This page last modified 6 May 2002

Mt Pisa pastoral lease

Pisa Range
Otago Land District
Tenure review not approved by Commissioner of Crown Lands

SUBMISSION TO
COMMISSIONER OF CROWN LANDS

Draft Proposal for Tenure Review
Mount Pisa Station

KF REF: Po271 & Po272

Application Date: 26 October 1995

(1) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Mount Pisa Station is a large pastoral property well located on the Cromwell Wanaka Road, State Highway 6. It is made up of two separate leases and has for many years been in the McMillan family. The higher altitude portions of the property contain considerable nature conservation and public recreation interest including a large RAP (recommended area for protection) The tenure review outcomes which have been negotiated include:

The freeholding of approximately 4900 ha to the current lessees.
Transfer of approximately 4000 ha of high altitude land to the Department of Conservation land.
A Grazing Permit terminating in 21 years for a limited number of stock at market rental to the current lessees, over approximately half of the proposed conservation land.
An access easement in favour of the public giving practical walking access to the conservation land.
A right of way easement in favour of Mount Pisa over the DOC land to provide access to the grazing permit area.

In the context of the tenure of the whole of the Pisa Range this is an important piece of the jigsaw. It is consistent with outcomes on adjoining properties.

(2) PASTORAL LEASE DETAILS:

Po271:

Term: 33 years from I July 1993

Expiry Date: 30 June 2026

Rental Value: $ 310,000

Annual Rent: $ 4,650

Area: 3800 hectares

Legal Description: Run 731 Blocks XV and XVI Cardrona Survey Districts, Block II and IV Tarras Survey District, Block I Wakefield Survey District and Block VIII Cromwell Survey District as shown in Certificate of Title 13/817 (Otago Registry).

Po272:

Term: 33 years from I July 1993

Expires on: 30 June 2026

Rental Value: $200,000

Annual Rent: $3,000

Area: 5101.2345 hectares

Legal Description: Part Run 730 Blocks VI, VIII, IX and X Cromwell Survey District, Block I Wakefield Survey District and Blocks XII and XVI Cardrona Survey District, Lot I DP 11740 being Section 41 Block I Wakefield Survey District as shown on Certificate of Title IC/818 (Otago Registry).

LESSEE:

William Murray MacMillan and Jacquiline Anne MacMillan and Trustees Executors & Agency Company of New Zealand Limited.

(3) RESOURCE REPORTS:

3.1 PROPERTY REPORT:

General:
Mount Pisa Station is large pastoral property, well located on the Cromwell-Wanaka Road State Highway 6. Cromwell is only 15 kms away which provides most services.

Mount Pisa is made up off two separate runs, and has been in the MacMillan ownership since W G MacMillan being a discharged serviceman from WWI obtained the property by ballot. The original run was 147000 acres and reverted to the Crown in 1921, when it was subdivided and balloted.

A Run Plan was initiated in 1974 which saw most of the recent development take place, this included fencing, cultivation, root raking and irrigation.

Although the property is large, road frontage is a relatively narrow 2 kms.

Cover over most of the property has been extensively modified by past burning and grazing. Rabbits have been bad (at worst 60000 rabbits/year taken off property). The property remains prone to rabbit invasion.

Current rabbit levels are relatively low due to ongoing control. The main weeds are matagouri, briar and hawkweed.

The property is well subdivided with good fencing. Tracks are adequate and there is a full range of buildings.

Climate:
The climate on the flats semi-arid in character. Rainfall at the homestead is around 450 mm increasing to about 1500 mm on the tops. Snow lies down to about 1000 metres in winter. Despite summer rainfall droughts can occur in summer and early autumn.

Temperatures show a marked seasonal variation with extremes of -10°C in winter and 30°C+ in summer. There is an average of over 170 ground frosts per annum The prevailing winds are desiccating north-wester and a rain bearing southerly.

Altitude:
The property ranges from 240 m.a.s.l. adjacent to the Wanaka-Cromwell Highway to 1964 m. a.s.l. at Mount Pisa on the top of the range.

Shelter:
Mostly natural, however some planted shelter belts on the flats.

Water:
Stock water is provided by natural streams, water races and a small scheme in the paddocks. Irrigation water is provided from the Mount Pisa Scheme and a private scheme on the property.

Soils:
Soil details were obtained from the Soil and Water Conservation Plan No 129.

Soils can be summarised as follows:

Soils of the mountains and steeplands:

These include Obelisk, Dunstan steepland, Carrick and Carrick Hill soils, Arrow steepland, Ardgour, Lochar, Waenga and Ripponvale soils. These are all schist derived soils mainly low to very low fertility at higher altitudes and medium to high fertility on the lower slopes and fans.

Soils of the terraces:

These include Lowburn and Molyneux soils. These are derived from schist and are medium to low fertility.

Soils of the flats:

Fraser soils. These are derived from schist alluvium and are of high fertility.

Contour and Cover:
Approximately 650 ha of cultivated flat areas, (180 ha of this is border dyke or wild flood irrigated) and is either in well established pastures or lucerne. Un-watered cultivated land tend to revert faster to less productive grasses and weeds.

A further 460 ha of flats is in dryland pasture species, browntop, sweet vernal, hard tussock, scabweed, matagouri and briar. Limited grazing is available with matagouri and briar causing come access problems especially in the stream gullies.

A mid-altitude area of approximately 3000 ha has been oversown and topdressed and is dominated by a cover of fescue and silver tussock and introduced species particularly browntop, sweet vernal, cocksfoot and clovers. Briar and matagouri are also present in the lower slopes.

A further 2630 ha of mid-altitude country and has native cover with good snow tussock over the sheltered country below Mount Pisa and Lake Mackay. The leading ridges are somewhat depleted being exposed and have vegetation of low growing subalpine plants and short tussock. Hawkweed has established itself in these areas and is quite thick in places. Other plants include fescue and blue tussock, speargrass, dracophyllum and Celmisia.

The high altitude native country (2100 ha) covers most of the Top Block and the Pisa Range crest. Dominated by alpine cushion plants, Celmisia and some snow tussock in the top basins.

Land Use Capability:
This information has been obtained by the Soil and Water Conservation Plan No 129 and land classifications have been recorded as follows:

Class III 130 ha

Class IV 115 ha

Class V 3755 ha

Class VII 2780 ha

Class VIII 2120 ha

Zoning:
Zoned Rural I under the Vincent County part of the Central Otago Transitional District Plan.

The Rural I zone is a general rural zone which covers most of the rural lands in the County.

In addition to farming and other uses associated with agricultural use of land, provision is made for a range of Conditional Uses. Existing uses on the property are listed as Predominant Uses under the Plan.

An area adjacent to the Cromwell-Wanaka Road is Designated as having high potential soils.

Production:
Stock limitation was approved in 1989 and consists of:

12000 sheep (including not more than 6000 breeding ewes)

300 cattle (including not more than 230 breeding cows)

150 deer

500 goats

A block limit on the Back Block allows grazing to a maximum of 2000 sheep for up to 3 months over summer. This limitation is personal to the current manager.

The property traditionally runs a flock of half-bred ewes to a terminal sire and a flock of Merino sheep on the hill. Hereford cows are mated to Simmental bulls.

Current stock numbers are as follows (Winter 1996):

Sheep:

3500 Merino ewes

1500 Half-bred ewes

2300 Merino wethers

2500 Hoggets

200 Rams

Cattle:

230 Breeding cows

60 Heifers

40 Others

Performance includes (average):

Lambing:   80% Merino; 125% Half-bred

Wool weight:    4 kg

Calving:    Sheep 90%

3.2 CONSERVATION RESOURCES REPORT (summary):

The property runs from 220 m to 1960 m in altitude and makes up a significant part of the highly visible eastern scarp face of the Pisa Range. Included are approximately 1200 ha of flats and terraces with a rapid transition at around 500 m altitude to steep to very steep slopes.

The original tussock cover has been extensively removed by cultivation on the easy country and by fire. oversowing and topdressing up to around 1100 m above which, although modified by grazing the vegetation is predominantly natural. The property lies within the Pisa Ecological District which is made up of the Pisa Range. This ecological district was surveyed under the PNA programme in 1985. Approximately 1280 ha of higher altitude land at the northern end of the property was included in the large (8560 ha) Recommended Area for Protection (RAP) Pisa A3.. This area, plus a further 800 ha to the south-west with very high landscape values, has been included in a 2100 ha conservation covenant which is registered on the title.

Landscape:
The most significant visual feature on Pisa Station is the dramatic and impressive eastern fault scarp face of the Pisa Range. It overlooks and dominates the Clutha Valley, and forms an important visual backdrop to Cromwell and Lake Dunstan.

The cirque basins and steep slumped slopes forming the upper section of the face are the most distinctive feature on the range viewed from the Clutha Valley and culminate in the highest point on the block range - Mount Pisa. Viewed at close range the combination of glacial features and vegetation characteristics are visually impressive.

The effect of light and shade, particularly early morning and late afternoon, and seasonal and weather changes result in special effects which contribute to overall visual and scenic values and to public appreciation of the Pisa Range. This face represents a regionally, perhaps nationally, significant landscape.

Vegetation:

Pisa Tops - Pisa A3:

The part of the RAP that is on Mount Pisa station was identified in the PNAP process because of its topography and vegetation. The top portion of the eastern face on Mount Pisa is a continuous line of glacial cirques which comprise steep cliffs, rocky ridges, deep basins with tarns and slumped ripply colluvial slopes unmodified by glaciation.

The vegetation pattern is that the ridge above the cirques is very exposed and has sparse small cushions dominated by Poa pygmaea and Luzula pumila. The cirque headwalls are generally steep and rocky with scenic areas. The unstable scree areas have very sparse vegetation comprising mainly Epilobium alsinoides and Ranunculus pachyrrhizus while the stable slopes have Marsippospermum gracile, some Chionochloa macra, Celmisia viscosa, C. haastii and Dracophyllum muscoides.

The cirque basins in the RAP have either a tarn in their head or flushes. The tarns and flushes have a sedge field surrounding them dominated by Carex gaudichaudiana, C. hectorii, Anisotome aromatica, Gnaphalium mackayi and Brachyglottis bellidioides.

The cushion field around the tarn and flushes is normally surrounded by Chionochloa macra grassland. This is generally depleted, but some areas have excellent ground cover.

The complexity of the land form within the cirque basins is responsible for an intricate mosaic of distinct communities, a pattern that is not found elsewhere on the Pisa Range.

Balance of Property:
The remainder of the property contains eight major plant communities of which some 3000 ha comprise mainly indigenous vegetation.

(a) Alpine Cushion Field:
The cushion field is largely confined to the broad ridge crest of the Pisa Range, is composed of alpine cushion plants such as Abrotanella caespitosa, Hector Ella caespitosa, Anisotome imbricata, Raoulia hectori and Poa pygmaea.

(b) Dracophyllum Cushion Field:
Dracophyllum cushion field occupies soil hummocks forming distinctive patterns over large areas on the Mount Pisa station over a large altitudinal range 1450 m -1900 m. This cushion field of Dracophyllum muscoides is largely a secondary community induced from tussock grassland in the process of burning and subsequent long term grazing.

(c) Mixed tall and short tussock grasslands:
This community of short tussock Poa colensoi, Festuca novae-zelandiae, Chionochloa macra and C. rigida is the most extensive community on Mount Pisa station. Ranging in altitude from 1400 m to 1700 m. This community represents a transitional zone between Chionochloa and short tussock grasslands.

(d) Tall tussock grasslands:
Chionochloa rigida is the major component of this community, while C. macra trends to be far more scattered and at a higher altitude. There are some dense stands of C. macra remaining in pockets on Mount Pisa station. These occur in shady slopes or slightly more sheltered area. An extensive stand occurs near Mount Dotterel over an altitudinal range from 1300 m on to 1690 m. Also good remnants occur in the headwaters of Mitre and Skeleton Creek.

The Chionochloa macra on the station is highly variable, in a tributary of the Colour Burn the tussock is extremely dense and up to I m tall. Elsewhere it often has a short stature and is quite scattered.

(e) Short tussock grasslands:
On Mount Pisa the short tussock grasslands are predominantly composed of Poa colensoi and Festuca novae-zelandiae. As with the mixed tall tussock short tussock grasslands at the higher altitudes, this short tussock grassland community represents a transitional zone from tall tussock to short tussock or pasture grassland.

Shrubland:
There were no high altitude shrublands surveyed on Mount Pisa, and in contrast to adjoining properties it is not a prominent vegetation community. Shrublands are mainly confined to lower slopes around the creeks and gullies draining off the Pisa range.

Lowland Grasslands:
This broad zone occurs below 1100 m and includes mainly the improved grassland as well as the shrubland community. Very little short tussock survives in this zone having largely disappeared sometime ago. The occasional totora log remains from a bygone age.

Aquatic Vertebrates:
In total, nine sites were fished:

The presence of brown trout in nearly all areas fished and the near absence of native species gives the property little value for indigenous fish conservation. Two native species were found on Mount Pisa Station. One, the koaro is considered threatened (category C), while the upland bully is a common fish in the South Island.

