This page last modified
19 September 1998
Po 296
Queenstown district
Otago Land District
Tenure review approved by Commissioner of Crown Lands January1997
K.F REF: Po294
Date: 16 August 1996
(1) THE PROPOSAL:
This proposal has been developed on behalf of the Commissioner
of Crown Lands.
The report describes the physical attributes of the property along
with a description of the commercial and conservation values which
are considered to exist on the land. The report discusses some
of the issues associated with the review and recommends an outcome
which has been agreed to in principle by the lessee.
Details of the proposal are as follow:
(a) The surrender of the pastoral lease over Po239 Mt Dewar under Section 145 of the Land Act 1948, being a total of 2459.1803 ha.
(b) The classification of an area of approximately 1809 ha as "farmland" (on lines depicted as 'proposed freehold" on the attached map) under Section 51 of the Land Act 1948.
(c) The preferential allocation on freehold title of approximately 1809 ha of land classified as "farmland" to Mt Field Limited under Section 54 of the Land Act 1948.
(d) The issue of freehold title as in (c) above being subject to the registration of an access easement in favour of Her Majesty the Queen allowing free unrestricted public foot and mountain bike access plus Department of Conservation vehicle access for management purposes on the 4WD tracks within the proposed area of freehold as shown on the attached map. Easement to be subject to Section 7(2) Conservation Act 1987.
(e) The transfer to the Department of Conservation for management for conservation purposes a total estimated area of approximately 650 ha as shown on the attached map being:500 ha Devils Creek/Mt Dewar proposed conservation area
149 ha Shotover River margin proposed conservation area
1 ha Atleys Terrace proposed Historic Reserve
650 ha Total Area (approximately)
(f) The registration on the proposed freehold title a conservation covenant under Section 77 Reserves Act 1977 over the Skippers Road corridor and upper Coronet Peak Road margin as shown on attached map with the objectives of maintaining and enhancing the landscape character and protecting the historic features within these areas.
(g) The granting of an easement in favour of the adjacent title holder granting free unrestricted right of access by vehicle, on horseback or foot over the 4WD tracks within the proposed Devils Creek/Mt Dewar conservation area for management purposes.
(2) LEASE DETAILS:
Legal Description: Run 737 Blocks XI, XII, XV, XVI and XIV
Shotover Survey
District, Section 19 Block XVI Shotover Survey District, Sections
140, 141 and part Sections 43 and 45 Block XIX Shotover Survey
District, part Run 27 Block XVI Shotover Survey District, Section
1 SO 22907.
Area: 2459.1803 hectares
Marginal Strips: Present along Shotover River
Lessee: Mount Field Limited
Lease Details: Pastoral Lease under Section 66 Land Act
1948.
Term: 33 years from 1 July 1964
Expiry: 30 June 1997
Annual Rent: $369.40
Encumbrances: ROW easement to Telecom for power supply
to facility and vehicle access from Skippers Saddle to Mt Dewar.
Local Body: Queenstown-Lakes District Council
(3) RESOURCE REPORT:
3.1 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:
The property is a small run property approximately 10 kms east
of Queenstown immediately to the west of Coronet Peak skifield.
It is bounded by the Shotover River to the west and the Skippers
Road to the east. Altitude ranges between 400 and 1310 metres
at the summit of Mt Dewar.
The rainfall here averages 815 mm per annum and is fairly evenly
distributed throughout the year with less variability than properties
further east. Snow often lies above 1200 metres for around 3 winter
months with periodic snowfalls to lower reaches common. Winters
are generally harsh with no pasture growth for 3 to 4 months with
aspect being critical in determining growing period.
The property is presently being run in conjunction with Closebum
Station and other freehold land in the area. Previously the property
has been run with adjacent land. It has not being considered an
independent economic unit. It is well balanced in aspect for pasture
production purposes and contains very clean tussock country on
fertile soils in a reliable rainfall belt.
The property is aesthetically attractive containing classical
Central Otago landscapes such as those surrounding the Skippers
Road and is adjacent to the Shotover River.
