Kaitorete Spit

Forest and Bird, Issue 313, 1 August 2004, Page 3

Kaitorete Spit

Distinguished Life Member

—MARGARET PEACE

The article on Kaitorete Spit (Forest & Bird November 2003) describes it as a ‘forgotten corner of Canterbury’ It reflects badly on land management authorities in Canterbury that one of the most significant dune areas in New Zealand has been allowed to go unprotected for so long. During 1972 and 1973 I spent many hundreds of hours studying the plant ecology of the Spit for my MSc thesis, in which I pointed out the uniqueness of the area — its extreme aridity, unusually coarse sand, and the special nature of its indigenous flora, including species endemic to Kaitorete, and emphasised the vulnerability of this vegetation to the impact of grazing and vehicles. I tried many times to persuade the Department of Lands and Survey and subsequently the Department of Conservation to protect this dune area. Although two small

scientific reserves were eventually gazetted, even these areas have continued to suffer damage. Having been resident in Marlborough since 1975, I had hoped that others would continue the battle for protection of the natural values of Kaitorete Spit. Now in my 81st year, I am wondering whether I will live to see this area receive the conservation it deserves.