Recreation/Access:

Access:
The only legal access through the property at present is the paper road, largely on the line of the old Pack Track, at the southern end of the property.

Three access tracks run through the property to the Pisa crest. The two northern ones are steep, negotiable in dry weather by true cross country vehicles only, and too dangerous in adverse conditions at any time to be suitable for use by the public.

The track at the southern end that enters Mount Pisa from Lowburn Valley property and passes through on into the Pisa Conservation Area along the western side of the Pisa crest is of a better standard and is the main vehicle access to the southern end of the Pisa Range. The track re-enters Mount Pisa at some points along the Pisa Ridge and it is possible, again in a true cross country vehicle, to connect with both the Waiorau and Locharburn access tracks.

Uses.
A modest number of shooters (quail, rabbits, goats, pigs) and trampers make use of virtually all of the property and the present lessees have a good record of giving access permission. The greatest use, however, is vehicle access up the southern track, plus tramping and horse riding on the old Cardrona Pack Track. The musterers' hut on this route is unlocked for emergencies and available for use by permission. It receives a moderate level of use both summer and winter when it is a useful starting point for crosscountry skiing.

Existing Management:
The most significant problem plants are briar at lower altitude and Hieracium (particularly Lepidulum) through the mid-altitude (600 m-1100 m) belt. Rabbits are a major pest, particularly at lower altitude, although the property is not included in the Rabbit and Land Management Programme. Pigs and goats are present though kept to acceptable levels by recreational hunting. Subdivision fencing is causing overgrazing in places, particularly at higher altitude though shifting the fences would probably only shift the area of pressure in most cases.

While there is considerable patch burning, particularly at lower altitude (gully matagouri briar) large-scale tussock burning is not practised.

3.3 MINERAL RESOURCES:

Mount Pisa is in a district well known for its historic gold mining. There are a number of water races stemming from the property, which were used for gold mining. The large Westmorland Race started around the Parkburn and was used for mining at Cromwell and the Kawarau River. There is evidence of gold mining with Chinese diggings in Chinamans Creek at the north end of the property. This was an area of gold bearing gravels which were sluiced. There were also shafts sunk in the south spur of Tinwald Burn to test for the continuation of the Bendigo Reef (on the otherside of the Clutha Valley).

The extent of the remaining gold or other minerals on the property is unknown.

3.4 TOURISM RESOURCES:

Mount Pisa is located adjacent to State Highway 6 which enjoys high tourist numbers. It is the main route between the resorts of Wanaka and Queenstown. Tourist use of the property itself is low.

There is potential on the property for increased public and tourist use. There is existing public use of the historic Cardrona-Cromwell pack track. Winter ski touring is also popular with a limited number of enthusiasts.

3.5 FORESTRY RESOURCES:

Trees grow well on the lower parts of the property and there are a number of belts. Economics of forestry on the property are unlikely to be attractive due to relatively low rainfall and distance from ports. We consider that there would be more suitable areas for forestry production.

(4) PUBLIC CONSULTATION:

An early warning meeting was held with the NGO's (non-governmental organistions) on 23 May 1996. The issues/objectives raised were:

(1)   Land above 1100 metres to go to DOC.

(2)   Class VIII and most Class VII land to go to DOC.

(3)   Foot and mountain bike access on old pack track.

(4)   Foot access on Breakneck Spur or alternative.

(5)   Horse access on old pack track.

(6)   All water courses greater than 3 metres to have marginal strips laid off.

(7)   Use of musterer's hut in Back Block.

(8)   DOC - freehold boundary to be consistent (landscape) with neighbouring runs.

In addition to the above meeting letters have been received from Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust and the Cromwell Riding Club requesting horse access over all of the land transferred to DOC from tenure change on this property (and others).

4.2 NGAI TAHU CONSULTATION:

The Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu representative Mr Trevor Howse inspected the property on the 26 February 1996. Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu will report directly to the Office of Crown Lands on request regarding any Iwi cultural interests.

(5) PROPOSAL:

(i) Area to be Retained by the Crown as Conservation Land:
It is proposed that the blocks known as the Back Block, Breakneck and the Basin's will become conservation land. There will be fencing adjustments at the bottom of Breakneck and the Basin require a new fence at an altitude between 1000 - 1200 m.a.s.l.

The purpose of the new fencing is to cut-off those areas below the line of natural vegetation as identified in the Department of Conservation report.

These areas are made up of both Class VI and VII land and are more suited to pastoral use.

This outcome will achieve retirement from grazing of the high altitude portion of the property. Retirement will be immediate in the Basin's and Breakneck with medium term grazing on the Crow's Nest and Back Block (*see grazing permit details)

The conservation land will incorporate a large part of Pisa RAP A3, and will include all the inherent . values of nature conservation, landscape protection and public recreation. A total of approximately 4000 ha area in these blocks will become conservation I and.

(ii) It is proposed that a grazing permit will be provided to the current lessee for a term of 7 years over the Back Block and Crow's Nest Blocks (2140 ha approximately). This licence will have the right of renewal for two terms making a total of 21 years at which time it will terminate (no renewal will be available after termination).

Although continued grazing in these areas is seen as less than ideal from a nature conservation prospective, the permit will have strict stock limitations which should prevent any deterioration in the vegetation. It must be remembered that this area has been grazed for approximately 140 years and we believe there has been little change in the vegetation under the current regime in recent times.

Permit details will allow for 1500 wethers to be run for 2 1/2 months from February to mid-May. This is equivalent to 0.10 su/ha/annum. Rental will be a commercial rate plus an administration fee ($4.50/su grazed, minmum $100/annum).

DOC in consultation with the permitees will establish photo point monitoring of vegetation within the permit area.

The ownership of the hut at the head of Skeleton Stream will remain with the current lessee. Although there has been demand for public use of this hut in most instances the current lessee has been happy for a level of public use when it has been previously arranged. It is proposed that this hut transfer to the Crown at the end of the 21 year period. Lessee chattels may be removed on or before this time.

Public access to this area will include the existing pack track walkway as well as wander at will access over the whole of the conservation land including the grazing permit area.

There will be some fencing changes. The fence between the Crow's Nest and the Back Block which traverses the eastern side of Mount Dotteril will be removed making for a lighter stocking rate. An additional fence will be erected around an alpine bog area to the north of Mount Dotteril This will exclude stock or any vehicles from this area.

(iii) A public access easement will be created up the north-eastern boundary of the property from State Highway 6 and then on up the Tinwald Burn. This route will be available 365 days a year but will only be suitable for walking access.

This access in unformed and there are no plans to form it in the near future.

In most cases the tracks on the property will be available for public use by specific arrangement with the owners of the property.

(iv) Horse riding will be restricted to the old pack track. In recent years with the vast increase in 4WD vehicles tracks on the Pisa Range have come in for considerable use. Tracks once barely discernable are now three lanes wide in places. For landscape and nature conservation reasons vehicle access will be subject to restrictions on the conservation area.

(v) The adjoining land is proposed conservation land ex Waiorau Station tenure review. Fencing along the crest of the range will become redundant and as such can be removed. As part of this proposal the lessee may remove these fences and use many of the materials to construct the new boundary fences on Breakneck and the Basins Blocks. This is subject to the Waiorau Station surrender being completed.

In the future when grazing ceases on the Back Block and the Crow's Nest. boundary fences may be removed as resources permit.

(vi) An access easement (may in fact be a DOC concession) in favour of Mount Pisa Station will be created over the tracks in the basins and Breakneck Blocks as well as in the adjoining ex Waiorau land. This will remain only for the term of the grazing permit on the Back Block. Again this is subject to the completion of the Waiorau Station surrender.

(vii) An area of approximately 4901 ha will be freeholded to the current lessees. All but approximately 900 ha of Class VII and no Class VIII land will be freeholded. A significant amount of the Class VIII land to be freeholded is at low altitude and associated with streams or scrubby areas.

The subdivision of the property as proposed will leave a strong sustainable unit. We would expect some small short term reduction in stock units with a loss of the wether flock all together at the end of grazing permit period. The biggest impact of the tenure review will be the perceived loss of the high country way of life as a result of the initial loss of ownership and eventual retirement of the high altitude land.

We believe the opportunities available from a freehold tenure on this high profile property adjacent to the Cromwell - Wanaka road could be significant. These are likely to be opportunities in the medium to longer term associated with diversified enterprises (viticulture?), tourist opportunities or subdivision into alternate land uses

(6) RECOMMENDATIONS:

(1) That you accept surrender of Po271 and Po272 under Section 145 of the Land Act 1948.

(2) That approximately 4000 ha of high altitude land be retained by the Crown and created a conservation area under the Conservation Act 1987.

(3) That a grazing permit under Section 68 (a) of the Land Act 1948 be granted in favour of the current lessees on 2140 ha. This will be a 7 year term with two rights of renewal. DOC in consultation with the permitees to establish photo point monitoring of vegetation within this permit area.

(4) An access easement under Section 7 (2) of the Conservation Act in favour of the public be created up the north-eastern boundary of the property and then up the Tinwald Burn to the proposed conservation land boundary foot access only

(5) That a right of way easement in favour of Mount Pisa be created over proposed conservation land to provide access to the grazing permit area.

(6) The freeholding of approximately 4901 ha of Po271 and Po272 with its preferential allocation to the current lessees.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Hamel 1990: Historical and Archaeological Sites on the Mount Pisa Queensberry Runs

Otago Catchment Board: Soil and Water Conservation Plan No 129

Back to ... Po 271 & Po 272 MtPisa

MOUNT PISA
CONSERVATION RESOURCE REPORT

PART 1

INTRODUCTION

A relatively large property (8900 ha) situated 13 km west of Cromwell on the CromwellWanaka road in the upper Clutha Valley. This unit comprises two pastoral lease titles, P271 and P272. The road frontage is only 2 km but the back boundary along the Pisa Range is 17 km in length. The property runs from 220 m to 1960 m in altitude and makes up a significant part of the highly visible eastern scarp face of the Pisa Range. Included are approximately 1200 ha of flats and terraces with a rapid transition at around 500 m altitude to steep to very steep slopes. The original tussock cover has been extensively removed by cultivation on the easy country and by fire, oversowing and topdressing up to around 1100m above which, although modified by grazing the vegetation is predominantly natural. The property lies within the Pisa Ecological District which is made up of the Pisa Range. This ecological district was surveyed under the PNA programme in 1985. Approximately 1280 ha of higher altitude land at the northern end of the property was included in the large (8560 ha) Recommended Area for Protection (RAP) Pisa A3. This area, plus a further 800 ha to the south-west with very high landscape values, has been included in a 2100 ha conservation covenant which is registered on the title.

PART 2

LANDSCAPE

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER: DESCRIPTION

Mount Pisa Station covers a large section of the Pisa Range eastern face extending from the old Cardrona Cromwell Pack Track in the south, to the Basin Burn Catchment to the north. The ridge crest forms the western boundary of the lease, however at the southern end it extends on to the ridge crest.

For ease of description the lease is broken into three descriptive areas:

1.   Tops and eastern face

2.   Southern ridge and valley system

3.   Foothills, terraces and flats.

1. Tops and Eastern Face

The top of the eastern face is a continuous line of glacial cirques and steep slumped slopes forming part of the collapsed eastern fault scarp face. It falls 1700 m to the Clutha Valley floor.

The cirque basins support distinct alpine communities and is characterised by tarns, iceworn rock outcrops and moraine deposits.

Below the cirque basins is a distinct ridge and gully system and further below slumped ripply colluvial slopes. Snow tussock is extensive on the eastern face below the cirques thinning out to fescue tussockland with further modification by oversowing and topdressing. Dracophyllum shrubland is characteristic of many shady faces between 1300 m and 1600 m. Briar is common at lower altitudes. Overall the vegetation cover retains the appearance of a tussock grassland.

2. Southern Ridge and Valley System

This area at the southern end of the lease is characterised by a gentle ridge and valley system studded with rock tor outcrops.

The Cardrona/Cromwell pack track is of historical interest. Vegetation is predominantly snow tussock, blue tussock and Spaniard giving way to fescue tussock at lower altitude. Overall tussock grassland is intact although is somewhat depleted on dry sunny faces.

Towards the southwest of the lease, valleys drain into the Meg and streams become incised in steep-sided valleys, contrasting with the gentle undulating topography of their upper reaches.

3. Foothills, Terraces and Flats

The lower terraces and flats are culturally modified. Tussock has been mostly replaced by exotic grasses and lucerne, and subdivided into smaller blocks and paddocks. Other characteristic features include shelterbelts, hay barns, irrigation dams and contrasting green areas denoting irrigated pastures and lucerne. These contrast strongly with the parched dryland areas during summer months.