The property is presently carrying around 3800 sheep (2700 su's)
mainly in wethers. Carrying rapacity has largely been limited
to the amount of warmer winter country. Grazing has generally
involved seasonal set stocking with the shadier blocks to the
south being grazed over summer spelling the sunnier blocks for
winter.
Rabbits are present on the northern sunnier end of the property
in low numbers.
A major area of wilding conifers (pines and larch) are present
at the southern end of the property above the Skippers Road covering
an area of approximately 100 ha. A smaller area of wildings (Douglas
fir) is spreading from adjacent land in Long Gully. Containment
of these trees will constitute a significant annual cost to the
property. In the absence of annual control work these trees have
the potential to spread rapidly into the Devils Creek Catchment
and beyond. Some broom and gorse exists in localised patches in
Long Gully with sweet briar widespread on the lower slopes of
the property, generally being less severe than on properties within
the Kawarau.
Land Use Capability Classification (Otago Catchment Board):
Class VI 1386 ha
Class VII 1043 ha
Class VIII 30 ha
Total Area 2459 ha
Previous History:
The original pastoral lease was issued on 1 March 1964 and contained
2428.1139 ha. In 1978 120 ha of the lease below the Coronet Peak
Road was excluded and is now freehold. In 1988 a further 15 ha
above the junction of the Coronet Peak and Skippers Road was surrendered
from the lease to be incorporated in Coronet Peak Station. In
1978 an area immediately above Arthurs Point of 164 ha was incorporated
into the lease with an additional 2.4 ha section adjacent to the
track to Mt Dewar being incorporated in 1987.
The property was originally named Wharehuanui Farm and was run
with adjacent freehold. It is estimated to have carried between
3000 to 3500 su up until 1993 when the stocking rate was slightly
reduced.
In 1971 and 1980 soil conservation plans were entered into involving
in total 13.5 kms of fencing, 2.6 kms of cattle proof fencing,
1.4 kms of wind breaks and 320 ha of aerial oversowing and topdressing.
This work has been completed.
3.2 CONSERVATION RESOURCES:
Summary of Conservation Resources:
3.2.1 ECOLOGICAL FEATURES:
(a) Vegetation
The property is located in the Shotover Ecological District but no PNAP
survey has been undertaken. Notable plant communities include the following:-
- -snow tussock grassland (Chionochloa rigida):
confined to slopes above 850 metres in good condition, contains some shrubland species, eg, Cassinia, Hebe species and Dracophyllum uniflorum.
- montane shrublands:
located below 600 metres especially along the Shotover gorge faces comprising matagouri, Coprosma propinqua, Carmichaelia compacta, C.arborea and Olearia odorata.
- beech forest:
a mountain beech forest remnant occurs in Devils Creek between 480920 metres, with scattered smaller remnants on the lower Shotover gorge faces.
The Devils Creek catchment contains a good range of these communities.
(b) Fauna:
Vertebrate species, eg, native birds are restricted to common species only.
Based on a survey of the adjoining Coronet Peak recreation reserve, the key habitats for invertebrate species conservation include:-
- shrubland of Cassinia, Hebe species, Dracophyllum uniflorum at 9001300 m.a.s.l.
- tors and rocky areas between 900-1300 m.a.s.l.
- Chionochloa rigida between 900-1300 m.a.s.l.
Inverberate species present include 169 species of alpine Lepidoptera, some of which are local or uncommon species.
Species of restricted distribution contain fifteen Lepidoptera found in grasslands/herb fields and two species of caddis flies in streams. An aquatic fauna survey of the Shotover River indicate that Devils Creek would contain populations of galaxiids such as upland bully and koaro which migrate to Lake Wakatipu. Koaro are a threatened species.
(c) Landscape Assessment:
Mt Dewar has been divided into four landscape units.
(i) Coronet Peak Road corridor - a highly visual landscape unit prominent from much of the Wakatipu Basin.
