This page last modified 19 September 1998
Po 346
Pisa Range
Otago Land District
Tenure review approved by Commissioner of Crown Lands <November
1996
Landcorp Property Limited
31 March 1995
PROPOSAL:
1. To surrender Po346 on the anniversary following completion of survey plans and necessary documentation.
2. To agree to the allocation of approximately 679 hectares to the Department of Conservation as Conservation Estate.
3. To issue a Special Lease under Section 67(2) Land Act 1948 over approximately hectares of the proposed conservation estate for a period of ten years.
4. To agree to the provision of public foot access to the proposed Conservation Estate via easements.
5. To provide vehicle access for DOC for management purposes to the proposed Conservation Estate via an existing farm track.
6. To provide access in favour of Locharburn for farming purposes over a vehicle track inside the proposed Conservation Estate.
7. To classify an area of approximately 1685 hectares as 'farmland' under Section 51 of the Land Act 1948.
8. To agree to a conservation covenant protecting remnant totara logs.
LEASE:
Legal Description: Section 38, Block VIII and Run 808 Blocks II, III, IV, and IX Tarras Survey District being CT 9C/1263. Lease is subject to the same terms and conditions under Po255 (i.e. Po346 subdivided out of Po255. Irrigation Agreement, right of way over the subject to Section 24, Block II Tarras Survey District, surrender of reserve area from property for protection).
Run Name: Locharburn
Area: 2364.2866 hectares
Lease Details: Tenure: Pastoral Lease
Term: 33 years (Expiry 30 June 2004)
Rent Review: 30 June 2004 (Rental value $200.000)
Annual Rent: $3,000 plus GST
Crown Improvements: Nil
Stock Limitation in Lease:
Base Limit: 2000 Sheep (including 940 breeding ewes) plus 10% 35 Cattle
Personal Stock Limitation: Implemented 1989:
5000 Sheep (including 1500 wethers)
260 Cattle (including breeding cows)
400 Goats (wethers - Blocks 12, 17, 20)
Top Block 120 su per annum
Lessee: G R & J M Brown
Location: Locharburn Station is situated on the north-eastern slopes of the Pisa Range. The property comprises the Locharburn Catchment and extends from the Clutha River up to the top of the Pisa Range. The homestead is situated on the Wanaka Road, State Highway 6, 28 kms north of Cromwell.
Other Land Held: 132 ha freehold. Two areas leased from Electricorp (152 &137 ha) which are part of proposed Queensberry dam site.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
(a) Aspect: Predominantly east-south-east, overall warm to shady with limited sunny country.
(b) Altitude: 200 - 1680 m.a.s.1.
(c) Contour: 10% flat to rolling, 50% moderate, 40% steep.
(d) Area Ploughable: 270 hetares.
(e) Rainfall: 400 - 1500 mm per annum (range over property).
(f) How Watered: Water is provided naturally from water races off hill and pumping station from Clutha River. These sources provide stock and irrigation water.
(g) Subdivision: 21 Blocks plus paddocks.
(h) Snow Risk: Moderate to high on the upper portion of the property. Low on lower warmer faces and flats.
(i) Balance: Good balance of summer and winter country.
(j) Shelter: Predominantly topography and woody vegetation.
(k) Reversion: Below 1000 m there are large areas of scattered to thick scrub, especially in gulIies. Species include kanuka, briar, matagouri, broom, Coprosma and Olearia. Between 1000-1200 m speargrass is very common.
(l) Erosion: Shady slopes are generally in good condition. Sunny slopes are exposed to westerly winds and subject to a soil moisture deficit for much of the year. Bare ground is subject to freeze thaw movement and associated erosion. Some wind sheet and gully erosion in exposed areas on Top and Head Lochar blocks.
(m) Weeds & Pests: See reversion section for shrub species. Little to no hawkweed in lower blocks. Hieracium lepidulum (tussock hawkweed) above 600 m. The property has a significant rabbit problem at lower altitudes requiring regular ongoing expenditure. Possums also present. A few hares are present at higher altitudes.
(n) Soils: (Including area now leased from Electricorp) Soils covering 40 ha or more.
61 ha: Pigburn silt loams, Ripponvale shallow sandy loams and Lochar sandy loams. Medium fertility soils which have no serious impediments to irrigation.
47 ha: Lindis, Lochar and Pigburn shallow sandy loams, Fraser sandy loams. Shallower poorer soils - all irrigated.
