Masons Bay, Stewart Island returns to full Crown control

Forest and Bird, Volume 16, Issue 1, 1 February 1985, Page 27

Masons Bay, Stewart Island returns to full Crown control

The leasehold rights to the sand dunes, wetlands, tussock grasslands and forest of the Island Hills pastoral lease at Masons Bay have just been purchased by the Government. Minister of Lands, Koro Wetere, announced the purchase in November 1984. It clears the way for this spectacular natural area being given the full reserve status it deserves. Island Hills pastoral lease lies on the wild west coast of Stewart Island and includes some of the largest natural sand

dunes remaining in New Zealand. The rare plant Gunnera hamiltonii occurs in only one patch on the _ pingao-covered dunes. New Zealand dotterel, fairy prion, red crowned parakeet and large numbers of Stewart Island kiwis are some of the special birds found here. Behind the dunes, there is an extensive area of red tussock and native shrublands with important wetlands and native forest. In early 1984, Forest and Bird appealed a Land Settlement Board decision to approve freeholding of nearly half the property. The lessee, Mr Te Aika, is a keen naturalist but we were concerned that freeholding would mean there could be no controls on inappropriate development by any subsequent owners. The Society appeal triggered a review of the future of Island Hills, resulting in the Crown purchase. Farming is uneconomic at Masons Bay. A management study is to be carried out over the next 12 months to determine the future of the area. We believe the whole of Island Hills should be given reserve status and managed for its natural, scenic and recreational values.