(ii) Skippers Road corridor - notable for its sense of enclosure along the road, with numerous spectacular features such as rocky columns, eg, the Lighthouse, historic qualities and its vistas of the surround peaks.
(iii) Mt Dewar Hinterland - largely covered in dense snow tussock, it forms an important backdrop to many of the area's most well known recreational/tourism activities and contributes to the quality of these experiences.
(iv) Shotover Canyon Corridor - part of a major recreation/tourism corridor
along the famous Shotover river system . Makes a significant contribution to the Water Conservation order lodged for the Kawarau River and tributaries.
The property contains a significant number of landscape/recreation/historic values warranting recognition and appropriate protection.
3.2.2 CULTURAL FEATURES
Historic Sites - The Shotover River valley with its many tributaries
represents a major historical resource of national importance.
It was the richest river in New Zealand in terms of gold production.
Many mining sites remain intact along the length of the river.
Five historic sites associated with gold mining are located along
the Mt Dewar section of the Shotover River and these include large
reservoirs with race systems and ruins of dwellings. Part of the
original pack track to Skippers from the Skippers Saddle occurs
on the property.
Recreational Use - The Wakatipu Basin, including the Shotover
catchment provides settings for a diverse range of recreational
activities with a substantial and steadily expanding commercial
recreation tourism industry centred on Queenstown. The close proximity
to this tourist town, combined with the attributes of outstanding
scenery, rich history abundant recreational opportunities already
make Mt Dewar a popular attraction especially along the Shotover
river and the Coronet Peak road/Skippers road corridors. The Shotover
river is heavily used by commercial rafting and canoeing companies.
It is considered to be the premium white water river experience
in Otago, used by more than 37,000 visitors a year.
The Coronet Peak road provides access to the Coronet Peak skifield.
The Skippers road is an unforgettable driving experience, much
of it narrow, one way and muddy, perched high above the river
gorge.
The hinterland of Mt Dewar with its network of access tracks and
the Shotover gorge with its old track linking historic sites provides
exciting potential for mountain biking and walking.
3.3 OTHER RESOURCES:
Gold was mined in the Shotover Catchment and Long Gully from the
early 1860's. This originally involved sluicing of the hill slopes
above the Shotover. Since the turn of the century mining was confined
to elevating and dredging within the main Shotover River which
has continued up until very recently. L and M Mining Ltd ceased
mining in the Shotover in 1993.
Tourism - The property is within close proximity to Queenstown
and contains landscapes of outstanding quality along with a richness
of history and associated historic sites. These factors combine
to provide good commercial opportunities for developing tourist
related ventures on this property.
It does however have constraints in the form of limitations to
access, particularly over winter and the limited number of building
sites on the property.
Forestry - This property does contain land suitable for
growing such species as Douglas fir and larch. Indications of
growth rates of Douglas fir on similar country west of Arrowtown
are good. Significant constraints to this use do exist however
in the form of extraction costs over much of the property, costs
of controlling wilding spread and potential conflicts with the
maintenance of landscape quality.
Telecommunications - An area of 1225 square metres described
as Section 1 SO 22907 located on the summit of Mt Dewar has been
excluded from the lease. A special lease under Section 67 of the
Land Act 1948 has been issued to Telecom South Limited for a term
of 33 years from 1 July 1986. The lease gives Telecom exclusive
occupancy of the site on which their telecommunications facility
is located but requires consent for further building or earth
disturbance. Attached to the lease is a right of way easement
for 4WD access along the existing track from Skippers Saddle to
the summit of Mt Dewar. This right of way is non-exclusive and
does not prohibit the Crown from allowing additional public foot
and mountain bike access along this track.
(5) DETAILS OF PROPOSAL:
This proposal has been developed by Knight Frank (NZ) Limited,
as agents for the Commissioner of Crown Lands, in consultation
with the lessee and the Department of Conservation. The aims of
the proposal are:
5.1 DISCUSSION:
This property has historically been run as a small pastoral enterprise
along with adjacent land. The majority of the property is below
900 m.a.s.l. and is considered well balanced with sunny and shady
country. Its productivity is however severely limited by a relatively
short growing season and the usually harsh winters.