56 ha: Lindis, Cluden and Pigburn silt loams. All suited to irrigation.
51 ha: Lochar, Cluden and Luggate shallow sandy loams at present under a dryland farming system. Medium fertility soils well suited to irrigation.
97 ha: Lochar and Luggate very shallow sandy loams, Fraser and Molyneux stony sands. Poorly structured with low to medium nutrient status. Deeper soils can be cultivated for pasture establishment.
499 ha: Blackstone Hill soils and a limited area of Tawhiti Hill - Blackstone Hill intergrade soils of medium to high fertility found on shady slopes below 900 m support a strong vegetation cover.
219 ha: Blackstone Hill, Cairnside Hill, Koinga, Letts and Roxburgh steepland soils on dry sunny foot slopes and terrace scarps. Moderate to high fertility soils but moderate moisture deficit limitations.
123 ha: Blackstone soils on the Locharburn spur. Localised depletion and erosion. Good response to development.
157 ha: Tawhiti Hill, Blackstone Hill intergrade and Blackstone soils occurring on mostly shady slopes between 840-1080 m. Slightly to moderately eroded and depleted.
142 ha: Arrow steepland soils on steep, sunny, rocky faces on the Locharburn. Slightly to moderately eroded shallow droughty soils.
223 ha: Carrick Hill and Tawhiti Hill soils on mainly shady slopes between 1060 - 1440 m. Slightly to moderately eroded and depleted. Low to very low fertility.
270 ha: Cairnside Hill and Blackstone HilI soils plus Roxburgh steepland and Arrow steepland soils. Usually depleted soils under a kanuka canopy.
170 ha: Tawhiti Hill soils on mainIy sunny slopes between 1050 1200m. Moderately to severely eroded.
101 ha: Obelisk soils on the exposed easy rolling summit of the Pisa Range. Moderate to severely wind eroded. Not suited to pastoralism.
59 ha: Carrick Hill soils immediately below the range crest. Moderate to severely sheet and wind eroded. Not suited to pastoralism.
89 ha: Other soils covering small areas.
(o) Land Use Capability:
| Class III | 112 ha | 5 % |
| Class IV | 337 ha | 14 % |
| Class VI | 695 ha | 29 % |
| Class VII | 1041 ha | 44 % |
| Class VIII | 179 ha | 8 % |
| Total | 2364 ha | 100 % |
(p) Cover:
77 ha: Fair cultivation
62 ha: Cultivated pasture
1470 ha: AOSTD
753 ha: Unimproved native country
(q) General: A smaller than average pastoral run for the district at 2500 ha but reasonably productive and well developed carrying ~ 5000 su. It is well suited to both merino and half bred stock, cattle too can be utilized. It's balance is good and improvements substantial. The flats may present some horticultural opportunities.
PREVIOUS HISTORY:
Locharburn Station was once part of a larger property of the same name managed by Messrs Brown and Fastier from 1974 until 1983. In 1983 the property was divided into the present Locharburn Station and Queensberry Hills. Geoff Brown and his wife Joyce have run the property since this time.
The Brown's have completed an extensive development programme, partly through Soil and Water Conservation Plan No 287. Development entailed substantial amounts of fencing, over sowing and top dressing. Stock numbers increased from 3300 to 5500.
Beginning at the time of subdivision there was a protracted dispute over the establishment of a 15 ha Reserve to protect an ancient stand of Halls totara (recommended by Department of Lands and Survey, Parks and Reserves Section). The Reserve was not actually formally established until 1991.
In 1989 Electricorp started negotiating with the Browns and
two neighbouring properties over obtaining land for a possible
dam site. There process ran into considerable delays. The deal
for 137 ha of land to be transferred to Electricorp was approved
by the Commissioner of Crown Lands in 1992. Locharburn now leases
back land sold to Electricorp until such time as it is required.
CONSERVATION VALUES:
The top block is composed of a mixed Chiononhloa rigida, Festuce novae-zelandiae, Poa colensoi grassland with an inter tussock cover of native introduced herbs and grasses. The lower portion of this block is dominated by exotic species including Hieracium lepidulum (tussock hawkweed). A small part of RAP Pisa A3 is within this area.
