Otamatapaio tenure review improves access to Lake Benmore
6 October 2005
Land Information New Zealand's recently completed Otamatapaio tenure review in Otago will improve recreation access to Lake Benmore.
A 4.8 hectare recreation reserve has been created next to the lake, says LINZ's Manager Crown Property, Paul Jackson.
"One of the outcomes from the Tenure Review process is increased public access to the high country. The recreation reserve improves picnicking, boating and fishing access to Lake Benmore."
Located near the shores of Lake Benmore, Otamatapaio Station stretches back to the Northern end of the Hawkdun Range.
In addition to the reserve near Lake Benmore, Mt Horrible, which is the dominate peak in Otamatapaio Station will become a Scenic Reserve, protecting remnant shrublands in gullies and tall tussock grasslands on the tops. The shrublands contain rare plant species. Public access will be available up the Glen Creek from the state highway.
A large area on the Hawkdun Range and southern end of the Ewe Range of approx 2,035ha will protect the tall tussock grasslands and alpine plants growing up to 1800 metres above sea level. The public will be able to access the area by the marginal strip alongside the Otamatapaio River as well as along the ridge from Mt Horrible to the Ewe Range and up Dog Gully.
Under the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998, Tenure Review allows land capable of economic use to be freeholded, while delivering increased public access and public conservation land.
The Otamatapaio leaseholder's acceptance of LINZ's final proposal has added more than 2355 hectares to public conservation lands while 5561 hectares will become freehold says LINZ's Manager, Crown Property, Paul Jackson.
"Tenure Review delivers results for leaseholders and the public. Once a review is implemented, leaseholder farmers who have never owned their land freehold get freehold title to part of it. This allows them to further develop their economic interests in the land, and improve productivity without the restraints of a pastoral lease."
Public access to the conservation areas in Otamatapaio will not be immediate. Department of Conservation (DOC) signs must be put in place before any public use can begin.
Under Tenure Review, 22 properties have now finished the process under the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998: Glenlapa; Stonehurst; Cairnhill; The Knobbies; Dome Hills I and II; Peak Hill; Dalrachney; Rhoboro Downs; Double Hill; Ben Avon; Alphaburn; Glen Nevis; Mt Pisa I and II; Quailburn; Clayton; Ben Ohau; Eastburn; Waitiri; Raglan Run and Otamatapaio.
Leaseholders of a further 21 properties have accepted final proposals for their leasehold land at Merrivale, Geordie Hills, Long Acre, Nine Mile, Shirlmar, Timburn, West Wanaka, Glen Dhu, Mataura Valley, Glenariffe, Glenfoyle, Silverbirch, ,Omahau Downs, Longslip, Dingleburn, Wyuna, Woodbank Special Lease, Simon's Hill, Mt. Alford, Ben Dhu and Tenahaun.
For further information please contact:
Paul Jackson
Manager, Crown Property
Land Information New Zealand
Private Box 5501
WELLINGTON
PH: 04 460 0158
FAX: 04 460 0590
CELL: 027 249 1258
EMAIL: pjackson@linz.govt.nz
LINZ media liaison:
Michael Mead
Senior Communications Adviser
Land Information New Zealand
Private Box 5501
WELLINGTON
PH: 04 498 3516
FAX: 04 472 1864
EMAIL: mmead@linz.govt.nz
Department of Conservation media liaison:
Leanne Scott / Sarah Mankelow
Community Relations Officer, media
Canterbury Conservancy
PH: (03) 379 9758
CELL: 025 643 8881
Mike Clare
Tenure Review Manager
Department of Conservation
Canterbury Conservancy
Private Bag 4715
Christchurch
PH: 03 371 3726
FAX: 03 365 1388
CELL: 027 4415 632
EMAIL: mclare@doc.govt.nz
Federated Farmers media liaison:
Bob Douglas Industry Manager South Island High Country Committee Farming House PO Box 665 Timaru PH: (0800) 327-646. FAX: (03) 688-4096. HM TEL/FAX: (03) 686-4762. MOBILE: 021 622 822 EMAIL: southcanterbury.ff@fedfarm.org.nz
