Crown Pastoral Land Tenure Review
Lease name : BALMORAL - TEKAPO
Lease number : PT 021
Conservation Resources Report
As part of the process of Tenure Review, advice on significant inherent values within the pastoral lease is provided by Department of Conservation officials in the form of a Conservation Resources Report. This report is the result of outdoor survey and inspection. It is a key piece of information for the development of a preliminary consultation document.
The report attached is released under the Official Information Act 1982.
July 13
RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
DOC CONSERVATION RESOURCES REPORT ON TENURE REVIEW OF
BALMORAL
PASTORAL LEASE
PAP-12-04-021
UNDER PART 2 OF THE CROWN PASTORAL LAND ACT 1998
2013 UPDATED REPORT
RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS PART 1 ...... 3 INTRODUCTION ...... 3 1.1 Background...... 3 PART 2 ...... 4 INHERENT VALUES: DESCRIPTION OF CONSERVATION RESOURCES AND ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE...... 4 2.1 Landscape...... 4 2.1.4 Significance of Landscape ...... 10 2.2 Landforms & Geology...... 11 2.3 Land Environments of New Zealand (LENZ) ...... 14 2.3.1 Significance of LENZ...... 15 2.4 Climate ...... 15 2.5 Vegetation...... 16 2.5.1 Significance of Vegetation...... 21 2.5.2 Problem Plants...... 22 2.6 Fauna ...... 22 2.6.1 Invertebrate Fauna ...... 22 2.6.2 Significance of Invertebrates ...... 25 2.6.3 Herpetofauna...... 26 2.6.4 Avifauna ...... 26 2.6.5 Significance of Avifauna ...... 28 2.6.6 Aquatic Fauna...... 28 2.6.7 Significance of Aquatic Fauna...... 28 2.6.8. Problem Animals ...... 28 2.7 Ecological Sustainability and Carbon Storage...... 29 2.7.1 Significance of Sustainability and Ecosystem Services...... 31 2.8 Historic ...... 32 2.8.1 Significance of Historic ...... 36 2.9 Public Recreation...... 36 2.9.1 Physical Characteristics ...... 36 2.9.2 Legal Access...... 37 2.9.3 Activities...... 37 PART 3 ...... 38 OTHER RELEVANT MATTERS & PLANS...... 38 3.1 Consultation...... 38 3.2 District Plan...... 39 3.3 Conservation Management Strategy & Plans ...... 39 3.4 New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy...... 40 3.5 Protecting Our Places ...... 40 PART 4 ...... 42 ATTACHMENTS...... 42 4.1 Additional Information ...... 42 4.1.1 References...... 42 4.1.2 Abbreviations...... 44 4.2 Maps ...... 45 4.3 Appendices: Appendix 1 Threatened and At Risk Plants recorded on Balmoral Appendix 2 Plant Species recorded Appendix 3 Bird species present on the Balmoral Appendix 4 Complete taxa list from Schnitzler’s 2002 invertebrate report Appendix 5 Significant lepidoptera taxa collected by Brian Patrick from properties neighbouring Balmoral pastoral lease (Patrick 1989; 1992) Appendix 6 List of invertebrate taxa collected from Irishman Creek Pastoral Lease, 2008. Appendix 7 Mackenzie District Plan Rules
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PART 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Balmoral Pastoral Lease (Balmoral) consists of 6458 ha of land in the middle of the Mackenzie Basin between Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo (see map 4.2.1). The property is dominated by the Old Man Range, and moraines and outwash to the southeast, north and west of the range. Fork Stream forms the north-east boundary, while Braemar Road, a minor shingle service road, forms most of the north boundary.
Balmoral adjoins the pastoral leases of Tasman Downs to the west and Irishman Creek to the south. In the north-west the land is designated for military training purposes. The Tekapo Military Camp is an enclave on the eastern side of Balmoral adjacent to the Tekapo-Twizel Road where it bisects the property.