The station homestead and buildings are set amongst an oasis of exotic trees. Mostly poplar, oak, ash, pine and sequoia. The homestead is built from local stone. The pine tree avenue leading to the homestead from the highway is a strong visual element. Numerous outbuildings and cottages are associated with the station homestead.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LANDSCAPE

The most significant visual feature on Pisa Station is the dramatic and impressive eastern fault scarp face of the Pisa Range. It overlooks and dominates the Clutha Valley, and forms an important visual backdrop to Cromwell and Lake Dunstan.

LANDFORMS AND GEOLOGY

The northern end of the property is on the eastern fault face of the Pisa Range, one of the major Haast schist block mountain ranges in Central Otago. The southern part comprises the easier slopes of the south end of the range before tipping more steeply into the gorge incised by the Kawarau River. The flats and terraces are a variable loess overlay on mainly outwash gravels both alluvial and glacial. The whole property is extensively dissected by a number of creek catchments. Towards the northern end are a number of classical cirque basins and this area includes a registered geomorphological site LAN 381. The tor and cliff formations are a feature of this property. The main soil types are:

1.   On the flats and terraces - Drybread, Waenga and Clyde brown grey earths

2.   On the lower slopes to about halfway - Arrow yellow grey earth steepland soil

3.   On the upper slopes - Carrick Hill soil and Dunstan steepland soil with Obelisk soils on the crest, all these last three being yellow brown earths.

The natural fertility of the soils decreases with altitude due to the leaching effect of the increased rainfall.

GEOPRESERVATION ENTRY

Record ID No: LAN 381

Name: Pisa Cirque Moraine

Landform: Cirque Moraine

District: Clutha

Locality: Cirques in Pisa Range

Importance: C (Regional Significance). Good examples of cirque moraine

Map: F41 Easting 087 Northing 855 Date 1986

Vulnerability: 3

Ownership:

Status: None

Access: 3

Land Use:

Hazards:

Morphogenic: Glacial

Material:

Age:

CLIMATE

Typical semi-arid Central Otago with hot dry summers and cold winters. Annual rainfall at the homestead is only 450 mm but with a steep altitudinal variation to 1400 mm to 1500 mm on the tops. Much of the higher altitude precipitation falls as snow with a winter cap down to 1200 mm and falls to the lowest levels not uncommon. The predominant wind is the dry nor-wester which exacerbates the summer soil moisture deficit at the lower levels.

VEGETATION

Mount Pisa lies within the Pisa Ecological District as part of the broader Central Otago Ecological Region. The property was surveyed as part of the Protected Natural Areas Programme (PNAP) in 1985. Since then a number of specialists have visited the property to assess its conservation value. The Pisa PNAP survey identified one major area on Mount Pisa station worthy of protection. This recommended area for protection (RAP) on Mount Pisa formed part of a larger RAP covering the majority of the Pisa Range tops. This RAP known as "Pisa A3 PISA TOPS" covers an area of 8560 ha of which 1280 ha is on Mount Pisa station. It is described below:

(1) Pisa Tops - Pisa A3

The vegetation pattern is that the ridge above the cirques is very exposed and has sparse small cushions dorninated by Poa pygmaea and Luzula pumila, below the crest is Epilobium alsinoides, Myosotis sp, Aciphylla simplex and some Poa colensoi. The cirque headwalls are generally steep and rocky with scenic areas. The unstable scree areas have very sparse vegetation comprising mainly Epilobium alsinoides and Ranunculus pachyrrhizus while the stable slopes have Marsippospermum gracile, some Chionochloa macra, Celmisia viscosa, C. haasii and Dracophyllum muscoides.

The cushion field around the tarn and flushes is normally surrounded by Chionochloa macra grassland. This is generally depleted, but some areas have excellent ground cover. The Chionochloa macra merges with C. rigida at about 1300 m on shady slopes and 1580 m on sunny slopes. The C. rigida extends down the front faces in the RAP for another 200-300, below 1100-1000 m it becomes very scattered, and depleted. Within the Chionochloa grassland Poa colensoi, P. kirkii and Rytidosperma setifolium is also found.

The complexity of the land form within the cirque basins is responsible for an intricate mosaic of distinct communities, a pattern that is not found elsewhere on the Pisa Range.

(3) Balance of Property

The remainder of the property contains eight major plant communities of which some 3000 ha comprise mainly indigenous vegetation.

(a) Alpine Cushion Field

The cushion field is largely confined to the broad ridge crest of the Pisa Range, and stretches over some 9 km along the range between 1769 m and 1964 m asl. The cushion field is composed of alpine cushion plants such as Abrotanella caespitosa, Hectorella caespitosa, Anisotome imbricata, Raoulia hectori and Poa pygmaea. The cushions are relatively small and in some instances are represented by only a single plant. The proportion of bare ground along the ridge is high. Dracophyllum muscoides also occurs at this altitude and when present the cushion are larger than those of other plants, but still flattened and disturbed. Celmisia brevifolia and Gentiana bellidifolia plants that are normally found in semi open, alpine tussock grasslands are relatively common in this open exposed cushion field.

(b) Dracophyllum Cushion Field

Dracophyllum cushion field occupies soil hummocks forming distinctive patterns over large areas on the Mount Pisa station over a large altitudinal range 1450 m-1900 m. This cushion field of Dracophyllum muscoides is largely a secondary community induced from tussock grassland in the process of burning and subsequent long term grazing. Remnant Chionochloa macra is present throughout much of this community above 1600 m, while remnant C. rigida occurs at the lower altitudes. Celmisia viscosa and C. sessiliflora are relatively common throughout this community. Any herbs present tend to be associated with remnant tussocks either Chionochloa or Poa colensoi, where there is shelter and a remnant of soil left in this desiccated environment. The main plant species in this environment are Craspedia sp. Raoulia grandiflora var (a) R. hectorii.

Scattered throughout this community are small nivation hollows which are dominated by Celmisia viscosa and sometimes surrounded by Chionochloa macra.

South east of Mount Dotterel an extensive area of Dracophyllum pronum growing on a colluvial slope ranging from 1060 m to 1550 m. This Dracophyllum pronum forms mounds which give an overall terrace like effect. Chionochloa macra is scattered throughout the community along with C. rigida and Poa colensoi. Other plants of Celmisia sessliiflora, Luzula rufa, Hebe buchanani and Agrastis sp. occurs throughout.

(c) Mixed tall and short tussock grasslands

This community of short tussock Poa colensoi, Festuca novae-zelandiae, Chionochloa macra and C. rigida is the most extensive community on Mount Pisa station. Ranging in altitude from 1400 m to 1700 m. This community represents a transitional zone between Chionochloa and short tussock grasslands. The tall tussock cover is less than 20% cover. This area is a mosaic of vegetation with either patches of tussocks or single plants. The other plant species in this community are Dracophyllum muscoides, D. pronum, Aciphylla aurea, Leucopogon fraseri and Gentiana bellidifolia.

(d) Tall tussock grasslands

Chionochloa rigida is the major component of this community, while C. macra trends to be far more scattered and at a higher altitude. There are some dense stands of C. macra remaining in pockets on Mount Pisa station. These occur in shady slopes or slightly more sheltered area. An extensive stand occurs near Mount Dotterel over an altitudinal range from 1300 m on to 1690 m. Also good remnants occur in the headwaters of Mitre and Skeleton Creek. Elsewhere C. macra merges with C. rigida and has often become extensively hybridised. Below 1300 m a relatively extensive band of Chionochloa rigida occurs which thins out to scattered plants between 1100 and 1000 m contour. Below this it has been replaced with Festuca Novae zelandiae or over sown and top dressed pasture.

The Chionochloa macra on the station is highly variable, in a tributary of the Colour Burn the tussock is extremely dense and up to 1 m tall. Elsewhere it often has a short stature and is quite scattered. In many places on the broad ridges the tussock is pedestalled, suggesting erosive forces are still actively at work. The slim snow tussock remnants showed obvious signs of grazing mainly in the high basins on the eastern slopes of the Pisa range.

Scattered throughout the tall tussock grasslands is mountain cottonwood, Cassinia vauvilliersii, maori onion, Bulbinella angustifolia, Aciphylla aurea, and Pimelea aridula and mats of Gaultheria depressa. Celmisia viscosa occupies extensive areas similar to the cushion field community along with other Celmisia species of Celmisia gracilenta, C. Iyalli, C. sessiliflora and C. haastii.

(e) Short tussock grasslands

On Mount Pisa the short tussock grasslands are predominantly composed of Poa colensoi and Festuca novae-zelandiae. As with the mixed tall tussock short tussock grasslands at the higher altitudes, this short tussock grassland community represents a transitional zone from tall tussock to short tussock or pasture grassland.

Poa colensoi is scattered from a low level 1000 m to the top of the range. On some spurs and in basins or cirques Poa colensoi is dominant. Throughout this community Chionochloa rigida is the dominant scattered tall tussock. Festuca matthewsii and Rytidosperma setifolium are the other major grasses found on the range along with a variety of Poa spp.

Festuca novae-zelandiae occupies the lower slopes below 1300 m on the ridges and 10001200 m in the gullies. In this altitudinal bond the density of Chionochloa rigida diminishes rapidly as it grades into the short tussock grassland. While Festuca is the dominant species, silver tussock, Poa cita occurs in the more fertile areas especially around sheep camps on the ridges and knobs. This short tussock community only survives as a narrow band on the hill slopes as it grades into extensive areas of Hieracium lepidulum between 1000-1100 m contour or into oversown and top dressed pasture below the 1000 m contour.

While the short tussock grasslands in the mixed tall-short tussock community at a higher altitude has a good species diversity, as already outlined, the lower slopes do not have a similar diversity. In some areas the only other dominant plant species present is Hieracium lepidulum.

SEEPAGES

The major seepages or flushes are found within the RAP surrounding the cirques. Elsewhere the seepages are confined to stream margins or the seepage zone feeding the streams. In some areas these seepages are extensive and in other areas are minor. The main plant are similar to those found in the RAP on the northern part of the property, with Oreobolus pectinatus dominating the less damp areas of the wetland.

As with most wetlands they are extremely vulnerable to grazing pressure, and a number of areas were observed to have stock grazing on them or the effects of stock grazing could be observed.

SHRUBLAND

There were no high altitude shrublands surveyed on Mount Pisa, and in contrast to adjoining properties it is not a prominent vegetation community. Shrublands are mainly confined to lower slopes around the creeks and gullies draining off the Pisa range. The majority of these gullies have been periodically burnt over the decades, so that today these shrublands lack the diversity found elsewhere on other properties. The main plants are briar, matagouri Discaria toumatou, Olearia odorata and Muehlenbeckia axillaris. Some kanuka, Kunzea ericoides survive in Breakneck Gully along with briar and matagouri Willows and poplars also occur in and around these gully systems.

LOWLAND GRASSLANDS

This broad zone occurs below 1100 m and includes mainly the improved grassland as well as the shrubland community. Very little short tussock survives in this zone having largely disappeared sometime ago. The occasional totora log remains from a bygone age.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE VEGETATION

The vegetation on Mount Pisa Station above 1100 m contains high inherent values. The upper part of the RAP A3 around the cirques below Mount Pisa has a diverse vegetation in a topography that is unique on the block mountains. Above 1100 m the communities all have a high degree of naturalness and are representative of the communities that once covered extensive areas of the block mountains. Some of these communities such as wetlands and seepages are extremely sensitive to modification by grazing pressure. While some plant species have possibly disappeared, they are largely intact and are well representative of this particular ecological region.

The cushion field while probably having been transformed from Chionochloa macra grassland is indicative of an alpine community which would have developed in response to climate and local conditions. These cushionfields have a high conservation value, because of their adaptability to natural conditions.

The tall tussock grasslands of Chionochloa rigida is largely natural with few exotics occurring within the grassy sward. The diversity and pattern has been modified, but the overall pattern of vegetation communities is still present.

FAUNA

AQUATIC VERTEBRATES

No previous fish records exist for the Mount Pisa Station on the NIWA freshwater fish database. Fish surveys on Low Burn Station and Waitiri Station found brown trout and brook char in the Roaring Meg or no fish at all in sites in the headwaters of Skeleton and Mitre Creeks. It is expected that Roaring Meg tributaries on Mount Pisa Station would either contain introduced fish species, or no fish.

Clutha River tributaries on the Low Burn face of the Pisa Range, for which no fisheries information was available, were surveyed.

In total, nine sites were fished:

Un-named stream near Mount Pisa Homestead
Upland bullies were common and there was occasional brown trout. Ripe bullies were present along with juveniles indicating this stream contains spawning habitat. It is uncertain if the brown trout use this stream for spawning.

Waterrace from Tinwald Burn, fished near the junction with Tinwald Burn
Brown trout were common in areas with good cover. A range of year classes were present.

Tinwald Burn 200 metres below waterrace junction
Abundant brown trout with both adults and juveniles collected, indicating spawning occurs in the Tinwald Burn.

Tinwald Burn, at an altitude of 640 metres up the Pisa Range
No fish were present.

Breakneck Gully
Abundant brown trout, with both adult and juveniles collected, indicating spawning occurs in Breakneck Gully.

