or burning of native vegetation within 20 metres of the
banks, with the exception of clearance for the purpose of maintaining
stock crossings. We acknowledge that continued stock movement
and access to water is critical for farming operations.
Game Bird Habitat and Hunting
In recent years there were substantial populations of quail and
chukar over a large part of the block, including the highest slopes,
however for some unknown reason populations seem to have moved
downslope and are now largely dependent on the area now proposed
to be freeholded. Retention of scrub in Healeys Creek as proposed
above should maintain quail and chukar habitat.
In terms of hunter access we recommend a condition on freeholding
that the owner permit hunting with guns and dogs at all reasonable
times; contingent on prior approach to the owner.
Marginal strips
There is a marginal strip already laid off along the true left
bank of the Manuherikia River. It appears that no other waterways
within the area proposed to be freeholded qualify for marginal
strips.
Crown land, rather than pastoral lease, abuts the river along
the southern part of the property boundary. This should be retained
to ensure access from the road to the river. There needs to be
additional provision for public foot access from the road to the
marginal strip between the northern boundary and Healeys Creek.
We request that a marked accessway to the river be established
in the vicinity of Trinity Creek. We request that this be a registered
easement for foot access at all times.
Shepherds Hut Creek access easement
This is a very necessary provision because of lack of access provisions
by DOC on both adjoining blocks of Two Mile station. For ease
of definition we agree that an easement be created over the existing
vehicle track to the proposed public land boundary in Shepherds
Hut Creek. In addition to public foot access at all times, we
believe that provision should be made for mountain bike and horse
passage so that the vehicle track beside the Mt Ida water race
can be used for these purposes. See our further comments below.
Mt Ida water race
There is substantial potential for use of the vehicle track beside
the race for walking, biking, or horse riding for part or its
entire length. With this in mind, provision should be made in
the current tenure exchange. It appears that most of freehold/DOC
boundary will be the fence immediately below the vehicle track
and race. Therefore the majority will lie on public land. A difficulty
arises south of Healeys Creek where the boundary, which we accept,
will be upslope of the race.
We ask that an easement be created to the Two Mile boundary along
the line of the vehicle track beside the race, with provision
for public foot, bicycle, and horse passage. This should be relatively
easy to establish legally as the race has been surveyed (SO 1236).
As future opportunities arise on adjoining properties the easement
should be extended. Just because a complete linkage cannot be
provided now should not preclude a start being made. The potential
for a 'walkway' has been recognised for several years, although
we believe that it would be more attractive for bike and horse
use.
Rights of access to DOC administered area
We share the concerns of the pastoral lessee that possible commercial
ventures on this land should not be able to exclude his family
from visiting the area. We note a specific provision in the proposals
guaranteeing his family rights of access. We fully support such
a provision. An additional provision should be that the Commissioner
of Crown Lands only allocate the area to DOC on the proviso that
public access and use will be similarly guaranteed.
Legalise formed road
Hawkdun Runs Road is a legal road by virtue of section 110A Public
Works Act 1928 however it does not exactly follow the legal alignment.
As an unsurveyed road that approximates the legal alignment, the
Chief Surveyor may be agreeable to the formation being deemed
to be the legal entity. We submit that as a matter of high priority
an approach be made to the CS to legalise the formation. If this
is not possible then a strip of land must be retained along the
alignment of the road formation for future legalisation. We believe
that this is an essential precaution to ensure that public access
difficulties do not arise in the future. If they were to arise
and the district council was unwilling to act to legalise the
road, this would result in loss of public and property-holder
through-access in the valley and defeat a large part of the reason
for the establishing substantial public reservations on the Hawkdun
Range.
We concur with the report that there is insufficient reason
to retain this block in public ownership. We agree that although
a conservation covenant will be established over a small RAP there
is insufficient attraction for formal public access being provided
to this site.
Access up Blackstone Hill
We do however believe that it is highly desirable that provision
be made for public foot access to the summit of Blackstone Hill.
