This page last modified 19 September 1998
Po 154 & Po 155
Rock and Pillar Range
Otago Land District
Tenure review approved by Commissioner of Crown Lands April 1996
Return to ... Po 154 & Po 155 Taieri Lake
Landcorp Property Limited
DRAFT PROPOSAL TO
THE COMMISSIONER OF CROWN LANDS
Application for Exchange of property rights
LCP Ref: Pol54 & Pol55
21 December 1994
PROPOSAL:
1. To surrender Po154 & Po155 on or before December 31st 1995.
2. To agree to the allocation of 1235 hectares (subject to survey) as Conservation Estate.
3. To provide public foot access up the southern boundary of the property to the proposed DOC estate.
4. To classify 2606 hectares (subject to survey) as farmland and dispose of this on two separate freehold titles.
5. To recognize that DOC has negotiated a conservation covenant over a forest remnant within the area proposed for freeholding.
LEASE:
Legal Decription: Po 154 - Run 713 Blocks V, I and X, Rock and Pillar Survey District. Po 155 - Sections 19 & 20, Block II, Strath Taieri SD and Part Run 714 Blocks I and X Rock and Pillar SD, Block I and XVI Upper Taieri SD and Block I Areas A, C, D and E SO 23305.
Run Name: Taieri Lake
Area:
Po 155 (Taieri Lake Block) 21 17.8126 hectares.
Po 154 (Rossallan Block) 1723.9608 hectares.
Lease Details:
Tenure: Pastoral Lease
Term: 33 years
Expiry: 30 June 2022
Rent Review: 30 June 2000
Rental Value: Po154 $90,000. Po 155 $100,000.
Annual Rent: Po 154 $1350. Po 155 $1,500.
Crown Improvements: Nil.
Stock Limitation in Lease:
Po 154 - 1925 sheep (including 660 breeding ewes) plus 10%. 15 cattle (including 15 breeding cows).
Po 155 - 1980 sheep (including 660 breeding ewes) plus 10%. 15 cattle (including 15 breeding cows).
Personal Stock Limitation:
For both leases. 5500 sheep (includes 3600 breeding ewes). 850 cattle (450 breeding cows). Or equivalent stock units.
LESSEE: RR Allan and RR Allan Family Trust.
LOCATION: Taieri Lake is situated on the eastern flanks of the Rock and Pillar Range. The base of the property adjoins the Taieri River and the top straddles the crest of the range. SH 87 (Middlemarch - Hyde) dissects the lower flats. The property contains two homesteads. The Taieri Lake homestead is situated 16 kms north of Middlemarch and the Rossallan block homestead is 18 km north of Middlemarch. The property is bounded by the Wandle pastoral lease to the south, the Beeches and the Patearoa Syndicate to the west, and Rockvale pastoral lease to the north.
OTHER LAND HELD: 37.2311 hectares freehold.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
a. Aspect : 70% east, south east and north east facing, 30% slightly north-west facing.
b. Altitude: 213 - 1350m a s 1.
c. Contour: Lower Country - flat to rolling. Mid altitude - steep east facing slopes. Top country -easy rolling with a few steep gullies.
d. Area Ploughable: 485 hectares (estimate).
e. Rainfall: 550 - 1 300mm per annum (average base and range top).
f: How Watered: Natural leeks and streams (adequate).
g. Subdivision: 11 blocks exceeding 40 hectares and numerous smaller blocks and paddocks.
h. Snow Risk: Low - moderate. Snow lies above 11 00m for 3-4 months of year.
i. Summer/Winter Balance: Good balance of winter and summer country. Lack of sunny country is compensated for by productive low altitude country.
j. Shelter: Predominantly contour, some shelter belts on flats.
k. Reversion: Reversion is limited to some matagouri and briar on the lower country.
l. Erosion: The property is well vegetated with minimal active erosion. Some of the mid to high altitude soils are prone to accelerated erosion if overgrazed or subject to frequent burning.
m. Weeds & Pests: No serious problems. Some areas of matagouri and sweet briar on the lower slopes. There is a small population of pigs and hares in the area. Rabbits and possums are also present.
n. Soils
(i) Soils of the Steeplands.