Amisfield Burn at the lower track ford (NZMS 260 G41 123 796)
Abundant brown trout, both adults and juveniles and one koaro.

Amisfield Burn at the upper track ford (NZMS 260 G41 113 801)
Abundant brown trout, both adults and juveniles.

Park Burn at track ford (NZMS 260 G41 115 789)
A few brown trout.

Park Burn tributary alongside track (NZMS 260 G41 115 792)
Rare brown trout restricted to deeper pool sections.
The presence of brown trout in nearly all areas fished and the near absence of native species gives the property little value for indigenous fish conservation. Two native species were found on Mount Pisa Station. One, the koaro is considered threatened (category C), while the upland bully is a common fish in the South Island.

Due to the fact only one koaro was caught in the Amisfield Burn it is unlikely that a selfsustaining population is present in this stream, and the single fish represents a rare colonising event. Increased recruitment can be expected since the creation of Lake Dunstan, but any koaro population is likely to be limited by the presence of brown trout.

BIRDS

Black-backed gull, South Island pied oystercatcher, banded dotterel and black-fronted tern all occur on the higher parts of the property. All breed in the locality, most of them probably on Mt Pisa also. Although the numbers are not great, their high altitude breeding is a distinctive and special feature.

HISTORIC RESOURCES

An early map of Mount Pisa Station shows the property as including most of the Pisa Range stretching from Luggate to the Kawarau Gorge and including most of the eastern slopes of the Cardrona Valley, except for a section south of Mount Barker where the station boundary ran down the Luggate burn. The station was made up of two sets of smaller runs, an eastern series numbered 245, 245a-d, and a western series numbered 240, 240a-d. The eastern 245 series was known as Mount Pisa and was taken up first by Herbert Myers about 1858 but he soon transferred to Wilkin and Thomson who had 6000 sheep by 1860. The western 240 series was described as simply in a remote part of Upper Clutha West and was taken up by C Maude and J Britten who quickly relinquished to Wilkin and Thomson. The run was described as too distant in 1858 to be inspected for stock numbers.

Robert Wilkin is credited with being the first settler in the Upper Clutha. He sold the Pisa Runs in 1867 to Isodore Loughnan who established the homestead for the run on the site of the present house, though it is thought that a cottage had already been built there in 1859.

An 1876 photograph shows the line of Pinus radiata on the drive as already nearly twice the height of the house. The big Wellingtonia, which was 49 metres high in 1981, was planted by the goldfields warden, Vincent Pyke, about 1864. It is a registered tree and the second tallest and thickest Wellingtonia in New Zealand.

Mount Pisa's lessees were important in local affairs and steady employers during the early years of farming in the valley. The manager in 1906 brought in 10 stud merino rams from Wirrilla, South Australia, which were used throughout the district. In 1881, Mount Pisa is listed as including 82,044 acres held by Howell and Loughnan. By 1882 the agitation for run subdivision led to Mount Pisa being put up for auction but the occupiers outbid everyone else and continued as before. Similar "dummy" auctions of Morven Hills and the other local runs caused confiict between the local small farmers and the runholders, the latter clearing off all horses and cattle which had previously grazed at large on their runs. The Mount Pisa lessees remained in possession of the big run until 1924 when the block was divided into 12 smaller units.

MINING

The major mining area on the eastern Pisas was at Lowburn, south of modern Mount Pisa Station. There was also steady mining of the edge of the main river terrace of the Clutha, north of Luggate, and in some tributaries such as the Locharburn, Gravelly Gully and the Poison Burn. The southern section of Mount Pisa Station is crossed by the Cardrona-Cromwell Pack Track which according to old survey maps, and even the modern cadastral maps, started from Ripponvale and followed spurs and ridges into the head of the Roaring Meg where it joined the Cardrona-Roaring Meg Track. Its course across country will be discussed below in conjunction with Murrell's Hut.

The big Westmoreland Race starts on Mount Pisa Station. Work began on it in 1866, when it was known as the Westmoreland Canal. It was to be the longest race in the province, running for 25 miles from "Lockar Creek" to Cromwell along the foot of the range, picking up many of the creeks and delivering 45 heads of water. In fact, its licence (No. 1097) describes it as starting in the Park Burn which is about 7 km and about five gullies south of the Lochar Burn. The race runs about 13 miles and has rights to about 17 heads, 12 of them from the Park Burn. However, it can now take in only about eight heads and delivers about one head at Webbs Orchard.

The Westmoreland was to be the main system supplying the miners in the Kawarau Gorge and even in its abbreviated form it did a lot of work on the west bank of the Kawarau and the Clutha around Cromwell. It was to become the largest and most complex licence on the Otago Catchment Board files, with numerous extensions and amendments.

Towans Race (Licence 1922 Cromwell) has a first priority dated 1891 and was a relatively late race. It was described as starting in Moonlight Creek taking four heads, then picking up two heads in Deep Creek, ending at Burns Cottage Creek by way of Titree Creek. Moonlight Creek (after Captain Moonlight) was an old name for Mitre Creek and would have been changed because Moonlight had another creek named after him behind Queenstown. Deep Creek was the old name for Skeleton Creek. The race was owned by members of the Towan family well into the 1900s, Elizabeth Towan, widow, owning most of the race in 1906. From the Towans the race passed to the Crabbe family and is now used by Kevin Jackson Holdings mostly for irrigation.

The third live race which crosses Mount Pisa Station is Winter Creek Race (No. 2573 Cromwell), which does not rise in Winter Creek. The original licence for it was granted in 1894 to carry two heads of water from its intake in the Leopold Burn via Stratford Creek to hatters Gully in the Smallburn (north of Lowburn) for mining there. In 1909 the licence was acquired by John Swan who had a high quality apple orchard at the top of the Lowburn Valley. Other land owners who used water from the race were the Readheads and Arthur Wood dairy farmers), Pat Mooney (orchardist) and the Partridges (sheep farmers). rising at 5800 feet asl, it may be the highest altitude race still in use in Otago. It is something of a mystery as to why this race should be called Winter Creek Race, since Winter Creek of the modern topo maps is only a gully flowing into a creek south of the Leopold Burn, and the name does not even occur on the 1893 map. It is suspected that a Mr Winter dug the race and later dug another high race which is still visible in Winter Creek itself and the names have become muddled. There was a family called Winter in Otago in the 1880s-1890s, so the name does not have to be derived from the season.

The workings on the northern edge of Mount Pisa Station which were known to the McMillan family as Chinese diggings have no associated name but a brief search of the Cromwell Argus showed that on s May 1891 Ah Fat and four others were granted licences for water races from the second left and first right branches of "Lochart" Creek and from Tinwald Creek, Pisa. Lochart Creek is almost certainly the Lochar Burn, since the Mount Pisa Chinese workings lie between Tinwald and Lochar Burns.

MOUNT PISA FARMSTEAD

The major 19th Century building of the farmstead is the stone farmhouse itself It now appears as a long low building of basically Palladian design with a side gable, dwarfed by the growth of trees around it. The two front gables clearly place it as the building of early photographs. It is relatively unmodified, though the double hung windows have been replaced with aluminium windows and a modernised kitchen area has been added at the back. The stonework is rubble-laid, lime-mortared and plastered, the interior walls are stone and there were about 14 rooms in the older part of the house. There are backto-back fireplaces in the bedrooms and stone chimneys. The roof is corrugated iron, lined with raupo grown in a gully near the house. The house has been added to many times over the years.

There are no less than three basic Georgian cottages around the farmyard, built in stone, wood and corrugated iron and of various ages. The stone one, which is though to be the earliest and lived in by the Loughnans while the main house was being built, is still used and has had sections added round it. It still retains its double-hung six pane windows and old front door. In the photographs of the 1860s there are two small buildings behind the homestead. The one closest to the homestead may be either the stone dairy/meat store or the wooden Georgian cottage. The ages of the cottages are probably the inverse of their sizes, the oldest being the smallest; the stone one is 6.5 x 6.5 m, the wooden one 8 x 6 m and the corrugated one 10.5 x 6.5 m.

The old homestead was quite uncompromisingly set in the flat-bottomed valley, well away and west of the woolshed and main yards. There was, however, even at an early stage a small set of yards to the northwest of the house, with either a thatched shed or a haystack beside them. These have been replaced by horse yards and stables (constructed in the 1930s), and an orchard has been established to the south of them. The modern woolshed, erected about 1984, is the third building on its site. The first wooden woolshed of the 1870s was replaced in 1903 by a curiously elegant building (combining aspects of a stable, church and dairy factory) designed by the Dunedin architects, Lawson and Salmond. Unfortunately the wood used in construction was not particularly durable and the building lasted only 80 years, to be replaced by a corrugated iron structure. There are shearers' quarters and a cookshop (now a house) see close to the woolshed, and there was once a proper bread oven on the south side of the cookshop.

The farmstead shares with so many of its contemporaries the placement of the woolshed at a point closer to the road than the house, though the formation of a new long driveway to the south has obscured this. Its setting relative to the Clutha is very similar to the setting of Glenaray relative to the Waikaia, just inside a flat-bottomed tributary and slightly sheltered from the prevailing winds but as close to the access road as possible. This farmstead gives the feeling of being particularly well laid OUt, possibly because of the concentration of dwellings around a large central grassy area and the clear separation of the woolshed and yards from the farmyard. The avenues and groups of well cared for mature trees lead towards and fill spaces between buildings so that they form a pleasing whole.

There were probably several musterers' huts on the old Mount Pisa Station, but the only one on the present station is the Deep Creek Hut in the head of Skeleton Creek (GR 00950). The earliest date that Murray McMillan has located for it is 1891, but it would well be older. It is a corrugated iron hut of unusual design. The main room with the coal range has an extended elcove, built on later to serve as a dining room with a pot-bellied stove in it. there is a verandah with a small separate bunk room for the cook, a total of six bunks, a kauri dresser, a wood store and a shed for a portable diesel generator to provide electric light. It is a building both of character and convenience, in which the basic single-gabled hut with its six paned windows is still visible among the surrounding additions. Nearby a second small hut and stove has been installed to provide hot showers.

THE RACES

The live section of the Westmoreland Race proper at present starts in Eight Mile Creek to the south of the Park Burn (or Nine Mile Creek) but the company complex as a whole starts in Breakneck Creek and by the time it crosses the boundary of Mount Pisa Station 3 km to the south, there are two or three parallel races, of which at least two are still in use. On the 1893 Mount Pisa Station map a long extension runs further north deep into Tinwald Burn at close to 2000 ft asl. However, where it reaches the Amisfield Burn it is lower than the line of the race tapping the Amisfield, which in turn is lower than the race tapping the Park Burn which is the one marked as continuous to Lowburn. This pattern may provide an explanation of why the original plan was to start from the Lochar Burn but the present licence gives the original Park Burn as the intake. Long races were sometimes started in several places (the Carrick Race was started at three different points) and it may have been that the Westmoreland Race was so badly surveyed that the upper sections were formed too low down. The present race is relatively large, and capable of carrying eight heads, but so difficult to maintain that it delivers only one head.

Towans Race is a larger race, about 80 cm across, with a 40 cm deep channel. It starts in the head of Mitre Creek (GR 935815) and crosses quickly into the head of Skeleton Stream, both creeks coming down off Mount Dotterel and flowing into Roaring Meg. Having collected water that ought to go west into the Roaring Meg, the race sidles round below the actual line of the pack track (getting confused with it on the NZMS 1 topo map), around the head of Skeleton Stream and across the main southern spur of the range to Burns Cottage Creek. The numerous diversions and extensions were not traced since the race crosses the Mount Pisa Station boundary high on the spur at GR 952800. Only the top 2-3 km of the race are within the station. The whole high section of the race almost as far as Mount Michael follows a similar course on both the 1893 Mount Pisa Station map as on the modern topographical map.

The highest and most dramatic race is Winter Creek Race, which rises on in the Leopold Burn (GR 970875) on an adjoining property and uses a pass at the head of the Colour Burn to cross on to the Lowburn Face of the range. The Leopold and Colour Burns are "internal" creeks in the Pisa Range, running into the Roaring Meg Creek which drains the central plateau to the south. The high section of the race runs at 5800-5600 ft asl through low tundra herb field, and is still maintained to supply water to Lowburn orchards. Once the race crosses the boundary on to Mount Pisa Station it falls quite quickly through tussock country into Stratford Creek (GR 974853). It is a small race, only 50 cm wide and 20 cm deep where it crosses the high saddle, and there would be less than 2 km of it on Mount Pisa Station. This race, with its licence date of 1894 is not shown on the Mount Pisa map and is useful evidence of the date of the map. Since an 1893 date for the map is confirmed by other evidence, the absence of this race indicates that the 1894 licence was not applied to an old abandoned race, but that Winter Creek Race was indeed dug about 1894.

Another high altitude dry race was not examined. It runs between 5000 and 4500 ft asl across the most easterly extension of Mount Pisa Station. It could be an extension of the dry race in Winter Creek which brings water from the Colour Burn across country to Mitre Creek, suggesting that there are workings in Mitre Creek (off Mount Pisa Station). It still shows as a faint trace on the tussock covered slopes.