The property is considered to contain high values in landscape
quality and outdoor recreation and is rich in early European historic
sites. The southerly aspect below Mt Dewar and upper Devils Creek
is considered to contain significant botanical values in the strong
snow tussock community present and the beech forest within Devils
creek margin.
In addition to the potential to further develop the pastoral production
from the property there is obvious commercial potential utilising
the landscape, recreation and historic values of the property
through tourism and property development. Such development utilises
the lifestyle qualities which can be afforded from such a location.
The Department of Conservation has identified the need to protect
certain significant botanical, landscape and recreation values
which are present on the property.
In developing this proposal it was necessary to avoid significantly
compromising the commercial opportunities which exist on the property
whilst at the same time protecting the Crown's interest in nature
conservation, recreation and protection of historic sites.
While the final proposal inevitably compromises commercial opportunities
to some degree, the protection of conservation values on the property
is not necessarily inconsistent or conflicting with some form
of commercial development.
This proposal has been dictated to some degree by the need to
arrive at practical fencible boundaries. A characteristic of this
country is its steepness and tendency to mass slipping making
cross-slope fencing undesirable on all but more moderate slopes.
Consideration has been given to the District Plan achieving protection
of some of the aims of the tenure review.
5.2 LAND PROPOSED FOR FREEHOLD:
Total Area (approximately) 1809 ha
Land Use Capability Description (Otago Catchment Board):
Class VIel Arrow soils on moderate slopes and terraces at low altitude under improved grasses. 58 ha
Class VIe2 Blackstone Hill soils below 800 metres on sunny aspect under short tussock grassland and improved grasses resulting from AOSTD. 50 ha
Class VIe3 Arrow steepland soils on generally sunny faces with cover of short tussock grassland association. 354 ha
Class VIe4 Arrow steepland soils generally below 1000 metres on shady aspect with cover of short tussock and low producing grasses. 859 ha
Total Class VI 1321 ha
Class VIIe2 Dunstan steepland soils on shady country generally above 1000 metres with cover of snow tussock generally in good condition. 255 ha
Class VIIe3 Dunstan steepland soils on very steep sunny faces below Mt Dewar, rough topography with considerable areas of exposed rock, otherwise snow tussock. 146 ha
Class VIIs Dunstan steepland/Arrow steepland soils on very steep mid-altitude sunny faces, predominantly rock bluffs with areas of loose material, small areas of stable country with snow tussock extending down to short tussock association. 87 ha
Total Class VII 488 ha
Total Proposed Freehold Approximately 1809 ha
Justification:
The proposed freehold area comprises blocks which run from the Shotover and Long Gully Catchments to the high ridges and the summit of Mt Dewar. Altitude fences have not been proposed under run plans by the Otago Catchment Board in the past due to the natural instability of this terrain and the tendency to severe natural slipping. It is therefore considered impractical to separate higher altitude Class VII land from lower improved country within the area of proposed freehold.
Pasture improvement at lower altitude has tended to attract stock off the upper slopes. This fact in combination with moderate grazing levels has resulted in a very low level of grazing of the snow tussock zone and a gradual improvement of condition over time.
The area proposed for freeholding does not contain significant botanical conservation values. The landscape values and significant public recreation values within this area are protected by way of landscape covenant and right of way easements.