Dunstan Steepland-
Low fertility, weak structure, subject to wind erosion upon cover depletion.Arrow Steepland -
Medium fertility, rocky outcrops subject to moderate erosion threat.
(ii) Soils of the Hills:
Carrick Hill -
Low fertility soils supporting blue tussock.Teviot Hill -
Medium fertility, moderate erosion threat.Black stone Hill -
Medium fertility, low ersion risk soils. Respond to AOSTD.
(iii) Soils of the Flats.
Gladbrook silt loam/stony -
Moderately developed. medium fertility soil type.
o. Land Use Capability:
| CLASS | AREA (ha) | % |
| III | 412 | 11 |
| IV | 442 | 12 |
| V | 0 | 0 |
| VI | 924 | 24 |
| VII | 1664 | 20 |
| VIII | 399 | 10 |
| Totals: | 3841 | 100% |
p. Cover (Estimate)
Cultivated pasture & feed crops 390 hectares
Unimproved grassland & alpine 2344 hectares
Oversown & topdressed grassland 1100 hectares
CONSERVATION VALUES:
1. BOTANICAL VALUES:
Priority Area: Plateau Shrublands: 1150-1300 m (see photos at end of report).
A superb area of about 1200 ha of predominantly native shrubland. The flora is dominated by Leonohebe odora, L. hectori, L. poppelwellii and Cassinia fulvida. Some Dracophyllum uniflorum is present on the lower edge of the area. Both narrow-leaved snow tussock (Chionochloa rigida), and blue tussock (Poa colesoi) are present as a component of this vast shrubland, together with an array of cushion plants and herbs.
Blue tussock-herbfield dominates the western and northern ends of the plateau, these being the highest parts of the pastoral lease (1200-1300 m).
A large flat spur of high-alpine tundra with scattered cushion plants (eg, Anisotome imbricata), lichens/mosses and much bare ground occurs at the southern end of the area.
Cushion bogs form the headwaters of the many streams emanating from the plateau. These areas are dominated by comb sedge (Oreobolus pectinatus). Many moss species, and various other cushion species, such as Celmisia sessiliflorum are scattered across the area.
Streams drain both north (Pig Burn) and east (including Heeney's Creek) from the plateau block and are an important feature of the area. The streams and their associated moss and cushion bogs are in pristine condition.
Large lichen covered tors extend along the eastern edge of the plateau. Their ledges and cracks form a haven for grasses, herbs and shrubs.
The plateau shrubland-q block contains the highest conservation values on the property. Its grasslands, shrublands, tors, cushion vegetation, streams and wetlands typify the Rock and Pillars. The shrubland is the largest on the range, and is in excellent condition. The streams and their wetland sources are also of very high conservation value. Problem weeds are scarce.
Priority Area 2: House Creek Forest (area marked 'proposed covenant' on map attached to report).
A rapidly regenerating forest dominated by broadleaf, narrow-leaved lacebark and marbleleaf is found between 350-600m asl in House Creek Gorge. The gorge is very precipitous with steep sides and large boulders in the stream bed. A wide variety of ferns and sedges grow alongside the creek, together with Aste/ia, shrubs such as koromiko (kirimoko) and fuchsia (kotukutuku). The forest is diverse and appears to be ecologically viable, judging by the large number of canopy and under-storey species seedlings present (see species list
A feature of the forest is the number of species of creepers present, including supplejack (kareao) and the uncommon Fuchsia perscandens. The latter's occurrence is very localized in southern New Zealand.
Another significant feature is a grove of Hall's totara, about 50 metres above the gorge, some distance form the broadleaf forest on the true left of the stream at about 630 metres. The grove consists of six large old trees of up to four metres in height, and approximately 16 smaller trees of shrub size. The trees in the grove grow in refuges formed by rocks, surrounded by shrubs of Gccultheria antipoda, Corokia cotoneaster and Coprosma species.
Wide seepages vegetated by Carex coriacea, toe toe, Olearia bullata and tutu drain into the main forest area in places.
A shrubland of matagouri, mixed with Carmichaelia virgata surrounds the emergent broadleaf forest at the lower end of the gorge. Tomtits and fantails are common within the forest. No damage from either domestic or wild animals has been noted in the forest.
VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES LIST
HOUSE CREEK, TAIERI LAKE PASTORAL LEASE
Griselinia littoralis (broadleaf)
Carpodetus serratus (marble]eaf)
Hebe salicifolia (koromiko)
Hebe rakaiensis
Hoheria angustifolia (lacebark)
Sophora microphylla (kowhai)
Astelia fragrans
Pittosporum tenuifolium
Pseudopanox crassifolius (lancewood)
Pseudopanox colensoi (three finger)
Fuchsia colensoi
Fuchsia perscandens (climbing fuchsia)
Coprosma linearifolia
Coprosma crassifolia
Coprosma rigida
Coprosma rugosa
Coprosma rubra
Coprosma propinqua
Olearia bullata
Coriaria arborea
Corokia cotonearster
Helichrysum aggregatum
Muehlenbeckia australis
Parsonsia capsularis
Rubus schmidelioides
Ripogonum scandens
Senecio wairauensis
Clematis marata
Melicope simplex
Aciphylla scot.f.thomsoni
Carex cortacea
Blechn.um spp.
Polystichum vestitum
Cortaderia richardii
Podocarpus hallli (Hall's totara)
Gaultheria antipoda
Asplenium spp.
Phymatosorus diversifolius
Carmichaelia virtgata
Discaria toumatou (matagouri)
2. FAUNA:
The incorporation of the plateau area into the conservation estate will protect an important range of invertebrate fauna habitats. A black cicada species (Maoricicada clamitans), rarely found on the Rock and Pillar Range, is present in area. The large weta, Hemideina maori, is common under larger rock slabs.
3. VISUAL AND SCENIC VALUES:
LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT
The property has been divided into a number of landscape units. The boundaries for each of these units were drawn to coincide with changes in local topography and with distinguishable changes in the ground cover and landuse patterns.
Landscapes have been placed into three broad categories:
1. Natural Landscapes: Natural ecosystems, containing unspoilt and distinctive geological/physiographic features.
2. Managed Natural Landscapes: Predominantly natural ecosystems where some modifications have occurred to the native vegetation, usually through the impact of extensive sheep grazing.
3. Cultural Landscapes: Land influenced by human use. This includes historic and intrinsic values.
Landscape Unit 1
This landscape unit approximately coincides with the upper two thirds of the top block on Taieri Lake. It has a distinctive rounded dome character with a poorly defined drainage pattern. It is composed of sequence of different types of ground covers. Depleted alpine tundra is found in the high southern corner of this unit, which frequently grades into patches of the smal] blue tussock and Celmisia viscosa. A large proportion of the landscape unit is covered by dense hebe shrubland-q which contrast strikingly in colour, scale and form with the surrounding grasslands. The hebes appear to be slowly migrating outwards over the dwarf grasses, possibly as a response to conservative farming practices of recent years. Along the eastern crest, jutting above the shrubland-q, is an irregular line of rocky tors, which can be seen from many parts of the Strath Taieri Valley.
This I landscape unit has a number of characteristics worthy of, .otection. Perhaps the most important of these is the lack of visible man-made modifications. The diversity of vegetation communities which form a mosaic over the unit is another very important feature. Many parts of this landscape are sensitive to change, especially the fragile crust of the alpine tundra area.
This landscape unit falls within the natural landscape category, future tenure and management should be orientated towards conservation.
Landscape Unit 2
This landscape unit comprises the belt of tall snow tussock on the steep slopes below the eastern crest of the tops. The tussock cover is in very good condition. Because of its density and stature, few inter-tussock species are present. The area conveys a general impression of uniformity, which helps merge the whole of the eastern flank of the Rock and Pillars into one large landscape unit.
This relatively unmodified landscape unit forms a transition between landscape units 1 and 3. From a conservation perspective it should be managed predominantly as a natural landscape.
Landscape Unit 3
This landscape unit comprises the tussock grasslands which are present in the 450m to 1050m zone. Considerable modifications have occurred through past grazing and associated burning. However as with landscape unit 2, the overall impression of this mid-altitudinal belt from a distance, is that it is still clothed in a continuous native grass cover (tawny colour, fine texture). This zone is high]y vulnerable to further changes in land use, particular to the conversion of native tussock grassland into an exotic sward. Further tracking and subdivision would have a major visual impact, as would afforestation. Such changes would be highly visible from State Highway 87 and other parts of Strath Taieri.
