Career saw development become conservationism

Press, 10 February 1986, Page 18

Career saw development become conservationism

PA Wellington A shift in emphasis from land development to conservation is the major change seen by Mr Tom MacKenzie in a 40-year career as a public servant, most of it with the Lands and Survey Department. However, it is a change which Mr MacKenzie, who has just retired from the post of Lands and Survey Fields Director, feels has its good and bad sides. “In the early days of the Land and Settlement Board, the idea was to develop land — put it into grass and get livestock on it. “I will be the first to admit that maybe we went into some sensitive areas, and that maybe we drained some swamps we should not have. “But a lot has been done under this programme for conservation for which nobody has given any credit, and it is hurtful to hear some of the things said about land development by the conservation movement which has sprung up since the early 19705.” The only other regret Mr MacKenzie feels on his retirement is that the land settlement programme has been halted by New Zealand’s economic uncertainty. “I feel sorry for the people who were expecting to get on to their land, and just as sorry for the ones who were settled in

the early 1980 s, when they had every right to expect to make a success of it, and who are now facing difficulties.” Mr MacKenzie, who is 62, began his working life on the family farm in South Otago as a team-ster-shepherd, but was interrupted in 1942 when he joined the Army, and soon afterwards the Air Force. Mr MacKenzie was appointed assistant field director of Lands and Survey in 1977 and became director on the death of his superior.