Between 600 m and 900 m.a.s.1. there is a band of shrubland containing kanuka, manuka, matagouri, celery pine, bog pine' snow totara, Dracophyllum longifolium and two remnant silver beech trees. A portion of this area is protected by an existing scientific reserve.
The property contains several water races and a small area of gold workings dating to the late 19th century. These sites are protected under the Historic Places Act.
The Locharburn Spur represents one of the most practical vehicle access routes onto the eastern side of the Pisa Range. The Spur is used frequently by those wishing to access the range tops for ski touring, walking etc.
A number of totara logs are present in the Locharburn Gully directly below the proposed totara reserve. These logs are notable for both their large size, and the number within a small area, indicating that the area once supported areas of relatively dense forest.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
An "early warning" meeting was held with NGO's on 21 July 1993. Key issues identified were:
The property has been visited by Mr Howse of the Ngai Tahu Trust Board. He will comment when requested by the Commissioner.
DETAILED PROPOSAL:
(1) RAP A4 (mid altitude totara area). The current reserve will be expanded to incorporate the entire RAP and proposed extension area excluding a narrow strip on the westem side of the farm track up Locharburn Spur. This area (approximately 185 ha plus existing 20 ha reserve) will become a Conservation Area. Cattle will be removed following the signing of a 'Heads of Agreement' for tenure review. Rabbit fencing will be erected on existing fences as soon as possible after the "Heads of Agreement" has been signed (DOC will contribute to rabbit control under an agreed formula should rabbit net erection be delayed). Locharburn Station will carry out routine maintenance of the fence for a period of five years from its erection . At the end of this period maintenance will be on a 50:50 basis.
Sheep Grazing will be allowed under a Special Lease to be issued under Section 67(2) Land Act 1948 (to be transferred to DOC), for a period of 10 years. A monitoring programme will be established. The original reserve (and possibly an additional area) will be used as a control. Stock numbers for the second half of the ten year period will be reassesed according to monitoring results. Rental will be on a per stock unit grazed basis at a commercial level plus an administration fee.
It is anticiapted that in the absence of cattle, after f~ve years woody vegetation will have thickened considerably and that sheep numbers will be substantially reduced. Grazing rights will only extend beyond 10 years if monitoring results have produced cIear evidence that grazing is beneficial to defined conservation objectives. If grazing is considered a desirable component to future management Locharburn will have first option to that grazing.
An easement shall be issued in favour of Locharburn Station to use and maintain an existing farm track through the proposed Conservation Area for farm management purposes (including stock access and vehicle use). Track maintenance will require consultation with DOC.
(2) Top Block. Approximately 494 ha of this 750 ha block will be designated a conservation area with no provisions for grazing. A strip below 1220 m where vegetation is highly modified and which may be AOSTD in the future will be freeholded to the current lessees. The Reserve boundary will drop to approximately 1000 m in the northern portion of the block, in order to incorporate an area of sensitive predominantly 'native country'. Four years from issue of title, a fence will be constructed dividing the top block into two. Locharburn will have the right to graze top block within its current stock limit untiI this time. In the event that the Department of Conservation should ever offer grazing in this block after the initial phase out period, Locharburn Station shall have first option.
The existing fenceline in the north eastern corner (lower boundary) of the block will be shifted approximately 30 m up slope, incorporating a short stretch of farm track into the proposed freehold.
Ancient totara logs in the Locharburn Gully will be protected under a covenant which will require consultation with DOC if farming activities are likely to move or damage them.
(4) A public foot access route will be established inside the northern boundary of the property to the Totara Reserve and beyond to the Top Block. This route will be open at all times of the year. Access will be restricted to those on foot with no guns or animals. DOC in consultation with the Browns will erect styles over fences and signs informing the public of their rights and responsibilities. Locharburn shall be consulted in the event that commercial operators apply for a concession which involves the use of this access easement.
(5) The property will be assessed for marginal strip requirements at the time of survey.
(6) Approximately 1685 ha (subject to survey) will be freeholded to the current lessees. This area is predominantly improvedldeveloped hill country.
(7) An easement will be registered in favour of DOC allowing them vehicle access to the two proposed conservation areas for management purposes only. Use of this right will require prior consultation with the owners of Locharburn Station.
DISCUSSION
The proposal has been investigated in depth. Given that the property is smaller than many nearby pastoral leases, it contains considerable 'conservation values' including native forest/scrubland remnants, tussock grassland with recreational potential and an important access route onto the crest of the Pisa Range. It is acknowledged that this proposal will have an impact on the property's carrying capacity and that the majority of potential feasible development has been completed. Freehold title to the balance of the property may open doors to some new land use options including horticulture.