Balmoral lies predominantly in the Tekapo Ecological District, with a very small portion at the south-eastern end of the property in the Pukaki Ecological District. The Tekapo Ecological District is characterised by extensive moraines and lakes, with a humid to sub-humid climate of cold winters and warm summers. The Pukaki Ecological District is typically low topography, fluvio-glacial outwash and basin fill, a drier climate to the Tekapo district. Both ecological districts are in Mackenzie Ecological Region which was surveyed as part of the Protected Natural Areas Programme in 1982/83 (Espie et. al. 1984). Five Recommended Areas for Protection (RAPs) were identified on the property – Tekapo 9: Balmoral fescue and red tussock grassland, Tekapo 10: Old Man Range swampland, Tekapo 11: Tekapo Military Camp Tussock, Tekapo 12: Balmoral Relic Boulderfield and Tekapo 13: Forks Stream Swamp. This Conservation Resources Report (CRR) is an update of the 2002 report. Additions have been made to this report including sections on sustainability and historic with some parts re-written. Information from a further botanical inspection and updated report has been included. With the passing of 11 years, changes to the current reporting standard and new tools for assessing significance warranted this rewrite. A Landcare Research report identified shortcomings in the original CRR with the identification of values likely to be present on the property (Walker and Lee 2010). New tools have been developed since the original report that identify rare and threatened ecosystems and include habitats for numerous threatened and at risk species.
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PART 2
INHERENT VALUES: DESCRIPTION OF CONSERVATION RESOURCES AND ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
2.1 Landscape Landscape context
Balmoral is situated in the north-central part of the Mackenzie Basin, one of the most extensive outstanding natural landscapes in the Canterbury Region. It is also “one of the most investigated, painted, written about, visited, eulogised and argued over landscapes in New Zealand” (BMP and LA 19931)
This 1993 study and a 1992 study by Boffa Miskell Partners2 on landscape change in the Mackenzie Basin assessed it’s landscape values (primarily visual values) and identified a range of key attributes to support its outstanding status making particular note of the variety, the huge scale and clear expression of landforms as well as the basin’s visual character particularly its openness, vastness, and strong horizontal emphasis. Other distinctive characteristics were general absence of trees, overwhelming dominance of landform, high apparent naturalness, tussockland character, and overall unity, simplicity and coherence of the landscape. Other attributes described in the study include the way the basin is clearly recognisable as a large basin, due to the strongly defined enclosing ranges, and the ability to see right across the basin floor, particularly in clear light conditions. The absence of features across the plains gives the impression of vast open space and distance.
Most of the basin is seen as a highly “natural” landscape. From an ecological perspective, much of it is in fact considerably modified, with hieracium and exotic grasses widespread throughout the basin. However, the basin retains very high “natural” qualities because of its overwhelming dominance of natural landform and extensive presence of short grassland which still retains a significant component of native species and continues to support a diversity of indigenous insects, lizards and birds. It is still regarded overall as one of the regions, and arguably, the nation’s, largest outstanding natural landscapes.
It is also a highly visible landscape. A major tourist highway (SH8) passes through the middle of the basin and much of it is able to be viewed from the highway, along with views from the Canal roads which are popular for recreational driving. Several minor shingle roads afford “back- country” experiences of other parts of the basin, such as Mackenzie and Hakataramea Pass and the Braemar Road which forms the northern property boundary. The basin is also moderately to highly vulnerable to visual change through development particularly forestry, cultivation and irrigation.
A further report, Stevens 2007: “Review of Assessment of Landscape Values of the Central Dryland MacKenzie Basin”, covered the properties of Balmoral, Irishman Creek, The Wolds and Maryburn Pastoral Leases.
1 Boffa Miskell and Lucas Associates – Canterbury Regional Landscape study, vol. 1 & 2 2 Boffa Miskell Partners Ltd – Landscape Change in the Mackenzie/Waitaki Basins docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 4 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
Stevens reported that the Mackenzie is one of New Zealand’s largest inter-montane basins. It is highly significant, distinctive and cherished for its numerous natural heritage features. It is one of the most extensive areas of more natural3 basin landscapes left in the country.