5.3 AREA PROPOSED FOR INCLUSION IN CONSERVATION ESTATE:
Area (approximately) 650 ha
Land Use Capability Description (Otago Catchment Board):
Class VII Arrow steepland soils below 800 metres within Devils Creek Catchment with very cold shady aspect. Cover comprises short tussock grassland association. 65 ha
VIIe1 Arrow steepland soils on rugged unstable topography above Shotover River, numerous rock bluffs and slips. Cover comprises manuka/matagouri shrubland association. 150 ha
Class VIIe2 Dunstan steepland soils above 800 metres within Devils Creek Catchment and southern slopes below Mt Dewar, generally cold shady country. Cover comprises generally good condition snow tussock association. 305 ha
Class VIIs Dunstan steepland/Arrow steepland soils on very steep mid-altitude sunny faces on south side of Devils Creek. Predominantly rock bluffs with areas of loose material. Cover comprises snow tussock grading to fescue tussock. 130 ha
Total Area 650 ha
Justification:
The Devils Creek Catchment and the southern slopes below Mt Dewar
are an example of a snow tussock dominant native plant community
in excellent condition. Devils Creek Catchment also contains the
only beech forest remnant on the property. A good altitudinal
sequence exists from native shrub communities above the Shotover
River, beech forest in Devils Creek to silver tussock on the sunny
slopes on the south side of Devils Creek grading to a snow tussock
community at around 600 metres on shady slopes.
The sunny facing bluffs also shelter a small range of shrub and
herb species. Such an altitudinal sequence in similar condition
is not protected for nature conservation management purposes elsewhere
in the vicinity.
The slopes immediately above the Shotover River contain extensive
remnant shrublands containing a wide range of native shrub species.
These shrublands will gradually increase in time and contribute
to the wild and scenic nature of the Shotover River.
The demand for scenic walks and mountain bike routes in close
proximity to Queenstown such as are available on this property
is high. There are a limited number of formally protected scenic
public access routes within this vicinity.
Routes such as the Skippers Road are presently receiving a high
level of use with a high proportion being commercial operators.
Public walking and mountain biking is already spilling onto private
land. There is a need to provide for this demand in a managed
way.
The 4WD track from Skippers Saddle to Mt Dewar and from here to
the Shotover is expected to be a popular walking and mountain
bike route. It affords excellent views and access to historic
sites and good condition alpine plant communities within the proposed
conservation area. A walking route from Arthurs Point to Long
Gully along the Shotover river margin has the potential to be
developed and would expect to be popular.
5.4 PROPOSED EASEMENTS/COVENANTS REGISTERED ON FREEHOLD
Public Access\DOC Management Easements:
It is proposed that right of way easements be granted in favour
of Her Majesty the Queen for the purpose of allowing free unrestricted
public foot and mountain bike access over the 4WD tracks within
the proposed freehold title as shown on the attached map. Access
would be gained to the summit of Mt Dewar from Skippers Saddle
via the existing 4WD track which is maintained by Telecom for
their telecommunications facility. Included in the easement would
be a clause allowing DOC vehicle access for management purposes
over these tracks. The total length of easement is estimated at
10 kms.
In addition public foot and mountain bike access easements are
proposed through short sections of proposed freehold at Atleys
Terrace and Butchers Point to facilitate a round trip from Mt
Dewar to Long Gully.
Justification:
The proposed access easements provide appropriate opportunities
for public access to sites of particular interest on the property.
Formalisation of this access will allow the Department of Conservation
to invest where necessary in providing sign posting and styles
to minimise costs on the adjacent freehold. Final siting of the
easements will generally follow the formed 4WD tracks but will
aim to avoid unnecessary intrusion on the proposed freehold.
Conservation Covenant (Section 77 Reserves Act 1977):
A conservation covenant is proposed for the Skippers Road corridor
and the upper portion of the Coronet Peak Road as shown on the
attached map (estimated area 217 ha) to achieve the following
conservation objectives:
(i) Maintaining and enhancing the landscape character of the land described in the landscape assessment section of the DOC Conservation Resources Report prepared for the Mt Dewar Pastoral Lease tenure review.
(ii) Protecting the historic features contained within the Skippers Road visual corridor.
Justification:
The Skippers Road corridor is considered a landscape of national
importance which justifies the strongest protection. Such things
as the erection of buildings and structures, earthworms and tree
planting are considered the major potential threats to this landscape.
The conservation covenant will require the Minister of Conservation's
consent to these being carried out within this corridor.
