Forest & Bird applauds new Oteake Conservation Park


Forest & Bird welcomes the opening of the new Oteake Conservation Park in Central Otago today by Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson.

The Oteake Conservation Park is the 10th high country conservation park. Forest & Bird Conservation Advocate Nicola Vallance says the parks reflect New Zealanders’ love of the high country’s outstanding landscapes and natural values

“It is fantastic to see the Government recognising the value of our high country heritage,” Ms Vallance says.

The park’s almost 65,000 hectares crosses five mountain ranges between Otago and Canterbury, and will be enjoyed for horse riding, four-wheel driving, cross-country skiing, tramping, fishing and mountain biking.

“This really is a park for the people, encompassing many recreational and natural values that we Kiwis hold so dear,” Ms Vallance says.

Native wildlife found in the park includes endangered braided riverbed species such as black-fronted terns, dotterels and the occasional black stilt. The area is also an oasis for lizards.

The Oteake Conservation Park is a great example of how protected natural areas also provide valuable ecosystems services, through the protection of the water catchment area.

“The high-altitude tall tussock grasslands of Te Papanui Conservation Park in the Lammermoor and Lammerlaw ranges behind Dunedin already provide up to 60 per cent of the city’s water supply. Oteake Conservation Park should provide similar benefits in water storage for irrigation to the surrounding areas,” Ms Vallance says.

“Scientists have shown that in the last decade native plants and animals have suffered immensely due to development and intensive farming, so it is good to see the Government take a strong approach to protecting such precious habitat. We hope this won’t be the last conservation park Minister Wilkinson will be opening”

ENDS

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