Haere mai to Hakatere Conservation Park

26 October 2007 - Wellington

Contact: Ashburton Forest & Bird Chairperson Edith Smith, 03 308 4440

The Ashburton Branch of Forest & Bird today welcomed the announcement of the establishment of the Hakatere Conservation Park.

Branch Chairperson Edith Smith says the branch has advocated for several years for protection and recognition of the wildlife, natural habitat and scenic values found in the Ashburton Lakes and high country area from the main divide in the west to the eastern foothills and between the inland Rangitata and Rakaia rivers.

The supreme scenic beauty of the area and the richness of the habitats, plants and wildlife found there have been recognised by the Natural Heritage Advisory Group which recommended sites for World Heritage Site status.

“While the Hakatere Conservation Park will only be a part of the proposed World Heritage Site we are heartened by this step that the Department of Conservation has taken to recognise the conservation values of the various sites included in the new park.”

Forest & Bird also supports plans by DOC to conduct a full survey of the plant and animal life in each area, and expects that groups such as Forest & Bird, botanical and ornithological societies and the local community will be keen to help.  

The nature of sub-alpine and valley floor land in the park is fragile and therefore access will need to be carefully planned, but the public will still be able to enjoy the natural wonders of the park, Edith Smith says.

“Hakatere Conservation Park will be a focal point for the people of the Ashburton district. It will attract tourists and provide commercial, educational and outdoor opportunities for the foothill towns, and the wider community.”

In future other special places, such as the Balmacaan Stream, which is already public land and is noted for the numbers of scree skink found there, may be included in the park as land ownership changes and other suitable areas for inclusion are identified.