Labour weekend in South Westland

Forest and Bird, Issue 267, 1 February 1993, Page 44

Labour weekend in South Westland

FOREST AND BIRD’S conservation gatherings have become a much enjoyed and valued tradition. The Harihari gathering over the October Labour weekend was no exception and focused attention on the disgraceful decision of the government to extend the clearfelling of South Westland’s rimu forests. In sunny spring weather members visited some of New Zealand’s most splendid natural surroundings including Okarito forest and lagoon, Saltwater forest, kahikatea forests alongside the Harihari coastal walkway, the threatened rimu stands of Poerua forest and the devastation of Ianthe forest (see Conservation Update in this issue). Other conservation issues raised during the weekend were the alarming spread of willow into the Coast’s wetlands and swamp forests, and the impact on ground birds of uncontrolled dogs. Members returned from the gathering inspired by the beauty of the Coast and keen to write a brace of letters to politicians and others to persuade them of the urgent need for the protection of its forests and wildlife.