THE CARDRONA-CROMWELL PACK TRACK AND MURRELL'S (MORRELL'S?) HUT

Miners in general followed the most direct route possible between their diggings and the towns where they bought their supplies. The Cromwell-Cardrona Pack Track begins from two different places - the gardens at the Ripponvale corner of the Kawarau Gorge (GR 958688) and from Lowburn Valley up Packspur Gully at the head of Swann Road (GR 002779). The route from Ripponvale climbed the longest and easiest spur at the southern end of the range, whereas the Packspur Gully line was shorter and steeper. Unfortunately, after climbing over Mount Michael and continuing up to 4600 ft asl, the southern route then dropped very sharply 700 ft into the head of Skeleton Stream and straight out up the other side for 700 ft, where it sidled in a more reasonably manner until reaching a spur leading down into the Roaring Meg. This drop and climb must have caused resentment fairly promptly and though the 1893 Run map and the cadastral and topographical maps still show this route there is now no mark on the ground showing its descent into Skeleton Stream. Instead the known marks (where these have not been obliterated by farm roads following the same line) follow the spur up out of Packspur Gully, then circle the head of Skeleton Stream and keep above Towans Race.

Some hopeful person must have considered that the packhorses first halt would be in Skeleton Stream, rather than further on in Roaring Meg Creek. At some very early date a substantial stone house, a stone shed and stone walled yard were built of carefully dressed stone where the official track would have crossed Skeleton Stream (GR 934806). There is very little flat ground and most of it is boggy around the buildings and there is no sign of any mining nearby. Peat is available in the stream flats for fuel.

The buildings have the appearance of having been constructed by somebody paid to do so and not by a miner with other calls on his time and energy. The house and shed are made of well-dressed schist slabs mined from the nearby tors and laid with a mud mortar. The house (6 m x s m) was a simple barn shape with a single gable and a chimney at the southeast end, a doorway and window on the north side and possibly a window on the southwest wall which is now collapsed. The chimney is remarkably complete, standing about 4 m high with a stone-built cowl and side vents at the top, which have not been seen elsewhere during this survey. The square vent on the south side of the chimney appears to be deliberate. There is a certain amount of placer work, ie, side laid stones, particularly at the top of the chimney. The massive lintel stone over the fireplace would have required two men at least to lift it.

Twenty metres to the northeast of the house is a stone shed, the same length as the house (6 m) but only 3 m deep. There are sufficient of the walls left standing to show that the roof had a simple forward pitch. Though the building looks as if it could have been a stable, the floor is relatively narrow to put a horse through and it may have been a storage shed and/or separate sleeping quarters. The house does have a sufficiently high gable for a mezzanine sleeping area where the few women and children travelling the pack track would traditionally have been expected to sleep.

There was no need for a stable since there is a very well made stone yard about 150 m up the valley, 10 m x 18 m in size, with walls still standing to 1.4 m in the corners.

There are no local traditions about the owners of this hut and the only clue to its use is its location beside an early route of the pack track, the fact that it is too well built for a brief stay by a prospector and the name Morrell or Murrell beside it on the old survey map dated 1884.

(Note: All grid references given are for the NZMS 1 series maps.)

SIGNIFICANCE

The farmsteading is a good example with most of the 19th Century buildings still standing and other features still identifiable and as such is an important site. The rest of the historic structures on the property, while of interest as part of the overall mining and communication pattern, are not themselves of major significance.

EXISTING LAND STATUS

The property is made up of two pastoral lease titles. There is a legal unsurveyed road on the line (approximately) of the old Pack Track at the southern end of the property (see map attached). If tenure change proceeds the consent of existing mortgagees will be required and consent under the Resource Management Act will be necessary as the change will represent a subdivision under existing interpretation. There are no other impediments on the title to any likely options. The conservation covenant can transfer to the new freehold title if necessary or be allowed to lapse if the underlying land transfers to DOC.

CENTRAL OTAGO DISTRICT COUNCIL TRANSITION PLAN

Mt Pisa is located in the Rural 1 zone of the Vincent Section of the Central Otago Transitional District Plan.

The plan recognises the significance of the district's landscape amenity, but makes no specific references to natural values or include any mechanisms for protection of those values. Landscape is regarded as an asset for recreation and tourism and the plan expresses a desire to maintain a high level of visual amenity throughout the Rural 1 zone. In assessing applications for building and planning consents, special attention will be given to ensuring works are sited so as to minimise any possible effects in the landscape.

Historic values and the historic character of settlements such as Clyde and Bannockburn are recognised in the plan as components of the landscape amenity. They gain a certain amount of protection as components of the landscape but, for the Rural 1 zone at least, there are no specific mechanisms for addressing or protecting them as historic values.

RECREATION/ACCESS

ACCESS

The only legal access through the property at present is the paper road, largely on the line of the old Pack Track, at the southern end of the property.

USES

A modest number of shooters (quail, rabbits, goats, pigs) and trampers make use of virtually all of the property and the present lessees have a good record of giving access permission. The greatest use, however, is vehicle access up the southern track, plus tramping and horse riding on the old Cardrona Pack Track. The musterers' hut on this route is unlocked for emergencies and available for use by permission. It receives a moderate level of use both summer and winter when it is a useful starting point for crosscountry skiing.

An informal agreement was negotiated with Mcmillans and with the lessees of the adjoining Lowburn Valley property to mark and stile the old Pack Track and this has significantly increased its use by trampers.

There is potential for increased use of this area. There are good areas for cross-country skiing in the southern block and along a narrow strip on the crest though there the best skiing is in the adjoining conservation area.

A modest number of horse riders make use of the Pack Track on both a casual and guided (commercial) basis.

EXISTING MANAGEMENT

The most significant problem plants are briar at lower altitude and Hieracium (particularly Lepidulum) through the mid-altitude (600 m-1100 m) belt. Rabbits are a major pest, particularly at lower altitude, although the property is not included in the Rabbit and Land Management Programme. Pigs and goats are present though kept to acceptable levels by recreational hunting. Subdivision fencing is causing overgrazing in places, particularly at higher altitude though shifting the fences would probably only shift the area of pressure in most cases.

While there is considerable patch burning, particularly at lower altitude (gully matagouri briar) large-scale tussock burning is not practised.

ATTACHMENTS

Map of conservation resources ) pdf 1 MB
Cadastral map )
Extract from PNA report )

PART II

NGO AND OTHER PERSPECTIVES

An "early warning" meeting was held with the NGOs on 23 May 1996. The issues/objectives raised were:

1 Land above 1100 m to go to DOC
2 Class VIII and most Class VII land to go to DOC
3 Foot and mountain bike access on old Pack Track
4 Foot access on Breakneck Spur or alternative
5 Horse access on old Pack Track
6 All water courses greater than 3 m to have marginal strip laid off
7 Use of musterers' hut in back block
8 DOC/freehold boundary to be consistent (landscape) with neighbouring runs.

In addition to the above meeting, letters have been received from Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust and from Cromwell Riding Club requesting horse access over all the land transferred to DOC from tenure change on this property (and others).

MT PISA PASTORAL LEASE TENURE REVIEW
REVISED CONSERVATION RESOURCE REPORT
RECOMMENDATIONS
PART 4 (FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY)

4.1 RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1.1 That the proposals described below be submitted to the CCLs agent during the consultation process on the preliminary proposal for this tenure review as representing the views developed under delegated authority from the Director General of Conservation.

4.1.2 Note that statutory consents will be required before the CCL can include in the preliminary proposal for this tenure review the designation set out in paragraph 4.2.5.1 below.

4.1.3 Note that any disposition of land by the Crown will be subject to the
relevant

provisions of part IVA of the Conservation Act 1987.

4.2 PROPOSALS AND JUSTIFICATION

4.2.1 Areas to be Restored to Full Crown Ownership and Control

4.2.1.1 Name Pisa Range

Existing Status Pastoral Lease
Authority Section 35(2)(a)(i) Crown Pastoral Land Act

Proposal
That an area of approximately 4000 ha be designated as a conservation area for the purpose of protection of natural and historic resources to be managed by the Department of Conservation. It is intended that grazing be excluded and this would require the erection of approximately 5 km of new fencing.

Description
The proposed 4000 ha conservation area consists of 16 km of the eastern face of the Pisa Range from 1100 m altitude to the range crest including Mt. Pisa No2 at 1964m.

The northern end, typical of scarp faces on Otago block mountain ranges, is very steep. The southern end is much easier contour being part of the " slope" side of the range.

The proposed conservation area connects other areas on Lowburn Valley, Waiorau, Locharburn and Lake Mckay Pastoral Leases identified in their tenure review investigations as possessing significant inherent values. The proposal contributes to the overall biodiversity and landscape character of the Pisa Ecological District. Overall, the Pisa Range is considered to be one of the most distinctive landform and ecological systems in New Zealand.

Justification
The land is characterised by areas that have the following significant inherent values.

1. Areas which alone or collectively sustain the special natural quality and integrity of the high country landscape especially the indigenous component.

2. Areas which sustain the most culturally valued attributes (e.g. scenic, aesthetic, recreational and historic) and their context within a natural high country landscape.

3. Areas which currently meet the Protected Natural Areas Programme (PNAP) criteria for protection as priority natural areas (RAPs).

4. Habitats of threatened species (including those that are threatened regionally).

5. Type localities and habitats of species and communities which are at their distributional limits and/or endemic or which have specialised habitat requirements in the high country, and species, communities, habitats and ecosystems which are uncommon and/or endemic in the ecological district.

6. Areas which make a special contribution to the overall quality, natural functioning and ecological integrity of significant values (ea. Iinkages, buffers etc.)

7. Settings of high natural value for outdoor recreational opportunities in the high country.

8. Key breeding or feeding sites of fully protected wildlife or sites which are important for other life cycle stages of indigenous or migratory species, or which support species that contribute significantly to the ecological functioning of off-site protected areas.

Landscape:
The proposal contributes to the natural landscape character of the uplands of the Pisa Range and the Pisa Ecological District. It forms a physical linkage and a biological corridor between parts of other adjoining pastoral leases with areas identified as possessing significant inherent values and assists with retention of the districts landscape integrity.

Landform and Geology
The prominent rock bluffs and tors are distinctive and representative of this type of landform. At the northern end of the proposed conservation area are some of the best examples of glacial cirque basins in the ecological district. Within this latter area is the Geopreservation Inventory site LAN 381 Pisa Cirque Moraine classified as an extremely well defined landform of scientific/educational value.

Vegetation
The proposal contains a significant part (1280 of 8560ha) of RAP Pisa A3 Pisa Tops. RAPs are identified over areas that meet seven primary criteria. The proposal is ranked on these criteria as follows:
Representativeness High
Diversity and Pattern High
Rarity and Special Features Moderate to High
Naturalness Moderate to High
Long term Ecological Viability High
Size and Shape HighBuffering, Surrounding Landscapes and Boundaries High

The proposal in particular contains:
Extensive areas of cushionfield on the exposed tops are dominated by the rare and distinctive dwarf grass Poa pygmaea and Luzula pumila.

Below the crest is Epilobium alsinoides, Myosotis spp., Aciphylla simplex, a notable species and some Poa colensoi leading down into Chionochloa macra, much of it depleted but with some areas in good order with excellent groundcover of indigenous species. At around 1300m-1500m, depending on aspect, the C. macra merges with Chionochloa rigida tussockland which extends down to about 1100m before becoming very scattered and depleted.

The communities represented in the 4000ha of mainly indigenous vegetation are diverse and include:
(a) Alpine Cushionfield, Poa pymaea, Abrotenella caespitosa, Hectorella caespitosa, Raoulia hectorii
(b) Dracophyllum cushionfield, Dracophyllum muscoides, Celmisia viscosa, Celmisia sessiflora and Dracophyllum pronum which is not common.
(c) Mixed tall and short tussockland, C. macra, C. rigida, Poa collensoi, Festuca novae zealandiae.
(d) Tall tussockland, C. rigida, C. macra, Ozothamnus vauvilliersii, Bulbina augustolia, Aciphylla aurea, Celmisia viscosa.
(e) Short tussock grassland, Poa colensoi, Festuca novae zealandiae.
(f) Seepages, Carex gaudichaudiana, C. hectorii, Anisotome aromatica, Gnaphalium mackayi, Brachyglottis bellidioides, and Oreobolus pectinatus.
(g) Shrubland, Discaria toumatou, Olearia odorata, Muehlenbeckia axillaras, mainly confined to gullies and creek beds with Briar dominating at lower altitudes below the recommended conservation area.

Birds
Black backed gull, South Island pied oystercatcher, Banded dotterell, and Black fronted tern are all present on the higher parts of the property. All breed in the locality, most of them probably on Mt. Pisa also. Although the numbers are not great their high altitude breeding is a distinctive and special feature.

