Whanganui National Park may grow

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 442, 30 June 1992, Page 2

Whanganui National Park may grow

Whanganui National Park may grow in size by about 81,000 hectares. An investigation is being carried out by the Department of Conservation to determine whether a number of areas of Conservation land adjoining or close to Whanganui National Park should be added to the Park. In April 1988, the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society wrote to the then National Parks and Reserves Authority listing seven areas they had identified as having outstanding values worthy of addition to the National Park. After receipt of the Royal Forest and Bird Society's letter, the Department considered these areas, plus other areas which the Department has identified as having important conservation values. Fourteen areas have now been identified as possible extensions to Whanganui National Park; this land has natural, recreational and historic values which are worth investigation to determine if they are of

'National Park' quality. They are all covered in natural forest of varyin^ ages and provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife (eg kiwi, blue duck). The area of approximately 81,300 hectares, includes extensive areas of Conservation land in the former Waitotara State Forest, the Aotuhia Block, Tangarakau Valley, the Matemateaonga Range, the Retaruke and Mangatiti Valleys and at Atene. No private land is involved - all areas are currently administered by DoC as Conservation Areas or Reserves. Two areas of interest to Waimarino people are 5,533 hectares in the Mangatiti Valley, Murumura and Piraruhe, described as unmodified forest with significant wildlife habitat, historic sites and recreational potential; and 8,159 hectares of Morinui/Rotokahu, described as unique forest types, wildlife significance, recreational potential and an area of high scenic value. As an initial step, the Department has«. issued a leaflet, which outlines the process of investigation, sets out the criteria which will be used and includes a map of the areas under study. This is available, free of charge, from local offices of DoC. The public is being invited to provide suggestions and comments on the proposals by 30 September 1992. These will be taken into account by DoC in deciding what important issues need to be addressed before recommendations can be developed concerning additions to the Park. At a later stage, (early 1993), a discussion paper will be issued which

will outline the proposals in more detail. This will also be available for public comment. The findings of the investigation will be presented with a recommendation from the TaranakiWanganui Conservation

Board to the NZ Conservation Authority. The Authority will recommend to the Minister whether any land should ultimately be added to the National Park. Consultation with iwi has already begun and re-

search on the history of the land has been commissioned. The investigation will include a public consultation programme, with a series of meetings being planned with interest groups in areas around the Park.