Landscape Description
Regional and District Level Landscapes
Balmoral can be divided into two landscape compartments, the Old Man Range being a visual watershed between the two.
The Mackenzie Landscape Compartment (SE of the Range) is an expansive and imposing basin, dominated by a large fluvio-glacial outwash plain bisected by the Tekapo river. It is dominated by degraded short tussock grassland, although shelter belts are changing this in places. Homesteads are few and far between.
The moraines north and west of the Old Man Range are part of the large Tekapo Downs Landscape Compartment, which is dominated by rolling to hummocky moraines. Short and red tussock grassland dominates this landscape, and there is a marked absence of development here.
Land Types
Most of the property is within Lynn’s Glacial and Fluvial Basin Floor Land Type (H3), (Lynn 1993) which is composed of glacial and fluvio-glacial landforms. The most eastern part of Balmoral is part of the Basin Floor Outwash Plains Land Type, (H4) which is dominated fluvio- glacial outwash plains, terraces, piedmont fans and floodplains. These land type boundaries broadly coincide with Ecological District boundaries.
Property Level Landscape Description
The property was divided into 13 landscape units (Map 4.2.2 – Landscape Values), which are briefly summarised below.
(i) Old Man Range
This range runs southwest-northeast and rises to 1050m asl. It is subdivided into two parts by the u-shaped gorge of Irishman Creek. Degraded fescue tussock and red tussock are the dominant vegetation types, though shrubland is dominant on some of the scarp faces. The red tussock was formerly more extensive but is now restricted to remnant patches. The range is extensively grazed and is very natural in appearance with stock fences and a few 4WD tracks being the only visible human modifications.
(ii) Wolds Moraine
This is a large area of gently to strongly rolling old moraine from the Wolds advance between SH8 and the Old Man Range. It includes a shallow valley and basin which contains two tarns and a red tussock wetland. Degraded fescue tussock grassland is the dominant vegetation type, with remnant red tussock in smaller patches. Golden spaniard is locally prominent, its colour contrasting with the pale grey-brown of the grassland. Matagouri and olearia shrubs are also present. The area has
3 The term “natural” has its RMA meaning (ie, refers primarily to a relative absence of cultural elements); but in the Mackenzie there is a strong indigenous component in landform and vegetation cover and pattern. docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 5 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
a high degree of naturalness and intactness, with the highway being the only significant cultural intrusion.
(iii) Balmoral Moraine
This area of moraine lies north of the western block of the Old Man Range and west of the Irishman Creek floodplain. The moraine contains several small wetlands and the large ephemeral tarn of Swan Lagoon adjacent to Braemar Road. The vegetation is dominated by degraded fescue tussock grassland. Numerous 4WD tracks cross the area, as it has been used for army exercises in the past. The area generally retains a high degree of naturalness and intactness. Pine forest has been planted over some of this area.
(iv) Mary Burn Moraine
This band of moraine runs north-south along the western margin of the property. Moraine is the main topographical element but drumlins4 and a kame5 terrace are also present. Glacial rocks (erratics6) are extensive. Vegetation is dominated by degraded fescue tussock grassland, with red tussock only occurring as remnant patches in moist areas. The area retains a high degree of naturalness and intactness, with one stock fence and a barely discernible 4WD track being the only cultural features.
Additional comments made by Stevens 2007 were: The western edge of the property has significant landscape value. The moraine area has high values of naturalness, intactness and coherence with a homogenous (albeit degraded) short tussock grassland cover. There are long views across this terrain from the Braemar road, imparting a sense of space and vast areas of natural landscape, key basin qualities. The western edge forms the eastern side of the Mary Burn valley (largely on the freehold property adjoining). This valley is considered to have high landscape value for its natural landform, enhanced by the high degrees of naturalness, etc. It is an integral part of the whole pattern of inter-related geomorphologic features.
It is important to recognise the inter-relatedness of all the glacial terrain – the value lies in the continuity of landscape on a large scale. (Stevens was of the opinion that the forestry is not an appropriate land use for this area and compromises the inherent values).