Landscape Unit 4
This landscape unit comprises of a series of precipitous gullies, which dissect the lower flanks of the range. The steep nature of these gullies has acted as a natural barrier to fire and grazing animals. In many cases woody species are now spreading up these gullies, probably as a response to the elimination of feral deer and possibly due to less frequent burning. The stream beds at the base of these gullies fan out over the more fertile valley floor, and are commonly covered with matagouri, native broom and Coprosma. This landscape unit falls within the natural landscape category. These gullies are important for soil and water conservation, fire control, and have limited production value. Formal protection is proposed for one of them.
HISTORY/ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURES
Like other stations nearby, Taieri Lake Run was taken up for pastoralism in 1859. The original run extended south from the curve of the Taieri River at the Kyeburn and Hogburn confluences, to just south of the present homestead, at Last Creek.
In 1864, Main and Gairdner took over the run. Main was a barrister and a member of the Otago Provincial Council from 1867-70, and an MP and a Registrar of Lands and Deeds in the 1870s.
The 1882 pastoral runs map shows the homestead as being beside the Taieri. The wealth generated by the station, is apparent by the size of the old woolshed. This building was burnt down in 1974. Following Main's death in 1880, the run came under the administration of the Otago High Schools Board. James Dunnery took up the run in 1919 with the Allan family moving there on that date with his nephews Allan Bros purchasing the lease from him shortly afterwards. Dunnery was an orphan who "made good" on the goldfield-q and early stations, working so hard that he was nicknamed Night and Day Dunnery. Administration of the lease was transferred to the Department of Lands and Survey in 1949. The lease was disposed of without competition in 1956 as two pastoral leases. The two leases have always been run as a partnership.
The old homestead and shearers quarters are still present and in good condition. These buildings are located on freehold land. An old fence structure containing an H iron strainer post is located at the corner with three other runs, at GR 816395. The 1882 runs map suggests this could be part of the original stations back boundary. The wires attached are rusted No. 8, strained up with an old circular winder with nuts, bolts and hooks on it.
There are two minor areas of gold workings, both in Gills Creek. In a side gully there are some workings and a small water race leading from Boundary Creek. Two prospecting shafts are to be found on a terrace near the gully. The second workings are located near the confluence with the Taieri River. The half hectare area was serviced by a small race and was worked as late as 1894.
The most significant gold mining feature on the pastoral lease, is a large race which runs from the Sowburn to just south of Hyde. Built in 1865, at a cost of 2000 pounds, this high altitude, two metre wide, 50cm deep race was operated by race companies. Close to the boundary with Rockvale Station it feeds into a reservoir which is dam ed by a 40 metre wide and l.5m high wall. This wall has been modified for a vehicle track. A smaller race runs west from the reservoir into the Pigburn. It was built to supply water to the Hamilton Diggings, possibly as far back as the late 1860s.
A feature dating back to an early survey of Otago, are carefully constructed, stone based trigs with a metal spike set in their centre, known as a bayonet trig. The plinth is usually a wide circle of dry stone walling filled in with soil and rocks. The spike is beaten flat at the top, with the trig letter engraved on it. This is one of the three major types of trig station used in the early days of triangulation. Trig BB at GR: 869343 on Taieri Lake is one of four such trigs on the Rock and Pillar Range built prior to 1882. It is built on top of a rock tor. Trig Z built after 1882 is also mounted on a stone plinth.
Features protected by the Historic Places Act as archaeological sites, include the Sowburn Reservoir and race system, the bayonet trig BB, and possibly the remaining part of the old station boundary fence near trig Z.
RECREATION:
RECREATION AND ACCESS
The Rock and Pillar Range is the "home ground" for club skiing in Otago. Recorded winter usage goes back to 1932 with the formation of the Otago Ski Club. The range was initially used for downhill skiing; the development of Coronet Peak skifield in the l950s and 1960s with its better weather, access terrain and facilities saw the eventual demise of this activity. In recent years cross-country skiing has become well established. Huts located on Glencreag serve as a base for overnight ski tnps. The proximity of the range to Dunedin is a major factor in its relative importance for winter activities. It is only 80 km by sealed highway to the base of the range.
