Post by kokonutwoman on Apr 4, 2009 8:40:44 GMT 12
Donors seek answers from DOC over whispers of sale
By DAVID WILLIAMS - The Press
A family who gave farmland for a conservation reserve in the 1980s is horrified the Department of Conservation (DOC) will not give them an assurance it will not sell it.
The Dowles gave 614 hectares of their farm to create what is known as the South Kaikoura Coastal Scenic Reserve. The reserve follows the Ote Makura Stream and has one of the few pockets of native forest remaining on the South Island's east coast.
Conservation Minister Tim Groser confirmed DOC was in talks with the adjoining landowner, represented by Christchurch businessman Paul Keung, and said he could not give an assurance the land would be kept.
Frank Dowle, a Christchurch real estate agent, said the "mere suggestion" of the land being sold left his family horrified.
"If it was sold to any individual we would be absolutely gutted. I feel that it was entrusted to the state and that's where it should remain.
"I don't think it's appropriate [the land] be sold in any circumstances," he said.
His father, Bill, a former chairman of the Kaikoura County Council, bought the land in the 1950s. The reserve concept was seen as an appropriate tribute by the family after their father's death in 1982. Dowle said his family, which no longer farmed the area, was keen to discuss the matter with DOC, but "they don't seem to be taking a strong stance on preserving what's there".
The reserve is split into three parts, two of which have no legal public access. DOC said the adjoining landowner wanted to establish a cattle farm, which would require the upgrade and replacement of boundary fences erected on the reserve in 1994.
DOC South Marlborough area manager Dave Hayes said it was legally obliged to share fencing costs with neighbours, and fencing the reserve boundaries would be difficult and expensive.
"No absolute assurance can be given that reserve land won't be sold or exchanged as no options can be ruled out while discussions are taking place, but it is unlikely," he said.
"It is right and reasonable that we hold discussions in good faith with a neighbouring landowner on this."
There would be public consultation if a sale or exchange was considered.
Negotiations had been taking place for four months, Hayes said, and could continue for several months yet.
Keung, whose company, Keung Corporation, manages about 1620ha at Goose Bay, said he was not interested in the politics of the fencing battle.
"I haven't spoken to DOC for months. I've been there five years and we've made no progress. I've met with DOC twice," he said.
About 300 cows were delivered to the company's Moana farm block on Thursday.
"We've already taken it upon ourselves to fence the land it's a business," he said. "DOC don't have any money."
Kaikoura District Mayor Kevin Heays said DOC told him it had no interest in selling the reserve, and even if it did, public consultation would be required.
"Basically, it's public land," he said. "No-one can go around selling public land not DOC or councils because that land belongs to you and me."
DOC is not issuing hunting permits for the reserve while it resolves a legal issue related to the sale and purchase agreement, which reserved hunting rights for the Dowle family.
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OMG this really pulls my chain. There are so few natural areas in Aotearoa As for the farmer shame on you, you greedy pig. You knew what you bought so make do with. It seems to me this was your hidden agenda. pig
Gifted land especially for reserves should be honoured in my book.
By DAVID WILLIAMS - The Press
A family who gave farmland for a conservation reserve in the 1980s is horrified the Department of Conservation (DOC) will not give them an assurance it will not sell it.
The Dowles gave 614 hectares of their farm to create what is known as the South Kaikoura Coastal Scenic Reserve. The reserve follows the Ote Makura Stream and has one of the few pockets of native forest remaining on the South Island's east coast.
Conservation Minister Tim Groser confirmed DOC was in talks with the adjoining landowner, represented by Christchurch businessman Paul Keung, and said he could not give an assurance the land would be kept.
Frank Dowle, a Christchurch real estate agent, said the "mere suggestion" of the land being sold left his family horrified.
"If it was sold to any individual we would be absolutely gutted. I feel that it was entrusted to the state and that's where it should remain.
"I don't think it's appropriate [the land] be sold in any circumstances," he said.
His father, Bill, a former chairman of the Kaikoura County Council, bought the land in the 1950s. The reserve concept was seen as an appropriate tribute by the family after their father's death in 1982. Dowle said his family, which no longer farmed the area, was keen to discuss the matter with DOC, but "they don't seem to be taking a strong stance on preserving what's there".
The reserve is split into three parts, two of which have no legal public access. DOC said the adjoining landowner wanted to establish a cattle farm, which would require the upgrade and replacement of boundary fences erected on the reserve in 1994.
DOC South Marlborough area manager Dave Hayes said it was legally obliged to share fencing costs with neighbours, and fencing the reserve boundaries would be difficult and expensive.
"No absolute assurance can be given that reserve land won't be sold or exchanged as no options can be ruled out while discussions are taking place, but it is unlikely," he said.
"It is right and reasonable that we hold discussions in good faith with a neighbouring landowner on this."
There would be public consultation if a sale or exchange was considered.
Negotiations had been taking place for four months, Hayes said, and could continue for several months yet.
Keung, whose company, Keung Corporation, manages about 1620ha at Goose Bay, said he was not interested in the politics of the fencing battle.
"I haven't spoken to DOC for months. I've been there five years and we've made no progress. I've met with DOC twice," he said.
About 300 cows were delivered to the company's Moana farm block on Thursday.
"We've already taken it upon ourselves to fence the land it's a business," he said. "DOC don't have any money."
Kaikoura District Mayor Kevin Heays said DOC told him it had no interest in selling the reserve, and even if it did, public consultation would be required.
"Basically, it's public land," he said. "No-one can go around selling public land not DOC or councils because that land belongs to you and me."
DOC is not issuing hunting permits for the reserve while it resolves a legal issue related to the sale and purchase agreement, which reserved hunting rights for the Dowle family.
----------------------------
OMG this really pulls my chain. There are so few natural areas in Aotearoa As for the farmer shame on you, you greedy pig. You knew what you bought so make do with. It seems to me this was your hidden agenda. pig
Gifted land especially for reserves should be honoured in my book.
