Helen Clark meets Save Fiordland and Stop the Tunnel groups
Helen Clark, United Nations Development Programme Administrator, has met with representatives of the Save Fiordland
group from Te Anau and Glenorchy’s Stop the Tunnel group in Dunedin.
The groups are opposing private developers who are seeking concessions from the Department of Conservation to drive a
road tunnel between Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, and a monorail from Queenstown to Te Anau Downs across
Snowdon Forest Park.
The former New Zealand Prime Minister expressed concern about the threat to the outstanding natural values of the
regions that would be affected and which have World Heritage status, and asked the groups to keep her apprised of
further developments regarding the tunnel and the monorail proposals. She also provided advice on liaison with UNESCO.
Ms Clark’s involvement in conservation began during her term as the Minister of Conservation (1987-89) and continued
during her time as Prime Minister of New Zealand (1999-2008). A great lover of outdoor pursuits and a frequent user of
the National Parks, Ms Clark said she had a lot to do with the natural state of NZ for many years and has a passionate
interest in its protection.
The former Prime Minister of New Zealand has been to Fiordland many times and has walked the Routeburn and Hollyford
tracks. She said: “I don’t want to see the Routeburn and Hollyford tracks coming out at a tunnel portal.”
Ms Clark promised a statement of support for the campaign opposing the projects should DOC grant a concession to either
of the proposals.
ends