DoC vs RDC battle on park fences looming

Ruapehu Bulletin, 8 September 1992, Page 3

DoC vs RDC battle on park fences looming

The Ruapehu District Council should oppose the proposed extensions to the Whanganui National Park unless DoC helps pay for any necessary boundary fencing. "I am quite happy to give DoC support for the park extensions provided the cost of boundary fencing is not the adjoining farmer's responsibilijy," said Waimarino Community Board member Bill Peach in moving a recommendation to council to that effect. The board was discussing the reaction from DoC to their earlier submission to DoC that 100 per cent of the cost of fencing be borne by DoC. The department replied that there was no compulsion for farmers to fence their boundaries, but that they are required to ensure their stock does not enter the national park. If stock does so, the department can shoot the stock. The WCB is concemed

that under the relevarU act, DoC does not have to pay a share in fencing its boundaries. In most other cases neighbours are required to share the costs 50-50. "Lands managed by the Department have been given their various status because of their in-

trinsic values. In most cases these values were present (if not appreciated)*long before adjacent land development and farming practices arrived," said the DoC reply. "Reserves and parks have frequently suffered degradation from the effects of trespassing live-

stock, fire, introduced weeds and other activities associated with adjoining land use," said the statement. Mr Peach said the protection of national parks was everybody's responsibility and not just neighbouring land owners. "DoC suddenly draws a line on a map and says 'fence it or we'll shoot your stock," said Mr Peach. He said in many cases there were adequate natural boundaries inside the areas, but that fences could still be required, at the farmer's expense, in manv cases.