It is also recognised that there was interest from NGO's in attaining legal vehicle access up Locharburn Spur. This was debated in much detail with the lessees and various options considered. The lessees position is that they have always given fair access to the road upon request and will continue to do so. Primary reasons for not accepting vehicle access as part of this proposal were:
ln light of the above points it is considered more practical to move the foot access route to the northern boundary of the property (a more direct route) with no set closure periods. It is envisaged that public use of the Locharburn Spur road will continue, albeit at the discretion of Locharburn Station.
DESCRIPTION OF AREA TO BE FREEHOLDED:
(a) Area: 1685 hectares
(b) Aspect: Predominantly southeast
(c) Altitude: 200-1260 m.a.s.1.
(d) Contour: 20% flat to rolling, 50~o moderate, 30% steep
(e) Area Ploughable: 270 hectares
(f) Rainfall: 400-1200 mm per annum (range over property)
(g) Water Supply: Water is provided naturally from water races off the hill and pumping station from Clutha River. These sources provide stock and irrigation water.
(h) Sheller: Predominantly topography and woody vegetation.
(i) Reversron: Areas of kanuka, briar, matagouri, broom, Coprosma and Olearia concentrated in gullies.
(j) Erosion: Erosion prone high altitude lands will be retired from grazing under this proposal.
(k) Weeds & Pests: Hieractum lepidulum (tussock hawkweed) constitutes a threat in the upper portion of the proposed freehold area. Possums present. At lower altitudes an ongoing rabbit control programme will be essential.
(l) Soils and Land Use Capability:
Soils not in area proposed for freeholding:
101 ha: Obelisk soils
67 ha: Carrick hill soils
334 ha: Tawhiti hill soils
135 ha: Blackstone hill soils
58 ha: Cairnside hill soils
Land Use Capability:
| Class III | 112 ha | 6 % |
| Class IV | 337 ha | 18 % |
| Class VI | 513 ha | 35 % |
| Class VII | 715 ha | 41 % |
| Class VIII | 0 ha | |
| Total Area | 1677 ha | 100 % |
(m) Cover:
77 ha: Fair cultivated
62 ha: Cultivated pasture
1277 ha: AOSTD
452 ha: Unimproved country
(n) Likely Stock Numbers: An estimate of the immediate impact of this proposal on the property's carrying capacity (discounting further development or a change in class of stock to better suit the new property balance) is 440 stock units.
RECOMMENDATION:
That you approve the proposal being advertised with the following outcomes being recommended.
(1) The surrender of Po346 under Section 145 of the Land Act 1948.
(2) The allocation of 679 hectares (subject to survey) to the Department of Conservation as Conservation Estate.
(3) The issue of a Special Lease under Section 67(2) Land Act 1948 over 185 hectares (subject to survey) of the proposed conservation estate for a period of ten years.
(4) The creation of a public foot access easement under Section 7(2) Conservation Act 1987 to the proposed areas of Conservation Estate.
(5) The classification of an area of approximately 1685 hectares (subject to survey) as "farmland" under Section 51 of the Land Act 1948.
(6) The establishment of two easements in DOC's favour allowing them vehicle access to the proposed conservation areas for management purposes.
(7) The establishment of an easement in Locharburn's favour allowing access for farming purposes and the right to maintain a vehicle track within the proposed Conservation Estate.
(8) A Conservation Covenant under Section 77 Reserves Act to protect remnant totara logs in the Locharburn valley.
Signed for Landcorp Property Ltd
Rob Wardle
31/3/95
Consultant
KR Taylor
31/3 / 95
Manager
Endorsed by:
Dave Gage Senior Conservation Officer
for Regional Conservator
DEPARTMANT OF CONSERVATION
(DOC) OTAGO CONSERVANCY
22 November 1993
Manager PNA/Pastoral
"LOCHARBURN" - P 346: G R BROWN APPLICATION FOR TENURE CHANGE:
Inspected with R Wardle of Landcorp. Met with Geoff Brown and his wife but they were not able to accompany us on the inspection.
We travelled up the main track on the ridge above the Lochar Burn, stopping to inspect the RAP A4 and the Hall's Totara Scenic Reserve, then continued by vehicle up to the snowline fence and from there inspected the northern end of the large top block on foot.
