22 November 2009
This submission is by the New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association (NZDA). NZDA is the national body of recreational deerstalkers and other big game hunters. We have 52 branches and a number of hunting clubs throughout New Zealand. We have 7800 members, and have been actively advocating for deerstalking and recreational hunting, and running deerstalker training courses, trips, conferences etc since 1937. NZDA also maintains the ethical side of hunting by maintaining ethics for hunting, including fair chase, and strongly encouraging harvesting of animals taken.
There are a significant number of NZDA branches who can hunt in the South Canterbury area, including: North Canterbury (Christchurch), Malvern, Ashburton, South Canterbury, Southern Lakes, who would be interested in hunting this area should it be allowed to carry big game.
Summary of the NZDA submission:
NZDA supports the Proposal, but would greatly appreciate public walking and cycling access from Mackenzie Pass, as this is far more direct than the proposed public access through the front of the lease a-b, c-d.
These surrendered lands give recreational hunters opportunities to hunt in a typical rainshadow dryland environment, with outstanding scenic views over the Mackenzie Country and Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, with the background of the high peaks of the Southern Alps.
Provided this area is unavailable to Wild Animal Recovery helicopter (WARO) operators, there could be deer and possibly chamois available to hunt.
The Proposal:
Glenrock pastoral lease is situated on the north side of Burke’s Pass, the entrance to the Mackenzie Country (SH8), on the northern side of SH8. The three leases Glenrock, Rollesby and Holbrook are adjacent, (south to north) across Burke’s Pass.
Glenrock (3,894 Ha) is proposed to have
CA2 (738 Ha) repurchased by the Crown. This is higher land above 1,000m, to the crest at up to 1377m, on the western side of the Rollesby Range, as a conservation area, subject to a grazing lease. Contains snow and slim tussock, and protects important landscape values.
There is a good farm track along much of the ridgeline. Existing fence lines will be used. The proposed grazing lease is for 25 years, for a maximum of 1,350 merino ewes, for a maximum of 8 weeks only, between 28 February and 30 April, for a maximum of five years in any ten year period.
Recreational hunting activities on CA2: Recreational hunting is potentially available if the area is not open to Wild Animal Recovery helicopters (WARO). There are also attractive views both across the Mackenzie Country to the Southern Alps (Mt Cook etc) and Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, and east towards the green farmlands of South Canterbury.
Public Access to CA2: Walking and non-motorised public access easements a-b and c-d on the map are proposed. But they require DOC to negotiate an easement over b-c, currently freeholded. DOC has vehicle access, but not the public.
An alternative easement from near Mackenzie Pass, for walking would be very advantageous for recreational hunters, as the distance to the conservation area is only 500 metres, as against several km by a-b and c-d.
Recommendation: NZDA requests this access be discussed with the lessee, and provided if possible.
Conclusion:
NZDA strongly supports the surrender of CA2 but requests the public access from Mackenzie Pass be provided if possible, as it is far more direct.
Yours truly,
Hugh Barr
NZDA National Advocate
© 2011 New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association