Conservation week is here again and it is time to get involved

The West Coast is one of the few places left in New Zealand where the majority of the rainforest was not clear felled and converted to other exotic monoculture systems. Over 80% of our land area is still in our native ecosystem. We have become the “reservoir” for the nation.

I would like to be part of a community who would protect a small part of this DOC estate for the benefit of all the biodiversity, by building a predator proof fence around the base of Mt Turiwhate and removing all predators within, creating an island “sanctuary”.

The Turiwhate Ecological Island Sanctuary would protect 3800ha of the DOC estate, ranging in altitude from 100 metres to 1368 metres.

By typing in Google “Turiwhate Ecological Island Sanctuary” one can see the proposal on line. This mainland island would be protected by a pest proof fence approx 32km around the mountain. Once fenced the area within can be hunted and trapped to remove all predators. This has been shown to be the most effective way to provide a predator-free area. In time, an increase in the biodiversity will allow many different bird species to be released within the sanctuary.

I believe we need to provide a major point of difference that both towns (Greymouth and Hokitika) can capitalize on that is close to both towns, not just the glaciers and pancake rocks, which will keep tourists staying longer. Creating a natural “theme park” around our beautiful environment, allowing easy interaction of people with nature, would be a great draw card.

It is the ease of access to this site at Turiwhate, and the close proximity of Greymouth and Hokitika that would, for example, enable bus loads of people to travel to the site for the dawn and evening chorus. This would keep tourists extra nights on the West Coast.

New Zealanders are mostly aware of their place in the evolution of NZ, but the story needs to be told to our overseas visitors who are not all aware, of the problems that introduced predators have had on our natural environment.

To make it worthwhile for them to travel out to and see for themselves, I believe tree top walks over gullies on the mountain with the great scenic views up and down the Taramakau would enhance the attractions one would see. A gondola trip to the snow grass above the bush line would give another dimension, with walking tracks to Takahe viewing hides and historical monuments. A steam tram travelling on the old logging tram routes through the lowland forest is yet another way to move people to other walking tracks within the sanctuary.

There are already in place plans to build a cycle track, (part of a nation-wide network), along the southern boundary of the proposed sanctuary giving access from the William Stuart Bridge over the Taramakau River to the Alpine Fault and the Milltown Bridge over the Arahura River and following south via Hokitika to Ross. So whether travelling by road or bike you cannot help but pass this special place.

I have approached the Department of Conservation who are the major land owners and the Westland District Council whose district the proposal lies in. They have a structure already in place to carry this idea forward; The Westland Nature Trust.

What with Conservation week in full swing, I believe this is a good time to present this proposal, through your column, for public comment.

I would like to endorse Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn’s Coast Community Comment dated Wednesday August 5 2009.

You are so right in saying that over the next 10 years tourism has the potential to grow considerably and it will only happen if all the stakeholders are rowing the boat in the same direction.

Kiwi Rail is spending $25 million purchasing new locomotives and carriages for the popular Christchurch to Greymouth daily excursion, with a resulting substantial increase in numbers visiting the West Coast. We have to rise to the challenge of hosting these extra visitors. Already we have 300,000 tourists using the Tranz Alpine Express annually; we need to increase their time on the West Coast by providing excellent opportunities to stay longer and to accommodate them in Greymouth, Hokitika and beyond.

I believe a daily steam train or vintage railcar passenger service leaving Greymouth in the late afternoon for Hokitika and a new major tourist attraction, The Turiwhate Ecological Island Sanctuary, would encourage tourists to stay overnight in both towns.