The Property in Brief
A modest size run property (approximately 4500 stock units), 28 km north of Cromwell - 2378 ha of pastoral lease, plus a small area of other tenure.
Runs from the Clutha River to the top of the Pisa Range.
Has a good balance of summer/winter country.
Has an adequate range of buildings in good condition.
Approximately 250 ha have-been cultivated, the majority of which is irrigated. The balance has been oversown and topdressed, excepting for the top block of approximately 600 ha.
The property contains almost all (110 ha) of Pisa A4 (130 ha) and a very small sliver (50 ha) of Pisa A3 (8560 ha). Set into one end of RAP A4 is the 15 ha Hall's Totara Scenic Reserve.
Climate
Typical Central Otago - hot summers, cold winters. Rainfall varies from 400 mrn at the homestead to over 1000 mrn on the tops, where snow can lie for up to five months over winter and occur at any time.
Being of south-easterly aspect, the property is less affected by north-west winds and summer moisture deficit than much of the Pisa Range. This is reflected in the vegetation.
Internal Access
Well tracked by unmetalled 4WD tracks, most of which are summer only. A good part-metalled track runs through the property providing virtual all weather access as far as the snowline, though the lower part of this track runs through a neighbouring property. This track is part of the best vehicle access to the northern Pisas crossing into "Queensberry Ridges" property from 1000m altitude up to the crest at 1500 m.
Rabbits
Although not part of the R&LM Programme, the property does have a significant rabbit problem at lower altitude requiring regular ongoing expense.
Vegetation
The top block, apart from perhaps the exposed crest, would originally have been Chionochloa grassland (macra at higher altitude). This has now changed to a mixed Chionochloa, Festuca, Poa colensoi grassland with various other herbs and low growing shrubs (Dracophyllurm). Although the block contains areas of Celmisia and Aciphylla, indicative of degradation, the vegetation is in a healthier state than much of the Pisas. At the lower altitude there has been some invasion of exotics including a significant Hieracium lachenalii content. If the block was retired from grazing a significant part at the higher altitude would probably slowly return to Chionochloa. The lower part is likely to go further to exotics, particularly Hieracium.
Below the snowline fence clovers and grasses have been introduced by oversowing and topdressing into the tussock (predominantly Festuca), with composition becoming more and more dominated by exotics with lower altitude. Hieracium is extensive at mid altitude.
Between 600 m and 900 m is a band of kanuka shrubland, including also Hall's totara (particularly in and near the reserve, but also elsewhere) manuka, matagouri, celery pine, bog pine, snow totara, Dracophyllum longifolium and also two remnant silver beech trees. Much of this shrubland is covered by Pisa A4 RAP, however a significant area including the beech trees lies below the RAP at the northern end. A substantial part of this last area has been burned, but will regenerate if grazing is removed.
As previously mentioned, the vegetation is, overall, healthy with limited bare ground, however indicator species (Celmisia, Aciphylla, sorrel, Hieracium) are extensively present in patches and Hieracium lachenalii in particular poses a threat to the mid altitude belt.
Conservation Values
RAPs
A3 - Only a very small part of the RAP (50 ha of 8560 ha) extends into Locharburn and that more for geological reasons (last cirque basin and finish of scarp cliffs) than any other. Vegetation is not a major factor. For these reasons the RAP boundary here is of little sign)ficance and the decisions regarding tenure, grazing, covenants, etc, can work to the existing block fences.
A4 - See appendixed PNA report. Protection of the shrubland vegetation values here is particularly important in this case because although represented elsewhere (albeit not so well) many of these other areas are at risk from clearing for pasture or rabbit control or from escaped fires. The RAP also provides a buffer for the small Hail's Totara Scenic Reserve plus futher populations of the totara. Adjustments to the RAP boundaries to fit with existing fencelines have been recommended for the following reasons:
- Regeneration of the kanuka, particularly burned areas, will be more rapid with grazing removed.
- Apart from the proposed addition, the boundaries are close to existing fences.
- The two small areas outside the existing fences do not contain any values not well represented elsewhere within the RAP.
- Having a fenced boundary clearly defines the RAP, an important protective measure in itself.
- Although largely modified tussock, the additional area includes the remnant beech trees plus areas of burned kanuka that will regenerate if grazing is removed.
