Coastal park being looked at

Tu Tangata, Issue 9, 1 December 1982, Page 33

Coastal park being looked at

Maori land owners in the proposed Catlins Coast Park in south-east Otago are being urged to make sure their interests are catered' for. A United Murihiku Land Owners Committee has been formed for this purpose under the leadership of Mrs L. Topi and Mr Rangi Te Maiharoa.

The proposed coastal park is a section of the south-east Otago coast between Tahakopa Bay and Waikawa Harbour consisting of 10,800 hectares, of which 2,690 hectares is Maori land.

Earlier in the year the Minister of Lands, Mr Jonathon Elworthy released a report on the Catlins Coast Park concept for public comment and shortly after, the Maori Land Advisory Committee of Te Waipounamu District inspected the lands involved in the company of several Department of Lands and Survey officers, and land owner Mr Martin McCulgan.

Mr Elworthy had stated that the rugged coastline, sandy beaches and native bush made the area a region of unique character that should be preserved. He also assured Maori owners of land in the park that the numerous historical sites would be protected.

Maori Land Advisory Committee members had the chance while touring the proposed park to quiz Lands and Survey staff about these safeguards and after returning to Invercargill, a public meeting with Maori land owners was held. Here further submissions to the Department of Lands and Survey were discussed.

Other points covered were opportunities open for the exchange of leases, owners representatives on Park Boards, Maori names for parks and the availability of expert advice for the owners.

Mr Bert Mackie, chairman of the Maori Land Advisory Committee summed up the discussions by saying the Catlins Coast Park concept was admirable in its approach and objectives and that Maori Land owners concerned should get in touch with the United Murihiku Land Owners Committee. Contacts are Mr Rangi Te Maiharoa at 62 Prospect Terrace, Invercargill, or Mrs L. Topi at 15 Walker Street, Bluff who can advise on meetings of owners.

The individual blocks of Maori land involved are: Tautuku Block IX Sections IA2 and IB (Part ‘A’), Tautuku Block X Sections 18, 2,3 C and 238, Tautuku Block XIII Part Section 2 and Sections 5, 68, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16, Tautuku Block XIV Sections 2 and 3, Waikawa Block XVI Sections 2,8 A and 9.