Invertebrates
High altitude seepages and streams on the Pisa Range are rich in native aquatic insects such as caddie, stoners and mayflies. One stoner Zelandobius inversus is endemic to the range while Zelandobius mariae is very localised in distribution. A total of eleven stoner, 18 caddie and 5 mayfly species have been found in alpine areas of the range. Mt Pisa Station has appropriate habitat for all these species.

High-alpine tussockland-q, cushionfield and wetlands of the Pisa Range also contain a distinctive terrestrial fauna that includes one flightless chafer beetle in the genus Prodontria that is endemic to the range, three species of alpine grasshopper and two species of black cicada of significance. A diverse fauna of native moths and butterflies has been found that include species of note the black mountain butterfly and thirteen diurnal moths that mimic butterflies. At least two species are endemic to the range. This zone on the Pisa range is naturally rich and important for native invertebrates and the upper altitude zone of Mt Pisa station is of significance to extend, connect and buffer areas of similar habitat on adjoining properties.

Recreation
The proposal area is essentially unmodified from its natural state excepting for fences and vehicle tracks and these well spread out. On the eastern side the Clutha valley, Cromwell and State Highway 6 are visible from most ridges but valleys and basins (particularly the cirque basins ) give a back country/remote environment.

On the southern end and on the Pisa Range ridge crest looking westward, there are extensive vistas with no intrusive structures and these areas satisfy the requirements for a remote setting.

With good vehicle access through neighbouring properties in summer and reliable snow cover for cross-country skiing in winter, the subject area together with adjoining conservation areas possess a wide potential for recreational uses.

Conservation Management Strategy
See attached extract and location map.

The Otago Conservation Management Strategy has identified the Pisa Range as a special place with significant values relating to fauna vegetation and a wide variation of ecosystems both large and small. The recreational importance both independent and commercial is also highlighted.

The Objective for Pisa
To protect representative low altitude lands and high altitude lands in the area for their landscape, nature conservation and historical values; the latter lands on an extensive basis providing enhanced public recreational opportunities complementary to those already being provided commercially.

The proposed conservation area on Mt Pisa Station is a very important part of the high altitude lands in this objective and will become a key component of a future Pisa Conservation Park.

Management and Boundary Issues
Subdivision for farming purposes has been firstly on an approximate snowline basis with further subdivision up and down the ridges. This has resulted in some top blocks running as low as 680m altitude with significant areas (400ha - 500ha ) that have been oversown and topdressed, have a high Hieracium lepidulum component and little conservation value. It is recommended that these areas be part of the proposed freehold to the extent that practical fenceline-q can be established.

The area contains no problem plants.

Goats and pigs appear in the area from time to time and although not a major problem will require regular control operations.

Approval of this proposal would result in approximately 25km of surplus fencing, possibly up to 33km depending on the outcome of tenure review negotiations with other adjoining properties. Removal of these fences will be desirable for both landscape and safety reasons. Some of the materials will be easily accessible and suitable for re-use but much will require payment for removal and dumping representing a cost of up to $20,000 over a period as finances and resources permit.

4.2.2 Land to be Restored to or Retained in Crown Control

Not applicable.

4.2.3. Existing Reserve

Not applicable.

4.2.4. Existing Conservation Area

Not applicable.

4.2.5 Land being Disposed of subject to a Protective Mechanism

4.2.5.1 Name: Tinwald Burn Public access easement.
Existing Status; Pastoral Lease.
Authority; Section 40 (1) (c) Crown Pastoral Lands Act.

Proposal
It is proposed to create an easement to provide for public access from State Highway 6 into the proposed conservation area along a route at the northern end of the property.

Justification
Legal roads provide foot access to the proposed conservation area but not through the subject property.

Good vehicle access is available to the south, north and west but again not through the Mt Pisa property and not as of right access. The farm tracks on the property are difficult for vehicle access except in good conditions and are not suitable for public as of right use.

There is a strong public expectation that unrestricted access to public conservation lands will be provided as part of tenure review. The proposed route will provide that at a strategic placing between other routes currently frequently used. The route will be suitable for foot and mountain bike use but not for vehicles or horses.

Terms and Conditions
The term of the easement is to be in perpetuity along the route shown on the attached map. Some adjustment to this route may be achieved in negotiations to improve the access ease (in particular part use of an existing track). The easement is to be for public foot and mountain bike use.

4.2.6. Other Qualified Designations

Not applicable.

4.2.7. Exemption or Variation of a Marginal Strip Width

Not applicable.

4.2.8. Other Matters
4.2.8.1. N.G.O. Comment

An "early warning" meeting was held with the NGOs on 23 May 1996. The issues/objectives raised were:

1 Land above 1100m to go to Department of Conservation.
2 Class VIII and most Class VII land to go to DOC
3 Foot and mountain bike access on the old Cromwell-Cardrona Pack Track
4 Foot access on Breakneck Spur or alternative
5 Horse access on the old Pack Track
6 All water courses greater than 3m width to have marginal strops laid off
7 Public use of Musterers hut in back block
8 Conservation area / freehold boundary to be consistent (landscape) with neighbouring properties

These 8 issues are all addressed in the proposals above though further more specific submissions are likely at the stage of public consultation.

Back to ... Po 271 & Po 272 MtPisa

Public Access New Zealand
R D 1
Omakau 9182

23 January, 1998

Submission on Mount Pisa Tenure Review

The Manager
Knight Frank (NZ) Ltd
ALEXANDRA
Fax 03 448 9099

Dear Ken

The Crown has considerable equity in the land within Mount Pisa Station, being in excess of half a million dollars. However we believe that some key aspects of the proposals do not adequately realise this interest and must be renegotiated.

We agree that this area is a key part of the Pisa Range 'jigsaw' and that inclusion of the proposed areas in the public conservation estate will be a major advance. We agree with the proposed boundaries between freehold and DOC administered land (the map's notation as 'Proposed DOC Land' is erroneous - DOC doesn't own land - we, and the public at large does through our dutiful servant the Government!).

The matters of access provision, use of the Skeleton Creek hut, and grazing need to be addressed before we can support the proposals.

Access

It is an insult to describe the proposed access up the Tinwald Burn as "giving practical access to the conservation land". It is an incised scrub covered gully leading to the steepest part of the Pisa escarpment. The scrub is impenetrable in places, and overall the most unattractive route anyone would want to clamber through for recreational purposes. It would be impossible to carry skis through unless any unfortunates were into extreme masochism. If you haven't got the gist of my message by now, the proposed route is totally unacceptable!

On the ridge to the south is a well-graded 4WD track that would provide ideal access onto the tops, while avoiding the major scrub problem on the lower reaches. We agree that this should not be available for as-of-right vehicle access, but it would truly provide the "practical walking access" that the report claims will result from the proposals. We do not anticipate that this would be a frequently used route because of the considerable climbing required to the crest of the range at this point. However it is important that it be available so that x/c skiers and walkers can 'escape' the Column Rocks area quickly in bad weather. This would also allow day-long round trips on the southern end of the range, something that would be otherwise unavailable.

A practical consideration is security for cars left beside State Highway 6. We believe that is unwise and unnecessary to require that vehicles be left unattended beside the main road. We anticipate that use will not be great so leaving cars at a designated parking area at the base of the face is not an unreasonable request. It would also increase the attractiveness for public use, cutting out approximately 2.5 kms of pointless scrub-bashing across terraces and creek beds to get to the base of the hill.

The access should be way of easement secured by section 7(2) of the Conservation Act allowing public foot access at all times. The details of the easement must be embodied in your recommendations to the Commissioner of Crown Lands so that he cannot so easily repeat his disgraceful backsliding on agreed public access provisions and hut ownership on the adjoining Waiorau Station.

The great need is for provision of vehicle, foot, horse, and bike access from the Lowburn Valley to the southern Pisa tops. Although this is outside Pisa Station the provision of such is essential for practical public access to the lands proposed to be publicly reserved on Mount Pisa Station and on the Pisa Range generally. This need has been exacerbated by the failure to date to provide vehicle access to the northern end of the range and by the breach of agreed access provisions on Waiorau. If the Crown also fails to provide for practical access on the southern end of the range, tenure review will have proved to be a major let-down for many members of the public.

'Skeleton Stream' Hut

We do not agree that the public should be excluded from use of this hut for the duration of grazing on adjacent lands. We believe that this is unnecessary and unreasonable. It is highly desirable that a public hut be available in this location. This is both for overnight accommodation for users of the Cardrona-Cromwell pack track and as a base to explore the terrain of the southern range. This area is so extensive, diverse and interesting that it can only be cursorily appreciated on day-trips. If the Crown is serious about providing for meaningful public recreation as a result of these reviews it must make more concerted efforts to provide opportunities for such. There is also need to make amends for the public being cheated [out] of ownership of the Meg Hut...

We agree that for so long as there is a grazing permit over adjoining blocks on Mount Pisa Station that the current lessee should have sole use of the hut, but only for the periods that he and employees are present for stock management purposes. The rest of the year the hut should be available for public use...

In this case we believe that the ownership of the hut should transfer to the Crown at the time the back block does, but with the grazing permittee having sole rights of use during specified times of the year, in a similar manner to the arrangement applying to the former Cairnmuir Station hut on the Old Woman Range. If desired we see no difficulty in having a locked room within the hut to store station chattels year-round, as long as the main bunk room remains publicly available.

Grazing

The intention to allow on-going grazing on two blocks for up to 21 years appears to defeat a central rationale behind the Crown embarking on such reviews. In most reviews continued grazing over conservation lands is only allowed for 'phasing-out' purposes so that farm management and stocking can be adjusted so as to remove dependence on grazing such lands. Thereafter any permitted grazing may be only for infrequent, emergency, use say in drought years.

The Back Block contains the largest contiguous area of remnant snow grass on the property, being a function of its damper and shady aspect. This provides good reason for ensuring that this is preserved and if possible improved. From a recreation perspective, this block provides the most diverse range of grassland, wetlands, and tor features to view and appreciate. We don't want to see it ravaged by stock so that it ends up in the same depleted state as other high altitude blocks such as 'The Basins' and 'Breakneck'.

We believe that there should be immediate cessation of grazing of the 'Back Block'. In addition to protecting the vegetation and wetlends, this would negate the necessity of creating eyesore fencing around one wetland as proposed. This upper catchment north of Mt Dottrel is a favoured ski-play area. The south facing aspect provides short, steep telemarking and cornice-jumping terrain which I and others have enjoyed on most occasions we visit. We usually systematically ski those faces from where the fencing is proposed down-gully to west of Mt Dottrel. Fencing will provide a hazard for skiing. Due to heavy snow-loading on that slope and consequent snow creep it is unlikely any fencing could be maintained as stock proof, unless there was extensive rebuilding early summer each year. DOC has got more useful things to spend our money on. If there is need for 'phase-out grazing' this should be for 5 years maximum and limited to the 'Crows Nest' and /or 'Breakneck' blocks.

Yours faithfully

Bruce Mason
Researcher & Spokesman

New Proposal under Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998

CROWN PASTORAL LAND ACT 1998

MOUNT PISA TENURE REVIEW

NOTICE OF PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL

Notice is given under Section 43 of the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 by the Commissioner of Crown Lands that he has put a preliminary proposal for tenure review to Mount Pisa Station Limited, lessee of Mount Pisa Pastoral Leases.

Legal description of land concerned:

Pastoral lease land:

Run 731 Blocks XV and XVI Cardrona Survey District, Blocks II Survey District, Block I Wakefield Survey District and Block VIII Cromwell District and Section 1 SO 24768 contained in Land Registry Folio Reference (Otago Registry) comprising 3781.3766 hectares.

Part Run 730 Blocks VI, VIII, IX and X Cromwell Survey District, Block Survey District and Blocks XII and XVI Cardrona Survey District, L Plan 11740 being part Section 41 Block I Wakefield Survey District Block VIII Cromwell Survey District contained in Land Registry Folio lC/818 (Otago Registry) comprising 5101.2345 hectares.

General description of proposal:

(1) 4367 ha (approximately) to be designated as land to be restored to Crown control as conservation area under Section 35 (2) (b) (i) of the Act and Section 36 (1) (a) of the Act subject to the concessions outlined below:

Concessions:

(i) Grazing concession to provide for summer grazing of not more than 1500 sheep for 3 summer months over an area of approximately 2300 ha. It is proposed that the concession be granted for a duration of 21 years comprising three 7 year terms.

(ii) Easement concession to provide the holder with motor vehicle, machinery, implement, farm dogs and farm stock access through the proposed conservation area for farm management purposes. The duration of the easement is 21 years to coincide with the grazing concession.

(iii) Licence concession for the operating of a horse trekking and 4WD safari operation on the proposed conservation area by the holder. The proposed term of the licence concession is 9 years comprising three 3 yearly review terms.

(iv) Licence concession to use and occupy musterers hut within the proposed conservation area. The concession is related to the grazing concession and will be granted for the same term of 21 years.

(2) 4515 ha (approximately) to be designated as land to be disposed of by freehold disposal to the holder under Section 35 (3) of the Act, subject to Part IVA of the Conservation Act 1987, Section 11 of the Crown Minerals Act 1991 and subject to protective mechanisms as detailed below.