Historical
See appendixed report.
The early European historical features here are limited to water races and a relatively small area of goldworkings. Although work continued here until after 1900, the majority of the works are pre 1900 and therefore protected under the Historic Places Act. No further protection is recommended. It is intended to explore the possibility of public access to the gold mining area, both for historical interest and as an attractive picnic area. If this is successful, the signs should draw attention to the fact that the site is protected.
No Ngai Tahu representative has yet visited the property or make comment on the likelihood of any interest.
Public Access
See red lines on attached map.
The existing road up the Locharburn Spur is the best vehicle access to the northern Pisa crest, being shorter and better in wet weather than other routes In addition, the limit of vehicle access in winter (snow) leaves a relatively short and practical foot access for cross-country skiing on the crest.
Agreement to public access up this road is recommended as a high priority in the negotiations.
Two further aspects need to be considered in conjunction:
Lochar Burn
At the meeting with the NGO representatives concern was expressed at the possible freeholding of the Lochar Burn Gully because of remnant vegetation areas (shrubland), relic totara logs and patches of Class VIIe land.
It would not be practical to fence and retire these areas and very expensive to survey and identify them. On subdivision or lease renewal, marginal strips will apply to approximately half-way across the property (to approximately 600 m altitude).
It is not recommended any further protection be negotiated for this area.
Top Block
This block runs from 900 m to over 1500 m with approximately half the block above 1300 m altitude. Although not as healthy nor with as wide a range of vegetation types as the part of RAP A3 in Mt Pisa Station adjoining, the block is Still in good condition overall Ideally from the conservation viewpoint, the block should be retired from grazing. I he lower altitude part of the block might continue to decline to Hieracium, but the balance would either stabilise in its present cover or, over a significant area, regenerate to Chionochloa.
It is possible that even with light grazing there will be no improvement though a degradation significant to soil and water values is unlikely at present grazing levels at least in the short term.
The practicality of a new snowline fence further up the hill should be investigated.
Public Access New Zealand
24 July 1995
Submission on Draft Proposal for Tenure Exchange
Lockarburn Station
The Manager
Landcorp Property Limited
P O Box 27
ALEXANDRA
Dear Sir,
Summary
(1) We support reservation of part of the top block but request a downslope extension of the reserve to the existing fenceline.
(2) We support extension of the Halls totara reserve.
(3) We support the proposed public foot access easement.
(4) We request public vehicular and horse access up Locharburn Spur.
(5) We seek foot access to existing marginal strips.
(6) We ask that game bird hunter access be provided by way of registered covenant, with the Otago Fish & Game Council as covenantor.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft proposal.
We are appreciative that the lessee has been willing to advance the proposals for public submission. However there are some aspects, itemised below, where we have concerns. We request further explanation and consultation with us on these prior to a final case being made to the Commissioner of Crown Lands.
Top Block conservation area
We support the reservation of this area but are doubtful over the necessity/desirability of fencing a new lower boundary at 1200m asl. We believe that this boundary would dissect the snowgrass belt. Conservation of this grassland community is important for conservation, and recreational appreciation. Snowgrass is not adequately represented in the other areas proposed for reservation.
We submit that the existing fenceline at approximately 1100m be used instead.
Mid altitude totara reserve
We welcome the proposal to extend the reserve. This should be of considerable public interest, but requiring better access provision than what is proposed (see further comments below).
Fishery values
There are native fish, and trout, present in the Locharburn to its headwaters. The stream is very important for recruitment of brown trout. Protection of the steam and riparian areas is very important for the long term well-being of fisheries in the upper Clutha catchment. Provided abstraction of water does not increase, marginal strips should provide adequate protection of in-stream values.
Marginal strips
We note the existence of marginal strips on both banks of the Locharburn as far upstream as the forks, however these are 'landlocked' by freehold land without provision of the 'Queen's Chain'. The bed of the stream is also in Crown ownership. It is desirable that the Crown negotiate with the adjoining freehold owners to provide public access up the stream banks.
As part of the tenure review it would be desirable to provide public access to the marginal strips in the headwaters. We request that an offshoot of the foot access easement be created from the vicinity of the airstrip to the forks in the Locharburn. The Locharburn Gorge is acknowledged to have high ecological values. We believe that as the banks of the stream are public reserves it is only fair that the public be able to visit them to appreciate them.