Vehicle Access Easements over Proposed Conservation Area:
It is proposed that the Department of Conservation grant access
easements to the adjacent title holder for vehicle access over
the 4WD tracks within the proposed conservation area. The easement
will be for farm management purposes. The Crown has already granted
an easement to Telecom for the purpose of providing vehicle access
to their repeater site and to convey electricity to the telecommunications
facility.
Appended:
Public Access New Zealand
R D 1
Omakau 9182
Thursday, October 17, 1996
Ken Taylor
Knight Frank NZ Ltd
P O Box 27
Alexandra
Dear Ken
Submission on Mt Dewar Tenure Review Proposal
Public Access New Zealand supports the draft proposals. We do however have a query and a suggestion on how to implement an aspect of the deal.
We have benefited from an earlier field inspection. Please convey our thanks to the lessee for his consent for this.
1. Sustainability of farming upper faces Mt Dewar.
We have strong doubts that the upper sunny faces proposed for
freeholding can be 'farmed', and therefore cannot properly qualify
as 'farm land' under the Land Act. However we are also pragmatists
and realise that these steep, rocky, and unstable slopes cannot
be separated from the balance by fencing.
2. Shotover corridor.
We doubt that the proposed DOC corridor above the river is wide enough to provide both practical public access and sufficient landscape protection. This river frontage is nationally important, being too important to leave entirely to the changing whims of local authorities to protect under the district plan. There is a real danger of wilding pines etc taking over the Shotover canyon. DOC needs a direct say/ability to prevent this over the greater part of the canyon-wall. We request that the extent of the proposed river-side reserve be significantly widened.
3. Landscape covenant along Skippers Road
Strong landscape controls are essential in the areas proposed. An essential condition should be that wilding pines be eliminated, and tree planting, earthworks, or building be prohibited.
4. Old Skippers pack track
The proposed public access easements should be extended to include the above track. This would enable, ultimately, the reopening of this track as far as Skippers; one-way walking trips, with vehicle pick-up at one end; and round trips via Mt Dewar and the Shotover Canyon. This is an opportunity that is too important to be missed. I have previously promoted this option in a Lands and Survey study of recreational opportunities in the Shotover Valley. This was at the time of the Crown purchase of Mt Aurum Station. The through-route to Skippers would require the future consent of Coronet Peak Station. The absence of consent at this stage should, however, not preclude making provision now. The track is more than justified by the other walking opportunities it would enhance on Mt Dewar Station.
5. Proposed public foot and mountain bike easements.
We fully support these, both in their proposed locations and their terms. It is public right-of-way easements "in favour of Her Majesty the Queen" for "free unrestricted public foot and mountain bike access".
'Free' and 'unrestricted' public (as opposed to DOC) access means just that. Any lesser rights of use would result in much knashing of teeth and general disfigurement of those responsible. You should pick up on the general drift! We have elephantine memories in regard to instances of lesser right's being created during tenure reviews, after allegedly unrestricted rights had been agreed.
These easements must be secured, so as to ensure that they are not amended or extinguished at some time in the future without full public knowledge and consultation. The most obvious way to do so is for DOC to hold them as interests in the land under Section 7 (2) Conservation Act. We strongly recommend this be done.
We have one query about one of the proposed easements due to poor copy of the plan supplied. It appears that this is 'public easement' track proposed from half-way up the freehold hillside opposite Moke Creek, leading into Lower Devils Creek. It there isn't, there should be.
We look forward to the implementation of this proposal. It will significantly increase recreational opportunities near Queenstown. Completion of any necessary works is awaited eagerly. We wish to thank all those responsible for developing these proposals.
Yours faithfully
Bruce Mason
Researcher and Spokesman
Knight Frank
Land Resources Division
Our Ref: Po294/1
28 January 1997
Bruce Mason
Public Access NZ
RD 1
OMAKAU 9182
Dear Submitter
RE: MOUNT DEWAR TENURE REVIEW
I am pleased to advise that the Commissioner of Crown Lands has approved the proposal to exchange property rights on Mount Dewar pastoral lease. The Commissioner has approved the following:
1. The surrender of the pastoral lease over Po239 Mt Dewar under Section 145 of the Land Act 1948, being a total of 2459.1803 ha.