The frequency of '"arctic" weather conditions, especially in winter, on the summit, and the lack of natural shelter dictates that experience in alpine navigation and a knowledge of sunrival techniques are pre-requisites for winter recreation.
Summer recreation use is developing with regular tramping trips to the range occurring by Dunedin based clubs. Some 4WD recreational use also occurs, involving traverses of the range from the Dunstan Track.
Recreation groups have identified the need for several unrestricted access routes up the eastern flanks of the Rock and Pillar Range. These are required to provide for round trips of a day or several days duration, and to be used as escape routes in bad weather. One such proposed route departs from the Old Central Otago Railway Line near its intersection with State Highway 87, follows a fenceline near the southern boundary of Taieri Lake Station for approximately 2km, and then follows the property boundary fence to the pro, ,sed conservation estate (see attached map). Access will be legalized by way of an easement for foot travel only. Part of the old railway line at the former Rock and Pillar Station could be utilized for public vehicle parking.
Currently the only public access on the property is the lega] road which branches off the Dunstan Track and runs along the range crest to the back boundary.
DETAILED PROPOSAL: (See map attached at end of report)
1. The plateau shrublands, tussock interfingers and series of rock tors above approximately 1100m, and extending to the back boundary will be retained in Crown ownership and transferred to DOC as a reserve. This area covers approximately 1235 ha. In addition to its nature conservation values, it contains the historic Sowburn water race and reservoir, survey trig BB and the old station boundary fence. The proposed boundary is located on the only practical fenceline between approximately 900m above a.s.1 and the plateau summit.
2 The balance of the property (approximately 2606 ha) will be freeholded.
3. The native shrubland and totara forest remnants in House Creek gorge (area marked proposed covenant' on map attached to report) which are within the area proposed for freehoIding, will be protected by way of a covenant registered on the freehold title and issued under the Reserves Act.
4. A public foot access route will be created near the southern boundary of the area to be freehold ed from the Old Central Otago Railway Line to the lower boundary of the proposed DOC estate. This will be formalized through the registration of an easement against the title. The route will be closed each year between September 15th and October 15th for lambing.
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The lower boundary of priority area l (plateau shrublands) will be fenced to exclude grazing stock. During the early 1970's the lessees had discussions with the Otago Catchment Board regarding the implementation of a run plan. The proposal was not pursued as the lessees did not see sufficient benefits. The retirement fenceline discussed at this time corresponds approximately with the proposed boundary between conservation and freehold lands.
As long as existing farm management practices prevail, the shrub and forest covered gully proposed for covenanting need not be fenced as the vegetation is dense enough and the terrain sufficiently precipitous, to exclude stock and well managed fires from penetrating their margins.
The Hall's totara stand has survived because it is located in a fire refuge. To nurture the species and encourage it to spread out towards the adjacent forested gully, some fencing/fire breaks may be useful. Current grazing appears to be having little impact on the totara and may in fact aid seedling establishment.
DOC has agreed that in the unforseen event that grazing be offered in the area to be reserved, that the first option would be given to the owners of Taieri Lake Station.
Whilst the current lessees are committed to keeping stock out of the proposed reserve they or future occupiers will have perpetual access to the area for stock recovery and management purposes.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
An "early warning" meeting was held with the principal interest groups on 21 July 1993. NGO Groups were generally happy with proposal.
The property has been visited by Mr Howse representing the Ngai Tahu Trust Board. He will comment when requested by the Commissioner.
DISCUSSION:
This proposal represents a rationalization of land tenure, with clear benefits to the current lessees, DOC and to the general public.
Lands with high conservation values, a high degree of recreational use and low productive potential will become part of the public estate.
Productive lower altitude lands will be freeholded. Freehold tenure may serve to encourage the development of a more intensive farming system and possibly of diversification of landuse.
The lessees have a permit to use and maintain an historic race between the headwaters of Station (House) Creek, Heeney's Creek and Annets Creek, this will be unaffected by the proposal.