Protective mechanisms under Section 40 (2) (c) CPL Act:

(i) An easement to provide public foot, horse, non-motorised vehicle and motor vehicles to a carpark within the proposed freehold.

((ii) An easement to provide for public foot, horse and non-motorised vehicle access from the carpark to the proposed conservation area through the proposed freehold.

Further information including a copy of the plan, concession and easement documents and information required under Section 39 CPLA is available on request from the Commissioner's agent at the following address:

The Manager Knight Frank (NZ) Limited
Land Resources Division
P O Box 27
ALEXANDRA

Phone (03) 448-6935

Fax (03) 448-9099

Submissions:

Any person or organisation may send a written submission on the above proposal to the Commissioner of Crown Lands, C/- Knight Frank (NZ) Limited at the above address.

Closing date of submissions:

Written submissions must be received no later than 11 March 2002.

SUMMARY OF THE PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL FOR TENURE REVIEW
OF MOUNT PISA PASTORAL LEASES
UNDER THE CROWN PASTORAL LAND ACT 1998

INDEX:
(1) Details of land under consideration
(2) Proposal
(3) Description of proposed designations

Appendices:

Appendix 1: Plan

Appendix 2: Draft concession licence document for grazing

Appendix 3: Draft easement concession document for access for farm management purposes

:Appendix 4: Draft concession licence for horse trekking and 4WD safari operation
Appendix 5: Draft concession licence for use and occupation of hut
Appendix 6: Draft easement document for public access to vehicle parking
Appendix 7: Draft easement document for public access to conservation area
Appendix 8: Information on concessions required under Section 39 CPLA

(1) Details of land under consideration:

1.1 Pastoral lease:

Lease Name: Mount Pisa I

Lessee: Mount Pisa Station Limited

Location: Cromwell

Land Registry Folio Ref: lC/817, (Otago Registry)

Legal Description: Run 731 Blocks XV and XVI Cardrona Survey
District, Blocks II and IV Tarras Survey District,
:Block I Wakefield Survey District and Block VIII
Cromwell Survey District and Section 1 SO 24768
contained in Land Registry Folio Reference IC/817, (Otago Registry)

Area: 3781.3766 hectares

Local Authority: Central Otago District Council

Term of Lease: 33 years from 1 July 1993

1.2 Pastoral Lease:

Lease Name: Mount Pisa II

Lessee: Mount Pisa Station Limited
Location: Cromwell

Land Registry Folio Ref: 1 C/818, (Otago Registry)

Legal Description: Part Run 730 Blocks VI, VIII, IX and X Cromwell
Survey District, Block I Wakefield Survey District
and Blocks XII and XVI Cardrona Survey District,
Lot 1 Deposited Plan 11740 being part Section 41
Block I Wakefield Survey District and Section 6
Block VIII Cromwell Survey District contained in
Land Registry Folio Reference lC/818 (Otago
Registry).

Area: 5101.2345 hectares

Local Authority: Central Otago District Council

Term of Lease: 33 years from 1 July 1993

(2) Proposal:

2.1 To be designated as land to be restored to or retained in Crown control:

(a) As conservation area under Section 35 (2) (b) (i) and 36 (1) (a) CPL Act.

Area: 4367 ha approximately (outlined green on diagram in Appendix 1).

(b) Qualified designations:

(i) 2300 ha approximately subject to grazing concession to Mount Pisa Station Limited (hatched area plus Track e - f on diagram in Appendix 1) under Section 36 (1) (a) CPL Act. The grazing concession to be in the form attached as Appendix 2.

(ii) Easement concession under Section 36 (3) (b) CPL Act is marked "c - d" on plan Appendix 1. The easement will be in the form attached as Appendix 3.

(iii) Concession for horse trekking and 4WD safari operation under Section 36 (1) (a) CPL Act. The concession to be in the form attached as Appendix 4 and is to apply to those routes shown marked yellow on the diagram attached as Appendix 1.

(iv) Concession for use and occupation of hut under Section 36 (1) (a) CPL Act. The concession to be in the form attached as Appendix 5 to apply to the hut marked on diagram in Appendix 1.

2.2 To be designated as land to be disposed of by freehold disposal to Mount Pisa Station Limited under Section 35 (3) CPL Act subject to protective mechanisms:

Area: 4515 ha (outlined in pink on diagram in Appendix 1).

Protective mechanisms (under Section 40 (2) (c) CPL Act):

(a) An easement to provide for public foot, horse, non-motorised vehicle and motor vehicles (marked with dots "a - b" with carpark at b on Plan in Appendix 1. This easement will be in the form attached as Appendix 6.

(b) An easement for public foot, horse and non-motorised vehicle access (shown marked with dots "b - c" on Plan in Appendix 1). This easement will be in the form attached as Appendix 7.

(3) Description of Proposed Designations:

3.1 Land to be designated as conservation area:

Total area: 4367 ha (approximately).

The proposed conservation area consists of part of the eastern face of the Mount Pisa Range generally from the 1100 metre altitude contour to the range crest including Mount Pisa No 2 at 1964 metres. The northern end, typical of the scarp faces on Otago block mountain ranges, is very steep. The southern end is much easier contour being part of the "slope" side of the range.

This area has traditionally been used for summer grazing wethers on unimproved native grasslands without nutrient replenishment in the form of topdressing.

The land is characterised by areas that have the following significant inherent values:

The proposal contributes to the natural landscape character of the uplands of the Pisa Range. It forms a physical linkage and a biological corridor between other areas identified as possessing significant inherent values.

The landform and geology include the prominent rock bluffs and tors which are distinctive and representative of this of type of landform. At the northern end of the proposed conservation area are some of the best examples of glacial cirque basins in the ecological distinct. Within this latter area is the Geopreservation Inventory site LAN 381 Pisa Cirque Moraine classified as an extremely well defined landform of scientific/educational value.

The area is ranked moderate to high and high on the seven primary criteria for identification of areas for which conservation protection should be sought.

The area contains extensive areas of cushionfield on the exposed tops which are dominated by the rare and distinctive dwarf grass Poa pygmaea and Luzula pumila.

The communities represented in the 4000 ha of mainly indigenous vegetation are diverse and include; alpine cushionfield, Dracophyllum cushion field, mixed tall and short tussock grassland, tall tussock grassland, short tussock grassland, seepages, and shrubland.

Birds present include black backed gull, South Island pied oyster catcher, banded dotterell and black fronted tern which breed in the locality. Although numbers are not great their high altitude breeding is a distinctive and special feature.

Invertebrates are found in high altitude seepages and streams on the Pisa Range which are rich in aquatic insects such as caddie and mayflies. High alpine tussockland, cushionfields and wetlands of the Pisa Range also contain a distinctive terrestrial fauna that includes one flightless chafer beetle species that is endemic to the range and species of alpine grasshoppers and black cicadas of significance. There is a diverse fauna of native moths and butterflies, at least two species endemic on the range.

From a recreation perspective the valleys and basins provide a back country remote environment. The proposed area is essentially unmodified from its natural state except for fences and vehicle tracks and these are well spread out. At the southern end of the range there are extensive vistas with no intrusive structures, which creates a remote setting.

With vehicle access available through neighbouring properties in summer and reliable snow cover for cross country skiing in winter, the subject area, together with adjoining conservation areas, possesses a wide potential for recreational use.

3.2 Qualified designations:

3.2.1 Grazing concession:

It is proposed that a grazing concession be granted over an area of proposed conservation land of approximately 2300 ha for a term of 21 years. The reason for the concession is to provide the holder with the necessary opportunity to put in place the significant management changes that will be required as a result of the tenure review. The concession allows for not more than 1500 sheep to be grazed within the concession area for three summer months during the first 7 years reducing to not more than 1000 sheep and not more than 500 sheep for three summer months for the two 7 year periods respectively.

3.2.2 Concession to use and occupy hut:

It is proposed that a licence concession to use and occupy a musterer's hut within the proposed grazing concession area be granted for a 21 year term to coincide with the grazing concession. The reason for granting the concession is that it is necessary for the operation of the associated grazing concession and for the safety of the holder's farm staff£ The concession agreement requires that the hut not be locked and that such members of the public who have made a prior booking with the concessionaire shall have access to the hut.

3.2.3 Concession for operating horse back and 4WD safari operation:

It is proposed to grant a concession to operate a horse trekking and 4WD safari operation within the proposed conservation area for a term of 9 years. The reason for the concession term is that it provides the holder with some security of term to warrant development of the business while
being sufficiently short to allow adjustment or non-renewal should adverse effects become evident.

3.2.4 Easement concession:

It is proposed to grant an easement concession for a term of 21 years over a route marked c - d on the plan attached as Appendix 1. The purpose of the easement is to provide access for farm management purposes with motor vehicles, machinery, implements, farm dogs and farm stock. This easement is necessary for accessing the grazing concession area.

3.3 Land to be designated as lands to be disposed of by freehold disposal to Mount Pisa Station Limited subject to protective mechanisms:

Total area 4515 ha (approximately)

This land comprises the mid-altitude hill slopes, terraces and flats on the eastern slopes of the Pisa Range. Altitude ranges 240 - 1480 m.a.s.1. with the bulk being below 1100 metres.

This area contains all the main structural improvements on the property and includes 700 ha of permanent pasture, 2090 ha of oversown and topdressed pasture and approximately 1700 ha of unimproved but significantly modified tussock and scrub covered country. This area is capable of economic use for pastoral farming with the large majority being capable of development to pastures suitable for grazing by oversowing and top-dressing. Parts of the lower flats and terraces have potential for alternative economic uses such as viticulture.

Apart from a small area of tall tussock grassland that was identified as part of a larger area containing significant inherent values, there are no significant inherent values that have been identified within this area. This one area has been included in the proposed freehold as a result of achieving a practical fenceline and is relatively minor.

3.4 Protective mechanisms:

Protective mechanisms are proposed in the form of two easements to provide for public access to the proposed conservation area and for vehicle parking associated with this access. These easements are described as follows:

(a) Public access on foot, or on or accompanied by horses, or by non-motorised vehicles powered by a person or persons or by motor vehicle over that part of the lease land marked route "a - b" on the plan attached as Appendix 1. Also the right to access on foot and with motor vehicles and to stop, leave and park any such motor vehicle, over that part of the lease land marked "b" on the plan. This access route is over a single lane gravelled farm road on flats and terraces to the base of the main slopes of the Pisa Range.

(b) Easement to provide public access on foot, or on or accompanied by horses, or by non-motorised vehicles powered by a person or persons over that part of the lease land marked route "b - c" on the plan attached as Appendix 1. This track is over the route of the existing 4WD track which climbs the main eastern slope of the Pisa Range.

(4) The Proposal in relation to the Objects of Part 2 CPL Act:

The objects of Part 2 of the CPL Act are set out in Section 24 of the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 viz:

24. Objects of Part 2 - The objects of this part are:

(a) To:
(i) Promote the management of reviewable land in a way is that is
ecologically sustainable:
(ii) Subject to subparagraph (i}, enable reviewable land capable of
economic use to be freed from the management constraints
(direct and indirect) resulting from its tenure under reviewable
instrument; and

(b) To enable the protection of significant inherent values of reviewable
land:

(i) By the creation of protective mechanisms; or (preferably)
(ii) By the restoration of land to full Crown ownership and control;
and

(c) Subject to paragraphs (a) and (b), to make easier -

(i) The securing of public access to and enjoyment of reviewable land; and

(ii) The freehold disposal of reviewable land.

This proposal promotes the management of the land in a way that is ecologically sustainable by:

Designating land as conservation area where the ecological sustainability of continued extensive pastoral farming is, at best, questionable. The most profitable economic use of this land in the immediate future is likely to continue to be extensive pastoralism. On the basis that the most economically profitable uses are likely to prevail, this use would likely continue within this area if disposed of on freehold title. On the other hand, nature conservation is considered an ecologically sustainable use of the land designated for this purpose as, under this use, both nutrient and energy flows are likely to be balanced.

The large majority of the land proposed being disposed of on freehold title is of a quality and nature as to economically justify the development of specialist pastures and nutrient replenishment under its current uses. The area where this does not apply is of a relatively minor nature.

Freeing land capable of economic use from the management constraints of its current tenure will allow more ecologically sustainable mixes of land use to evolve.

Providing for a more focused and specialist management of the respective areas in accordance with their dominant use.

Subject to the above, the proposal enables reviewable land that is capable of economic use to be freed from the management constraints resulting from its tenure by disposal freehold title. That economic use is pastoral farming and viticulture on the lower slopes and terraces.

This proposal fits the objects of the Act in that it will enable the protection of significant inherent values identified within the reviewable land by the restoration of the land to Crown control. The portion of the land that was identified as containing significant inherent values that is not protected in this proposal is relatively minor.

Public access to and enjoyment of the land is provided for by the creation of public access easements over one route through the proposed freehold land to the proposed conservation area.