2. The classification of an area of approximately 1779 ha as "farmland" (on lines depicted as "proposed freehold" on the attached map) under Section 51 of the Land Act 1948.
3. The preferential allocation on freehold title of approximately 1779 ha of land classified as "farmland" to Mt Field Limited pursuant to Section 54 of the Land Act 1948.
4. The retention by the Crown for management for conservation purposes a total estimated area of approximately 680 ha as shown on the attached map comprising:
530 ha Devils Creek/Mt Dewar proposed conservation area
149 ha Shotover River margin proposed conservation area
1 ha Atleys Terrace proposed Historic Reserve
680 ha Total Area (approximately)
5. The Commissioner of Crown Lands acknowledges that the following matters have been negotiated as part of the tenure review proposal to be approved by the Minister of Conservation under the Conservation Act 1990:
(i) The freehold title being subject to the registration of an access easement in favour of Her Majesty the Queen providing for free unrestricted public foot and mountain bike access plus Department of Conservation vehicle access for management purposes on the 4WD tracks within the proposed area of freehold as shown on the attached map pursuant to Section 7(2) Conservation Act 1987.
(ii) The registration on the proposed freehold title a conservation covenant pursuant to Section 77 Reserves Act 1977 over the Skippers Road corridor and upper Coronet Peak Road margin as shown on attached map with the objectives of maintaining and enhancing the landscape character and protecting the historic features within these areas as per the attached document.
(iii) The granting of an easement by the Crown in favour of the adjacent title holder providing free unrestricted right of access by vehicle, on horseback or foot over the 4WD tracks within the proposed Devils Creek/Mt Dewar conservation area for farm management purposes..
6 The lessee and the Crown acknowledge that the actual survey boundary of the margin of the Shotover will be determined on the ground at the time of survey to be conducted in the presence of the lessee and a representative of the Department of Conservation on approximately the line shown on the attached map with the intent of protecting the existing shrubland along the Shotover and allowing for a practical route for the construction of a walkway should this be desired in the future.
A number of issues were raised in the submissions. The Commissioner's response to the points raised is as follows:
(1) Extend proposed conservation area in Devils Creek further down towards Shotover.
Comment:
On reassessment it is concluded that whilst the steep bluffy slopes south of Devils Creek contain shrublands with conservation value and little grazing value, the lower slopes north of Devils Creek do not justify inclusion in the conservation area, being in improved pasture. Negotiations with the lessee succeeded in him agreeing to an additional 30 ha south of Devils Creek being included in the proposed conservation area.
(2) Extend proposed conservation area in Shotover up to 600 metre contour.
Comment:
This matter was reconsidered. It is concluded that extending the proposed conservation area up to the 600 m contour would not better protect the public interest identified. However, the lessee acknowledges that the survey line of this area will be determined on the ground with the intention of protecting the existing shrubland and allowing for a practical route for the construction of a walkway, should this be desired in the future.
(3) Include requirement to keep land free of wilding trees in landscape covenant
Comment:
This was a requirement of the originally proposed Conservation Covenant with a 50/50 cost sharing agreed between DOC and the lessee.
(4) Extend area of landscape covenant.
Comment:
This matter was reassessed. It was concluded that an extension of the proposed conservation covenant was not justified on the basis of protecting a landscape of national importance.
(5) Include original Long Gully pack track route as legal public foot access route (3).
Comment:
It was agreed that this track did provide an important recreation opportunity for walkers and mountain bikers as indicated by the existing use. Provision for public access along this route is to be affected by including a clause in the proposed conservation covenant, a ROW easement being inappropriate at this stage as some of the track is within the adjoining Coronet Peak pastoral lease.
Thank you for your submission.
Yours faithfully
P H Murray
for Manager, Alexandra
KNIGHT FRANK (NZ) LIMITED