There are also marginal strips on both banks of the Locharburn from the state highway to a marginal strip on the true right bank of the Clutha River.
We are most disappointed that DOSLI have chosen not to graphically record the existence of marginal strips on title diagrams or record sheets, or on survey plans. We had to search all the survey office plans to discover the existence of marginal strips. There are not even notations recorded beside the streams to indicate the presence of strips. Such practices defeat the purposes of reserving marginal strips for public use. If the public cannot readily discover their existence they may as well not exist. We request that you request that the Chief Surveyor graphically records marginal strips on CT diagrams and record sheets at the time of all future pastoral lease renewals.
Public Access Easement
The public wants assured foot access at all times and in particular in the Spring when the snow cap is extensive and traverses of the Range by ski are attractive. The route proposed is likely to be frequently used and is the most direct for foot travellers. We welcome the provision for foot access at all times.
We agree with the use of section 7(2) of the Conservation Act as authorisation for an easement, as this prevents the Minister from disposing of any interest in the land. It is desirable to register the easement under the Land Transfer Act to enable recording of the easement on the certificate of title.
Vehicle and horse access needed
The report acknowledges that the Locharburn Spur provides one of the most practical vehicle access routes onto the eastern side of the Pisa Range and that the route is frequently used for recreational access. The road up Locharburn Spur is a long-established and well graded vehicle access. It was constructed by the Panoramic Ice and Ski Association Inc in the early 1960s. PISA Incorporated was a voluntary organisation intending to open up Lake McKay for ice skating.
When dry, the road is suitable for 2WD vehicle use and provides the only opportunity for such access onto the Pisa Range up the southern, eastern or northern flanks. Without vehicle access many members of the public would be unable to visit the range as they are not up to the considerable climb on foot. There is still need for separate foot access. We propose that this be confined to the proposed northern boundary route as this is shorter and more direct.
To date there has been no provision made for horse riding access on the Pisa Range. As a result of tenure reviews there is likely to be an extensive public reserve along the crest of the range. Much of this land is ideally suited to recreational horse riding. The Locharburn Spur would provide an ideal route for ingress or egress by horse from the northern end of the range.
We note that it is intended that DOC have vehicle access rights along the road, notwithstanding the lower portion of the road being on freehold of different ownership to that of Locharburn. We request that vehicle and horse riding access rights also be negotiated for members of the public. We wish to be consulted over the terms of any such arrangements. No doubt public use of the road could be in return for a reduction in freeholding costs.
Upland Game Bird Hunting
There are California Quail present on Locharburn, particularly in shrublands. There are good populations/coveys present where access is difficult.
This is an important recreational hunting resource which should continue to be available to licensed hunters irrespective of changes in land tenure.
We request that a covenant be registered against any freehold titles requiring the owner(s) to permit authorised licensed hunters access onto the land for the purposes of game bird hunting. The Minister of Conservation has approved Fish and Game Councils to enter into such agreements under section 77 Reserves Act. In this case the Otago Fish & Game Council, being a statutory body under the Conservation Act, would be the covenanting authority. The Council would be required to negotiate the exact terms of the covenant with the landholder, and to seek further approvals from the NZ Fish and Game Council.
Yours faithfully,
Bruce Mason
Trustee
ANALYSIS OF SUBMISSIONS FOLLOWING ADVERTISING OF DRAFT PROPOSAL FOR LOCHARBURN P0346
This tenure review proposal was advertised in the Otago Daily Times and the Southland Times on Saturday 27 May 1995 and Wednesday 31 May 1995. Submissions closed on July 28th. 12 submissions were received.
LIST OF SUBMITTORS.
Central Otago Tramping Club
Cromwell Riding Club
Federated Mountain Clubs. Wellington.
Otago Gold Fields Heritage
Otago Miners Association
Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club
Professor Allan Mark, Department of Botany, Otago University
Public Access New Zealand
Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society - Southern Office
Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society - Upper Clutha Branch
Safari Excursions, Alexandra (John Douglas)
GENERAL TENOR OF SUBMISSIONS
Strongly Supportive (No Reservations) 2
Supportive (Would Support if Minor Changes are made) 6
Neutral (Would Support if substantial changes were made) 3
Opposed (Proposal would require major changes) 0
Submission Generic (doesn't necessarily relate to specific issues on this property) 1
FREQUENCY OF SPECIFIC CONCERNS IN SUBMISSIONS
Wish to retain current lower fenceline as DOC/FH boundary on Top Block. 2
Recommend an access easement from airstrip to forks of Locharburn. 1
Request modifications to Special Lease conditions. 2
Request provisions for vehicle access up Locharburn Spur. 5
Request foot and mountain bike access up Locharburn Spur (or an alternative farm track). 2
Request horse access up Locharburn Spur. 3
Seek negotiations to secure access to property for game bird hunters. 1
Opposed to land being transferred to DOC with no provisions protecting mining access. 1
SUMMARY.