DESCRIPTION OF AREA TO BE FREEHOLDED:
a. Area: Approximately 2606 hectares.
b. Aspect Predominantly east and south east.
c. Altitude: 213 - 1100m a s 1.
d. Contour: Lower country flat to rolling. Upper country moderate to steep slopes.
e. Area Ploughable: 485 ha (approximately).
f. Rainfall: Averages 550m at homestead and increases with altitude.
g. Water Supply: Adequate natural water from creeks and streams.
h. Shelter: Predominantly contour, some shelter belts on flats.
i. Reversion: Limited to some matagouri and briar on lower country.
j. Erosion: Land to be freeholded has a minimal erosion problem.
k. Weeds & Pests: No major problems.
l. Soils: Arrow Steepland soils, Teviot Hill soils, Blackstone Hill soils and Gladbrook silt loams (see previous section for details on soils).
m. Land Use Capability
| CLASS | AREA (ha) | % |
| III | 412 | 16 |
| IV | 442 | 17 |
| V | 0 | 0 |
| VI | 924 | 35 |
| VII | 828 | 32 |
| Totals: | 2606 | 100 |
n. Cover
Cultivated pasture & feedcrops 390 hectares
Oversown & topdressed grasslands 1100 hectares
Unimproved grassland 1116 hectares
o. Likely Stock Numbers: The area transferring to the Conservation estate provides grazing for approximately 300 stock units on an annual basis. Contribution to total carrying capacity is higher, as the use of this area allows for spelling of AOSTD areas. In the short term the wether flock may be phased out. There is potential to compensate for this loss through investing in an expanded AOSTD programme.
p. General: Both areas to be freeholded have potential to be run as economic units.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you approve the proposal being advertised, with the following outcomes being recommended.
1. The surrender of Po154 and Po155 under Section 145 of the Land Act 1948.
2. The allocation of 1235 hectares (approximately) to the Department of Conservation as Conservation Estate.
3. That approximately 2606 hectares as be classified as "farmland" and be preferentially disposed to the current lessees of Taieri Lake Station under Section 51 of the Land Act 1948 as two freehold titles.
4. That it is recognized that the Department of Conservation has negotiated a covenant over an area (see attached map) within the proposed freehold under Section 77 of the Reserves Act.
5. That an easement be registered under Section 7(2) of the Conservation Act, against the freehold title to cater for walking access up the southern boundary of the freehold to the proposed DOC estate.
R Wardle
for Manager, Alexandra
LANDCORP PROPERTY LIMITED
Endorsed by:
T Perrett
for Regional Conservator
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
Attached
1. Map of Proposal
Return to ... Po 154 & Po 155 Taieri Lake
Public Access New Zealand
Monday, July 24, 1995
The Manager
Landcorp Property Limited
P O Box 27
ALEXANDRA
Dear Sir
Summary
(1) We support reservation of the top block, but with the lower boundary encompassing all of landscape unit 2.
(2) We ask that the foot access easement be open to public use year-round and be located along the boundary, commencing at the State Highway. If there are closure provisions we are unable to support the tenure review.
(3) We request that two unformed legal roads providing access to the Taieri River be reinstated.
(4) We request that full width marginal strips be created along all qualifying waterways, failing that recreation reserves along Heeney and House Creeks.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft proposal.
We are generally supportive of the proposals and are appreciative
that the lessee has been willing to advance them for public submission.
However there are aspects, itemised below, where we have concerns.
We request further explanation and consultation with us on these
prior to a final case being made to the Commissioner of Crown
Lands.
Proposed conservation land (Top Block)
It is unclear from the descriptions in the proposal if Landscape
Unit 2 is included in the area to be reserved. It should be. It
is a predominantly natural landscape consisting of a belt of tall
snow tussock "in very good condition". Such grasslands
are becoming rear in the Otago pastoral high country. There are
very strong nature conservation and recreation reasons for reserving
them. As important as the values of landscape unit 1 (plateau
shrublands) are, reservation of them alone is not sufficient recognition
of the public interest in protecting and using the remaining natural
lands on the property.
