Hunter Valley trampers do not want to intrude
AS one who had many enjoyable trips through the Cochranes’ station in the 1990s, I respond to the articles by Sean Nugent (ODT, 28.7.18), Mike Hunter (30.7.18), and Murray McTurner and Gerrard Eckhoff (1..8.18).
The road beyond Hunter Valley Station is positively dangerous and I have had two nearmisses
Over the years the Cochranes generously provided access and would have rescued me if necessary.
With the road the way it is, the general public has to be excluded and access only provided in special situations. The owner of Hunter Valley Station should be financially compensated for handling access inquiries, rescue costs and road maintenance. Whether this money comes from the Queenstown Lakes District Council, Department of Conservation or an individual vehicle charge needs to be decided.
Gerrard Eckhoff gets on to his hobby horse — property rights and privacy — but in this case the people who want access, including trampers, just want to get to the Hawea Conservation Park and there is no other way to get there. They have no desire to intrude on the Crown tenant.
Maybe in the future the Government will need to intervene and build a road beyond the Doc car park on the other side of the lake, up past Dingleburn Station.
Finally, I agree with Murray McD Turner that a foreigner like Mr Lauer should never have been allowed to buy the Hunter Valley lease in the first place.
New Zealanders should retain ownership of their land.
Jerry Walton
Dunedin