More Moawhango protection

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 502, 7 September 1993, Page 7

More Moawhango protection

A document concerning the future of the Moawhango Ecological Region (ER) was formally launched at the Officer's Mess, Army Training Group, Waiouru last Friday. The document is largely the work of Dr Geoffrey Rogers and contains recommendations for nine new Protected Natural Areas in the Moawhango ER. These areas lie mostly to the east of Waiouru and Taihape. Three of the sites are situated on Department of Defence land, while the remaining lie on private or Maori land. Following the release of the document the Department of Conservation is seeking to negotiate some form of legal and physical protection, on a voluntary basis, with landowners.

Bill Carlin, Regional Conservator, gave a description of the various types of outcome which the DoC will be seeking which he said "includes a whole range (of outcomes) from purchase to just knowledge (of conservation practices)." Minister for Conservation Denis Marshall was present at the launch and described it as a "landmark occasion in conservation" and called for "public acceptance" of DoC's programme. Mr. Marshall also mentioned the recent capture of some of the Kaimanawa horses which have been threatening some plant species including tussock in the Moawhango area. Mr. Marshall described the trial capture as "exemplifying the co-operation of Defence and

Conservation", and also as proving that the public is coming to accept DOC's measures. Conservation Officer John Barkla was also at ihe launch to describe why each new area was recommended for protection. Mr Barkla mentioned the similarity between the Moawhango area and regions of Central Otago in the

South Island. Each specific area was chosen not necessarily because it was unique, but because it represented the best of its kind of features. There are four existing Protected Natural Areas (PNA); the Hihitahi Forest Sanctuary, the Ruahine Forest Park, the Batley Private Protected Land and the Motumatai

DoC Lease. These areas total around 5 per cent (7800ha) of the Moawhango ER. The nine new Recommended Areas for Protection (RAP) cover an additional 16,000ha of land. The nine new RAPs are: lAorangi-Awarua , Ngawakaakauae , Ngamatea East Swamp, Tikitiki, Te Rei, Owhaoko, Pleasants Bush, Three Kings, Irirangi Wetlands. Following the launch guests were taken out and shown some of the Irirangi Wetlands which among other things is found to have a species of orchid which grows to one metre, and currently has national threatened status.