In 2005 Forest & Bird and Federated Mountain Clubs proposed a “six-pack” of high country conservation parks as top priority for establishing a network of parks to give the distinctive landscapes and natural ecosystems of the high country the recognition and protection they deserve.
The proposed “six-pack” includes parks in:
- Kaikoura Ranges Conservation Park (Marlborough)
- St James/Spenser Mountains (Canterbury)
- Upper Rangitata/Arrowsmith Range/Lake Heron (Canterbury)
- Hawkdun/Oteake Conservation Park (Otago)
- Pisa Range Conservation Park (Otago)
- The Remarkables Conservation Park (Otago)
Since the campaign started, seven new high country parks have been created or approved: Eyre Mountains/Taka Ra Haka, Ruataniwha, Molesworth, Hakatere, Kaikoura, Hawea and St James.
The new parks include three that were part of Forest & Bird’s six-pack proposal. The new parks are in addition to several other parks created in the last decade, including Korowai-Torlesse, Te Papanui and Ahuriri – making a total of 10 new high country parks in the last 10 years.
A Government proposal for our long-sought-after Oteake Park on the Ida/Hawkdun/St Bathans Range has been advertised and submissions heard. Government purchases of high country properties such as Michael Peak and Twinburn will make the creation of the Oteake Park possible. We hope an announcement of its creation will soon be made.
Successes of the Six Pack of Parks campaign means there is better protection for native species such as wrybills, black-fronted terns and rare alpine plants, habitats such as beech forest and tussock grasslands, and opportunities for recreation such as tramping, fishing, kayaking and mountain-biking.
However, the high country still needs more high country conservation parks – Forest & Bird supports the establishment of a network of parks that protect the full range of species, ecosystems and landscapes throughout the South Island high country so it can be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.