A new lower boundary fence is proposed at approximately 1100m
asl. We are concerned that this may not be low enough to encompass
all of landscape unit 2 (the snowgrass belt) and that bulldozing
may be required for fence establishment. We suggest that the next
(existing) fenceline downslope be used as the boundary instead.
Please clarify what is meant on page 13 by the current lessees
etc., having "perpetual access to the area...for management
purposes". Other than for recovery of trespassing stock and
water race maintenance we fail to see what other "management"
is required by adjoining owners over a public reserve. We want
and expect DOC to be the only managers. This is the point of tenure
exchanges--obtaining clear separation of ownership and management
rights as far as possible. If some kind of private "management"
role or pastoral use is contemplated over the reserve this should
be made explicitly clear in the proposals. On being informed of
what "management" is proposed we reserve the right to
make further submissions on this aspect.
Public Access Easement
There is an anomaly in the proposal for walking access. Recommendation
5 is for access "up the southern boundary" whereas page
12 describes the route as "near the southern boundary".
The map confirms the latter by showing the lower part of the route
following the true left side of Last Creek. This is 200-300 metres
north of the boundary fence.
We raise this because the route chosen may have a bearing on the
proposed annual closures September 15th and October 15 for lambing.
We are totally opposed to any such closures. The public wants
assured foot access at all times and in particular in the Spring
when the snow cap is extensive and traverses of the Range by ski
are the most practicable and attractive. It is at the very time
of the proposed closure that cross country skiers are most likely
to want to use the route to exit from the tops. It is likely to
be used regularly.
If there is lambing occurring in the vicinity of the boundary
it would make sense to locate the easement along the boundary
fence. Putting it up the middle of a paddock, such as the creek
route, is likely to cause more stock disturbance. We hope that
the 'map route' has not been selected to justify closure to the
public.
We favour an easement right beside the boundary fence. This is
marginally shorter than the creek route, is largely clear of scrub
unlike the creek route (a consideration when carrying skies on
packs), and will cause least disturbance to stock. It the owner
still finds stock disturbance unacceptable, there should be provision
in the easement agreement for one or other party (or jointly)
to lane-fence that portion of the route. We are adamant that there
should be no provision for closure. If there are closure provisions
we are unable to support the tenure review.
We agree with the use of section 7(2) of the Conservation Act
as authorisation for an easement, as this prevents the Minister
from disposing of any interest in the land. However, contrary
to Recommendation 5, section 7 does not provide for "registration"
of interests in land such as easements. It would also be desirable
to register the easement under the Land Transfer Act to enable
recording of the easement on the certificate of title.
Access to Taieri River
We note that a marginal strip exists along the true right bank
of the Taieri River however there is no provision for public access
from the state highway to the river. Convenient access to the
river is important for anglers and to a lesser extent for the
general public.
Until recently there was legal access in the form of two unformed
legal roads. However these have been transferred to the Crown
('c' and 'd' on SO 23305). We hope that the intention is not for
disposal of the land without access provision being made. If such
action is under way we request that it cease immediately. We request
that legal road status be reinstated.
Marginal strips
There are brown trout in Gills, Last, Heeney, and House Creeks,
with the latter two creeks being highly valuable for juvenile
rearing.
Full width marginal strips should be established along all creeks
that qualify. If Heeney or House Creeks do not qualify for marginal
strips we recommend that recreation reserves be established along
their banks to allow future enhancement of fisheries values. The
reserves classification could then be upgraded to a higher status
if required.
Yours faithfully,
Bruce Mason
Trustee
Return to ... Po 154 & Po 155 Taieri Lake
(Official) ANALYSIS OF SUBMISSIONS FOLLOWING ADVERTISING OF DRAFT
PROPOSAL FOR TAIERI LAKE PO154 AND PO155
This tenure review proposal was advertised in the Otago Daily Times and the Southland Times on Saturday 6 May 1995 and Wednesday 10 July 5th. Submissions closed on July 5th.
LIST OF SUBMITTORS.
Bruce and Elaine Watson. The Wandle (Neighbouring pastoral
lease).