APPENDIX 1:

Plan

PANZ Submission

11 March 2002

Commissioner of Crown Lands
C/- Knight Frank NZ Ltd
P O Box 27
Alexandra

Submission on Mt Pisa Station Tenure Review Preliminary Proposal

Boundary of proposed conservation area
We are generally happy with the area proposed for retention of full Crown ownership (unfortunately without full control), with one exception.

Our concern relates to the proposed boundary at the southern end of the Basins Block (refer to appended aerial photograph).

As the Report on Consultation (pg. 8) states, "fencing won't be easy and is likely to be expensive as it is across a steep mountain slope and numerous gullies". Fencing will be at approximately 1500m (5000 ft) asl on a leeward slope subject to considerable snow loading. We are skeptical that this can be economically maintained as a stock-proof barrier.

Map 2 of the Conservation Resource Report shows much of the area downslope of the proposed boundary is above the 'natural vegetation boundary'. This is within RAP Pisa A3 and is currently within the conservation covenant. Reservation of this area would be in keeping with the objects of section 24(a)(i) CPLA.

DOC records in the Conservation Resource Report (pp27-28) that, in regard to fencing of the northern Basins block, "high inherent values "disappear at about 1100 m...however the lessees are adamant that it is not practical to fence any higher in that locality".

DOC records (p 27) that "there may be an opportunity for a higher snow line fence of 1100-1200 m [higher than existing snowline fence] that would clearly be a demarcation line between conservation land and farmland...it is clearly desirable to establish a practical boundary line that can be established and maintained".

On page 30 'Justification and Recommendations' DOC reinforces the 1100 m contour as the desired boundary by stating, "new fencing may be required north of the Gordon Rocks along the 1100 m contour to the Locharburn boundary".

Because of the steep slopes and gullies proposed to be traversed by the new fenceline, it is likely that benching will be required. This will create an obvious linear scar across the upper slopes of the eastern face. However the DOC Conservation Resource Report (pp. 3-4) states that "the most significant visual feature on Pisa Station is the dramatic and impressive eastern fault scarp face of the Pisa Range. It overlooks and dominates the Clutha Valley, and forms an important visual backdrop to Cromwell and Lake Dunstan...this face represents a regionally, perhaps nationally, significant landscape". DOC (p30) recommends "that the priority for landscape protection on Pisa Station is the upper eastern face..."

Due to the inherent natural character of this prominent eastern escarpment, and because of the desecration of the Pisa western escarpment and crest on Waiorau, we strongly believe that the Crown has a particular obligation to maintain the eastern face in as natural state as possible by avoiding further earthworks.

In conclusion, the proposed boundary in the Preliminary Proposal is contrary to best local knowledge and DOC's advice to the CCL.

We submit that existing fencelines downslope from the proposed route be utalised instead. If a consequence of extending the conservation area downslope is that officials consider that grazing should be permitted over the lower slopes, we believe such use inappropriate. The slopes are severely depleted and clearly cannot sustain grazing. These slopes should be destocked and allowed to recover. That outcome would be more consistent with the objects contained in section 24 CPLA than the advertised proposal.

Proposed Grazing Concession
This is the most contentious aspect of the proposed tenure review.

21 years of grazing over an area with the highest remaining natural inherent values, as a 'phase-out' mechanism, is a farce. This proposal runs counter to DOC's advice and has been proposed in the Preliminary Proposal only as a means of reaching a deal with the current lessee. However deals per se are not the central purpose of the CPLA. Any deal must be consistent with the objects for tenure review. This deal is not.

Continuation of grazing is ecologically unsustainable and therefore contrary to section 24(1)(a) CPLA. Much of the land is LUC Class VIII with the balance Class VII. This capability classification gives a good indication of suitability for pastoral use. In this instance the area is either unsuitable or has severe limitations for grazing.

As well, issuing grazing rights over lands of high inherent value does not afford protection of those values as required by section 24(b), and does not satisfy the requirement of full Crown ownership and control as the preferred means of protection. The proposed grazing concession has no mechanism for early termination of grazing, therefore there is no Crown control for it's duration, as required by section 24(b)(ii).

This is what DOC has had to say about grazing of the Back and Crow's Nest blocks

Report on Consultation
"...a grazing concession would not be promoted as the preferred outcome..." (p8)
...continued grazing may restrict recovery of depleted areas."'
"...DOC considers any continued grazing in the proposed conservation area will result in some level of damage to the conservation values and our preference is for total removal on settlement"...(p11)

"Grazing has the potential to impact adversely on the natural vegetation and hence the ecosystems associated with this vegetation. Grazing and burning in the past has considerably modified the cover, though it is still predominantly natural and in overall healthy condition".

Conservation Resource Report
Significance of the Vegetation
"The vegetation on Mt Pisa Station above 1100 m contains high inherent values".
"The expansive southern landscape with its spectacular Tors contains some of the best ecological values on the Pisa range...these mixed tussock grasslands if destocked have the potential to recover into tall tussock grasslands and the Chionochloa macra stature and vigour would be enhanced" (p 26).

"outside of the cirque basin some of the best wetland communities occur on this southern area. Long-term removal of grazing is essential..." (p 27).

DOC revised recommendations
"it is intended that grazing be excluded" (p 1).

In the earlier Land Act tenure review, a vulnerable area of wetland/snowbank was identified northwest of Mt Dottrel. It was proposed that this be ring-fenced to exclude stock. While we appreciate the necessity of excluding stock from this area, PANZ objected to fencing as an eyesore, impractical to maintain, and a hazard for skiers. This matter is not addressed in the current proposal, but highlights the necessity of stock exclusion from the greater area.

Justification for 21 years duration of grazing is provided as this "gives Mt Pisa Station Limited the necessary opportunity to put in place the significant management changes that will be required as a result of the reduction of the size of the property by 4367 ha."
Information on Proposed Concession (grazing) Provided by DG Conservation

However this advice is erroneous. It is not the area of land lost to Pisa Station, but the carrying capability relative to the total stock numbers on the property that is relevant. Going by the last personal stock limitations available to PANZ, there is something in the order of 15,000 stock units on the two pastoral leases that comprise the property. By comparison, the 500 stock units proposed on the area to be retained in "full crown ownership and control" is insignificant, unlike its potential for damage to inherent values.

Even if Mt Pisa Station were to remain a traditional high country pastoral operation, without diversification into other land uses, it is ludicrous to claim that 21 years is need for adjustment in management towards total stock removal. There would have to be something very amiss with the property's management for this to be the case, and we do not for a moment believe this to be so.

With freehold ownership over the Clutha valley flats and terraces, there is going to be considerable potential for new uses such as viticulture that have potential returns far in excess of what the Crown is going to get out of tenure review. Such considerations no doubt provide the main incentive for the lessee entering into tenure review, if not for him, then for those who follow.

We submit that grazing be permitted over the Back, Crow's Nest and part Breakneck blocks for a maximum of 3 years, with provision for immediately revoking such rights without compensation if the stock limits prescribed or other conditions are breached. Such grazing rights should be personal to the current lessee; ie. non-transferable.

Public access easement
As DOC advised in their Revised Recommendations (p 5), "there is a strong expectation that unrestricted access to public conservation lands will be provided as part of tenure review". We would go further, that unless this expectation is translated into actual access provisions, then PANZ could not support the tenure review process.

At face value, the expectation of unrestricted access, unlike in the earlier Land Act review, has been admirable met in the current Preliminary Proposal.

The current proposal is a vast improvement on what was on offer last time round under the land Act review. All those responsible are to be congratulated, in particular the lessee for being so accommodating of this public need. The route chosen is the one we advocated last time, and being a reasonably well-graded track, provides the obvious route. In fact it is the best route up the eastern face.

We welcome use as of right for foot, non-motorised vehicle and horse. We agree that the track is unsuitable for uncontrolled 4WD use. We also welcome vehicle access from the State Highway to the base of the hill and the provision of parking.

We do not anticipate great use of this route by foot or cycle because the considerable vertical height involved in climbing to the crest of the range. The southern approach via the pack track will remain the preferred route. Uphill horse use may be greater than for other users. However the route will provide an escape route off the range and a downward option for return trips on foot or cycle.

While officially acknowledging that this will be an "as or right" access we are concerned about discussion in the Report on Consultation (p 10) on lambing and of possible requirements/guidance by signposting to consult the landowner prior to use. Besides being impractical for downward travelers, deterrence of public use during the Spring would conflict with one significant user group cross country skiers, when the range is in prime condition for such activity. We believe that requiring intending users to 'consult' the land occupier defeats the 'securing public access' objective of the CPLA. That is no different from the current situation under pastoral lease. If there is a potential problem during lambing, this could possibly be dealt with by fencing and/or education. Signposting advising how to behave around lambing ewes should be considered.

PANZ is concerned about a growing tendency to discourage public use of easements resulting from tenure review. DOC signposting disappearing from Coal Pit Saddle and other signs warning of danger from shooting at the Nevis Bluff are examples. The public is entirely dependent on DOC to assert and protect their rights of use, however there appears not too much official enthusiasm for this. There is no direct legal remedy open to members of the public whom find themselves obstructed. The fiasco on Waiorau has well demonstrated the reality that easements, no matter how well drafted, will fail in the face of determined obstructers and inept or unwilling officials. What is needed are direct powers for members of the public to assert their rights of passage.

As PANZ has submitted in regard to Makarora Station access to Boundary Creek, there is no legal obstacle to dedicating public roads for specific user groups other than for motor vehicles. The Cardrona-Cromwell Pack Track, which bisects the southern part of Mt Pisa Station, is a historic example. "Pack track" has legal significance. It was created, or 'dedicated' for pack horses, their riders and foot travelers. There is no right of vehicle use, despite it being a legal road. This is on the basis of long-established common law. There are remedies open to the authorities if other 'users' use the road.

The same mechanism could be utalised for the route proposed for public access up the eastern face of the range, with 'dedication' for foot, cycle and horse users. Such users would be assured of rights of access at all times; have legal recourse in the event of obstruction; have assurance of permanence of the access; and unlike for easements, be assured that a public process would be followed if moves were made to extinguish or 'stop' the road.

We are concerned about the 'temporary suspension' provisions of the draft easement document. This states the
"The transferee may close all or part of the Easement Area and suspend public access to it in the case on an easement:
(a) Under section 7 Conservation Act 1987 if reasons of public safety or emergency require closure, or otherwise in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Conservation Act 1987;
(b) under section 12 of the Reserves Act 1987 if it is necessary for the protection and wellbeing of the Easement Area, or for the protection and control of the public."

Section 7 Conservation Act is entitled 'land may be acquired and held for conservation purposes', and contains no powers of closure.

Section 13 Conservation Act only applies to conservation areas. The easement area will be private freehold. If there are genuine reasons for closure of the conservation area that is where closures should apply. Notify closure at the commencement of the easement, however the easement itself cannot be closed under the Conservation Act.

Closure under section 12 Reserves Act for "for the protection and wellbeing of the Easement Area" is ultra vires the Minister's powers. Section 12 relates to acquiring interests over private land "for the purposes of a reserve or for the improvement, protection, or extension of or access to an existing reserve". The Easement Area is not a reserve and the "wellbeing" of this land relates to farming or other private uses. This is a change in wording from other tenure review easement documents to date. If this is deliberate it signals a conscious move to subvert the public purposes of the CPLA in regard to securing public access.

Skeleton Hut
We are disappointed that no 'as of right' public use of this hut is proposed despite official advice to the contrary

Conservation Resource Report (pg. 28)
"The musterers hut would become a DOC hut available for recreational use. This hut already receives a moderate degree of recreational use especially over the winter months as it is a good stepping off point for ski touring. With time it will become popular for walkers using the pack track and back country users enjoying the broad tussock tops and tors."

Considering that the purpose of hut occupation solely relates to three months grazing over the surrounding land, we do not agree that 'occupation' rights should be year round. We submit that the condition of use, namely prior booking, only apply for the duration of grazing.

Cardrona-Cromwell Pack Track
We note that, while the importance of this legal road is frequently noted in official advice, no specific recommendations concerning it have been made in the Preliminary Proposal. We trust this means that no moves will be made to stop or close this road?

Locharburn bed missing from tenure review
Despite being within the boundary of Po 271, a rectangular part of Run 731 has been omitted from the tenure review. This may have relevance to the creation of marginal strips.

The Opus Land Status Report advises that there are "no streams over 3 m". This advice may be incorrect in regard to the banks of the Locharburn. In any event this advice is legally incorrect. The requirements of section 24 Conservation Act relate to the beds or rivers and streams of "an average width of 3 metres or more". This is yet another instance of generic misapplication of the marginal strip provisions, which I have previously submitted on.

Yours faithfully

Bruce Mason
Researcher

Appendix: Air photograph of boundary fencelines southern Basin Block

Public Access New Zealand, P.O.Box 17, Dunedin, New Zealand

Class III	130 ha
Class IV	115 ha
Class V	3755 ha
Class VII	2780 ha
Class VIII	2120 ha