THE SOUTHERN REGION ASSOCIATES’ FUNCTION

Te Tai O Mahamu

Ka Pa Kihi Whakatekate O Waitaha

Moeraki ki Murupara

Personal Observations

A Journey

That a cultural balance between progress and the protection of biodiversity mao te rangi ki te whenua mai te whenua ko Tangaroa must be maintained

This week is Conservation Week, and this year’s theme is “Another world just down the road”. . Tçtahi anô Ao Hâkinakina, kei raro tata nei ô te huarahi

In the choice of this theme, the Labour led Government recognises that outdoor recreation is important to our society’s health and wellbeing, and that the opportunities we have in New Zealand to enjoy our spectacular places are part of our national identity and way of life.

In a small country such as ours, you could say that just about everywhere is “just down the road.”

Where else in the world can you live in a coastal city such as Christchurch, drive for two hours and be amongst snowy, high mountain ranges, then drive for a further two hours to reach the coast again.

Getting fresh air and exercise, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, can be deeply restorative. Every time I travel south to visit Canterbury I experience this.

Canterbury has so many fantastic places to visit - and all of them you could say - are just down the road.

Canterbury’s two national parks protect the spine of the South Island - Ka Tiritiri o te Moana / Southern Alps. Arthur’s Pass National Park is only two hours drive west of here and home to roroa / great spotted kiwi and a small alpine village of people intent on protecting this mighty nocturnal bird. In partnership with the Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust, they are working to ensure that their children’s children can fall asleep at night, lulled by the haunting lullaby of kiwi calls.

Those that live at the foot of mighty Aoraki are also similarly motivated to protect those they share the alpine environment with. Stoat trapping around the village has resulted in birdlife increasing, with young kea and falcon, tomtits / miromiro, riflemen / titipounamu being seen more often.

Both of Canterbury national parks have a wealth of recreation opportunities and are not just for the super-fit mountain-climbers. Families too can enjoy the alpine grasslands on the Dobson Nature Walk at Arthur’s Pass, or look skywards to Aoraki from the start of the Hooker Valley Track.

Mountain-biking and horse-riding opportunities in the Mackenzie Basin are steadily expanding, as more properties come through Tenure Review and more conservation lands are being opened to the public.

Two new conservation parks have recently opened in the region - I was lucky enough to be present at the opening of Ruataniwha Conservation Park last year. I understand you are looking forward to the next high country conservation park being announced very shortly - make sure you remember to invite me!

Conservation land provides pleasure; a nice place to be, fun things to do and the spin off is that it benefits our health - body, mind and soul.

I encourage you all to get out there and make the most of the wonders our public conservation lands have to offer. Take a friend or family member and spread the word.