The majority of submissions support the basic concept behind the tenure review ie reserving the top of the property, extending the totara reserve, freeholding the balance of the property, providing public access to the newly created reserve areas and protecting the remnant totara logs in Locharburn under a covenant. A desire to attain formalised access up the Locharburn Spur Road (to a range of transport modes) stands out as being of concern to the greatest number of Submittors. However it is notable that several of the submissions acknowledge the difficulties of providing vehicle access on this property as outlined in the draft tenure review document. Short of pushing for unrestricted access up the spur, submissions included the following suggestions (a) that vehicle access is seasonal (b) that there is a legal agreement that fair and reasonable vehicle access will be given which will bind future owners of the property (c) that the access way be lane fenced and cattle stops built and (d) that when Locharburn Spur is not open to public access that alternative routes will be made available.
Other important points raised in submissions:
Boundary of top block reserve - several submissions suggest that the fence should not be moved up slope from its existing location. It is interesting that the Federated Mountain Club's submission accepts the argument for raising the boundary as presented in the draft tenure review proposal.
Professor Mark's submission questioned the marked location of remnant totara logs. As there are various opinions regarding the location of the 'best' logs Professor Mark has agreed to an on site inspection in order to help ascertain the boundaries of the proposed covenant area.
Public Access New Zealand submitted on behalf of game bird
hunters that a covenant be registered against freehold title to
assure continued hunting access to parts of the property.
Knight Frank
Land Resources Division
26 November 1996
Public Access New Zealand
RD 1
OMAKAU 9182
ATTENTION: BRUCE MASON
Dear Sir
RE: LOCHARBURN TENURE REVIEW
Thank you for your submission of 24 July 1995. The Commissioner of Crown Lands has approved the tenure review on Locharburn as per the following recommendations subject to a report back on the outcome of the QEII Trust Covenant.
Recommendations are as follows:
(1) The surrender of Po346 under Section 145 of the Land Act 1948.
(2) The allocation of 679 ha (subject to survey) to the Department of Conservation as conservation estate.
(3) The issue of a Grazing Permit under Section 68(A) Land Act 1948 over 185 ha (subject to survey) of the proposed conservation estate for a period of ten years.
(4) The issue of a grazing permit under Section 68(A) Land Act 1948 over 494 ha (subject to survey) of the proposed conservation estate for a period of four years.
(5) That an area of approximately 1685 ha (subject to survey) is classified as "farmland" under Section 51 of the Land Act 1948 and be preferentially allocation to the current lessees of Locharburn Station.
(6) That a boundary anomaly with a neighbouring pastoral lease (identified by the DOSLI Survey Prescription document) is tidied up through appropriate surrender and incorporation actions following completion of survey plans and prior to the issue of freehold title in accordance with Section 107 Land Act 1948.
You are also asked to acknowledge that the following has been negotiated outside of the Land Act 1948.
The creation of a public foot access easement under Section 7(2) Conservation Act 1987 to the proposed areas of conservation estate.
The establishment of an easement in favour of the Department of Conservation allowing them vehicle access to the proposed conservation areas for management proposes only..
The establishment of an easement in Locharburn's favour allowing access for farming purposes and the right to maintain a vehicle track within the proposed conservation estate.
A conservation covenant issued under the Reserves Act 1977 will be registered against the freehold title in order to protect a 5 hectare area containing the "best" remnant totara logs in the Locharburn Valley.
The Browns have agreed to approach the QEII Trust in order to have a conservation covenant registered over the freehold title. The covenant will prevent removal of ancient totara logs from the property whilst not jeopardising farming operations. If the latter cannot be assured the covenant will not be pursued further
Thank you again for your submission, they always prove very helpful in finalising tenure review negotiations.
Yours faithfully
T J Whittaker
Consultant
KNIGHT FRANK (NZ) LIMITED