Big freehold possibility raises alarm
proposed freehold areas are numerous and very high. The statute calls for such values’ protection by restoration to full Crown ownership and control. That is therefore the most appropriate outcome for this proposed block.’’
Aoraki Conservation Board chairman Mick Abbott was pleased that 1200ha would be returned to conservation estate. However, he also said caution was needed regarding the 4300 hectares going into freehold.
‘‘The board considers there is uncertainty about whether intensified farming on the freeholded land proposed will safeguard the life-supporting capacity of ecosystems outside the reviewable land, particularly as it may contribute to cumulative effects on downstream freshwater ecosystems,’’ the submission said.
‘‘While freehold disposal may encourage investment, whether that investment promotes management of the land in a manner which is more ecologically sustainable than the status quo is unclear.’’
Submitters Martin and Penny Murray, of Maryburn Station, said there was too much land going into conservation estate, while neither Genesis nor Meridian Energy submitted against the freehold proposal.
Linz deputy chief executive Crown Property Jerome Sheppard said submitters’ concerns would be further consulted on during the development of the substantive proposal, including the potential for further conservation values to be considered.
‘‘This involves further consultation with DOC and the lessee, and requires funding approval from the Minister of Land Information and approval for any protective mechanisms from the Minister of Conservation. This phase can take anywhere between 12 and 36 months to complete.’’
In March, Conservation and Land Information Minister Eugenie Sage told Stuff that the tenure review process had resulted in some ‘‘sub-optimal outcomes’’ for conservation and heritage in the Mackenzie Basin.
Sage said she would be reviewing all aspects of the issue over the next six months. She did not necessarily rule out a halt to tenure review.
Valentine could not be reached for comment.
Correction: Simons Hill Station is not owned by Valentine as stated in The Timaru Herald on May 10. He owns the pastoral lease. john.bisset@stuff.co.nz It can be a long and gruelling journey across two of New Zealand’s coldest and most challenging alpine passes at the best of times.
But riding a scooter from Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthur’s and Porters passes pales next to the struggle of those fighting cancer.
It’s a test of endurance Timaru woman Lizzie Watson is very familiar with, after being diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram last year.
‘‘It’s a personal journey for me. In July last year, I was told I had cancer. A month later, I had a mastectomy.’’
Watson, along with 270 others, will brave the snow-covered Southern Alps on the Tranz Alpine Scooter Safari on May 19.
The biennial 250km ride, which raises money and awareness for cancer sufferers, offers a small insight into the endurance and suffering those undergoing treatments can experience.
‘‘I was in disbelief when I was told I had cancer, but I thought, ‘Right, lets get on to it and sort it out’,’’ Watson said. ‘‘The support from the Cancer Society has been huge.
‘‘I’m really good now, but I do tire easily. I’m just really thankful I’m so well now.’’
Watson said the help she had received from such amazing people and health professionals was one of the reasons she was taking part in the challenge.
‘‘I have never done anything like this before. I set my (fundraising) goal at $600, and I’m nearly at $4500. It’s massive, and so exciting to see the money coming in for such a good cause.’’
Jayne and Mike Rattray founded the ride in 2009, when their colleague Blair Newton was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Six rides and nine years later, they have raised $1 million. The money is donated to the Canterbury-West Coast Cancer Society, which incorporates South Canterbury.
‘‘It’s completely blown us away how successful the event has become. It’s taken us by surprise on how it’s captured so much interest from so many people,’’ Jayne Rattray said.
This year’s ride sold out in just four days, she said. The limit of 250 scooters was lifted to 271 to accommodate those who would have missed out.
Although she owns a motorcycle, Watson had not ridden a scooter until she pur- chased one in March. ‘‘I got it up to 60kmh down Wilson St, but by the time I hit Waiiti Rd I was only doing 40kmh, so it’s going to be a long trip,’’ she said.
Like her personal journey, Watson believes the safari ride could be similar.
‘‘There will be highs and lows, good hours and bad hours, tiredness and exhilaration. I’ll be thinking of people that have passed before me and the people that are on this journey.’’
She plans to decorate her scooter in her favourite colours, purple and pink, and wear a colourful costume.
‘‘I’m both nervous and excited about the trip, but also feel very privileged to be riding for the Cancer Society, because cancer affects so many people.’’
The riders, including an entourage of support crew, will leave Ruapuna Raceway at 9am, with stops at Sheffield, Lake Lyndon, Arthur’s Pass and Kumara, before arriving in Hokitika around 5pm.
Donations can be made at scootersafari2018.everydayhero.com/nz/ liz.