As an isolated outlier from the main ranges it provides an impressive
panorama of the Manuherikia and Ida Valley basins and the surrounding
ranges. It is a relatively short climb and within the capabilities
of family groups. There is a legal road from State Highway 85,
along the northern boundary to the ridge crest. This appears to
be on the 'Michael Peak' side of the boundary, whereas there is
a farm track up the 'Blackstone Hill' side of the boundary. Either
of these could be used for public walking access, connecting on
to a new public foot access easement along the eastern boundary
to the summit. As this proposed access would be confined to property
boundaries we believe that this should not be subject to closure
provisions. With signposting and suitable way-marking this could
develop into a valued family walking opportunity--there is no
equivalent provision in the whole upper Manuherikia. We strongly
recommend that you pursue negotiations to this end.
'Queen's Chain'
There is an existing marginal strip along the true right bank
of the Manuherikia River adjoining section 19--the latter part
of the block being proposed for freeholding. This is sufficient
provision for public purposes, as access to the river is readily
available from St Bathans Downs Road at the river bridge, or alternatively
along a formed legal road along a boundary of section 18 to the
north.
On the full extent of the true left bank there are road reserves
that serve the same purpose as marginal strips. There is good
provision for access to the river bank from the state highway
and no additional provision needs to be made. However the short
stretch of road reserve between the state highway and the river
at the northern boundary perhaps needs to be identified on the
ground to encourage greater public use of the river.
The river bed is used for swimming, picnicking, some fishing and
duck hunting.
Game bird hunter access
There is extensive, good quail habitat on the Homestead block.
We believe that the same kind of arrangement for hunter access
we suggest on the Run block be negotiated.
We would welcome further discussions to resolve any outstanding
matters that may stand in the way of completion of this important
deal.
Yours faithfully
Bruce Mason
Trustee
Back to ... Po 092 Blackstone Hill
Landcorp Property Limited
Our Ref: Po92
8 June 1994
Bruce Mason
Trustee
Public Access New Zealand
P O Box 5805
DUNEDIN
Dear Sir
RE: APPLICATION FOR EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY RIGHTS: BLACKSTONE HILL
Thank you for your comments of 21 December 1993.
I wish to advise that the Commissioner of Crown Lands has granted the above proposal as follows:
(1) The surrender of Po92 from 30 June 1994 under Section 145, Land Act 1948.
(2) That an area of approximately 3197 hectares be reserved under Section 167 of the Land Act 1948 and transferred to the Department of Conservation.
(3) That an area of approximately 2552 hectares be preferentially allocated to R R & R R Hore under Section 54, Land Act 1948.
(4) A conservation covenant over RAP MAN11 on the Blackstone Hill Block wild be registered against freehold title.
(5) Easements will be registered under Section 60 of the Land Act 1948 to cater for public access to the proposed conservation estate via a farm track adjacent to Shepherds Hut Creek, along the Hawkdun Idaburn Irrigation Race and to the Manuherikia River from Hawkdun Runs Road.
Changes as a result of public submissions are as follows:
(1) The proposed foot access easement along the 4WD track adjacent to Shepherds Hut Creek will now cater for horse riders, cyclists and vehicular use.
(2) That an easement be established to allow public foot access across a very narrow strip between the Hawkdun Runs Road and the marginal strip along the eastern bank of the Manuherikia River.
(3) The Hawkdun Idaburn Irrigation Company are the grantees of an easement which allows them to carry water and to maintain and have unimpeded access to a service track across the upper portion of the area to be freeholded on the Hawkdun Run Block. Mr Hore is happy for public vehicle, foot and horse access along the track adjacent to the water race. Subject to agreement from the irrigation company, a third easement will be created under Section 60 of the Land Act to cater for public access.
Your comments were of assistance in reaching this decision.
Yours faithfully
R Wardle
for Manager, Alexandra LANDCORP PROPERTY LIMITED