Central Otago Tramping Club
Chns Pearson, Dunedin
Federated Mountain Clubs. Wellington
Otago Miners Association
Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club
Professor Allan Mark, Department of Botany, Otago University
Public Access New Zealand
Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society - Southern Office
Royal Forest and Bird Protection ~Soeiety - Upper Clutha Branch
GENERAL TENOR OF SUBMISSIONS
Strongly Supportive (No Reservations) =2
Supportive (Would Support if Minor Changes are made) =1
Neutral (W ould Support if substantial changes were made) =4
Opposed (Proposal would require mad or changes) =1
Submission Generic (doesn't necessarily relate to specific issues on this property) =1
FREQUENCY OF SPECIFIC CONCERNS IN SUBMISSIONS
Opossed to Closure of Public Access for lambing. =4
Wish to lower DOC/FH boundary. =4
Opposed to land being transferred to D0C with no provisions protecting mining access. =1
Request Second conservation covenant in Heeney's Ck. =2
Request Provision of Access to Taier; River =1
Request that Recreation Reserves be established on margins of Heeney's and House Creeks if they do not qualify for marginal strips.=1
SUMMARY
The majority f submissions support the basic concept behind the tenure review ie reserving the top of the property, freeholding the lower country, providing public access to the newly created reserve via the southern property boundary and protecting the House Creek Forest remnant under a covenant. The two most common and strongly expressed reservations are:
1. That the closure of the access route for lambing (between September 15th and 15th October) is unacceptable and unnecessary Several submittors believe that if the entire route was located on the boundary fence closure would he unneeessary.
2. That the DOC freehold boundary should be lowered to the existing fence on the lower boundary of the top block. Reasons given are that the block is in a natural condition; is erosion prone class 7 land, has high landscape va1ues and that pastora1ism cannot be sustained :in the long term on unimproved grasslands at this altitude.
Return to ... Po 154 & Po 155 Taieri Lake
Knight Frank
Land Resources Division
Our Ref: Po258
12 April 1996
Public Access New Zealand Inc
R D 1
OMAKAU
Dear Submitter
TAIERI LAKE TENURE REVIEW
Thank you for your submission on a draft tenure review proposal
for Taieri Lake Station. Public submissions resulted in two substantial
changes to the advertised proposal. These amendments are as follows:
(a) The access easement up the Southern boundary of the property
is to be available for 365 day public foot access.
(b) An easement is to be surveyed and registered against the freehold
title to cater for public access from State Highway 87 to the
Taieri River.
The Commissioner of Crown Lands has approved the following:
1. The surrender of pastoral leases Pol54 and Pol55 under Section
145 Land Act 1948 following completion of survey plans and necessary
documentation to implement this proposal.
2. The allocation of an area of 1235 hectares (subject to survey)
to the Conservation Estate.
3. 2606 hectares (subject to survey) is to be classified as "farmland"
and preferentially allocated to the current lessees of Taieri
Lake Station under Section 51 Land Act 1948 as two freehold titles.
4. Minor works relating to road incorporation and disposal of
surplus railway land will be completed in conjunction with the
tenure review process.
5. The Department of Conservation has negotiated a Covenant over
a native forest remnant within the improved freehold.
6. An easement under Section 7(2) of the Conservation Act will
be registered against the freehold title to cater for 365 day
public walking access up the southern boundary of the freehold
to the proposed Conservation Estate.
7. An easement under Section 7(2) of the Conservation Act will
be registered against freehold title to cater for public walking
access to the Taieri River from State Highway 87. This easement
is to replace a current right of way registered on the pastoral
lease title document.
8. The Department of Conservation has agreed to maintain the boundary
fence between the proposed Conservation Estate and freehold for
a period of eight (8) years following its completion.
9. Following the issue of title, DOC will obtain from the Regional
Council a certificate pursuant to Section 417 of the Resource
Management Act 1990 and will register it against the proposed
Conservation Estate (as a gazettal) to secure Taieri Lake Station
access to water which it has historically sourced from the proposed
Conservation Estate.
The lessees of Taieri Lake Station have agreed to the above
proposal.
Please find attached map depicting
the approved proposal.
Thank you again for your submission.
Yours faithfully
Rob Wardle
Consultant
KNIGHT FRANK (NZ) LIMITED