(v) Inter-Moraine Valley
This clearly defined, shallow valley separates the Balmoral and Mary Burn moraines. It narrows to the south, and turns abruptly eastward at the Old Man Range where it becomes much deeper and narrower. This portion contains linear boulderfields. Vegetation cover is dominated by grassland with some fescue tussock. The valley floor is well vegetated in contrast to other floodplains. Naturalness and intactness are high, despite the exotic grasses.
(vi) Irishman Creek Floodplain
This wide floodplain of recent alluvium runs north-south and contains one main channel and several smaller ones meandering in narrow gravel beds. Old channels appear as sinuous patterns
4 Oval or elongated hill believed to have been formed by the streamlined movement of glacial ice sheets across rock debris, or till. 5 The deposits of meltwater streams flowing between the ice and the adjacent valley side. 6 An erratic is a boulder transported by ice and dumped as the ice retreats. They occur as isolated individuals and in groups, and are very variable in size.
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over the surface. Vegetation includes successional plants typical of floodplains, with some fescue tussock, red tussock and wetland plants in damper areas, especially in the south. The floodplain is highly natural and intact in appearance, as there are only a few stock fences present.
(vii) Irishman Creek Gorge
This short but deep u-shaped gorge bisects the Old Man Range. Several narrow terraces are present representing former outwash and recent alluvium, and there is a large slip on the true right. The creek is overhung with bog rush, while the floodplain is sparsely vegetated with fescue tussock and successional riverbed plants. There are dense patches of grey scrub on the terraces. The area is highly natural and intact with little evidence of modification.
(viii) Old Man Range Wetland
This elongated wetland is contained in a narrow valley between the Old Man Range and adjacent outwash and moraines to the north. It includes a gently meandering, slow moving stream and several ponds. Boulderfields occur along the base of the Old Man Range, and at the head of the wetland adjacent to Braemar Road. Wetland vegetation is dominated by sedges and scattered red tussock. This wetland has a high degree of naturalness, apart from the cultivated paddocks adjacent to its upper reaches. A fence running through the wetland and a pumphouse by Braemar Road are the only obvious cultural modifications.
(ix) Fork Stream Valley
This comprises the upper section and a portion below the golf course and SH8. The upper section includes open gravel floodplain and a clear stream in a well-defined winding channel, with several braids. The channel is lined with fescue tussocks, bog-rush, matagouri and several willows. Gravel extraction has occurred here in the past, and a wetland here has partly been developed into deer paddocks. A shingle road runs up the floodplain and a power line also crosses it.
Downstream, the Mt John outwash has been downcut forming a steep-sided, terraced valley with a flat boulder floor. Vegetation cover is sparse with sweet briar, hawkweed and scabweed, porcupine shrub and matagouri being widespread. Willows are dotted along the stream and there are numerous wilding pines. While the valley has a natural appearance and well-defined landforms, exotic trees and other plants are obvious and the valley lacks any special qualities.
(x) Mt John Outwash Surface
This is an area of outwash gravels forming a simple undulating plain. It is typical of the distinctive Mackenzie Basin outwash surfaces, with its degraded cover of fescue tussock grassland and characteristic braided surface. A fence cuts across the top end, and extensive tree planting trials detract from its natural form.
(xi) Balmoral Outwash
This is an area of subdued moraine and outwash plain below the military camp and the golf course. The older higher surface is separated from lower younger outwash surface by a steep scarp. The area has largely been developed into large cultivated paddocks and pine plantations. Little of the original fescue tussock grassland remains except for a small area northwest of SH8.
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(xii) Golf Course Moraine
This is a small area of rolling moraine adjacent to Fork Stream below the golf course. There are several turfy ephemeral tarns. The vegetation is dominated by degraded fescue tussock grassland, which appears to have been oversown and topdressed. Some wilding pines and sweet briar are also present. The presence of exotics is obvious and the area is surrounded by a modified landscape. It lacks any distinctive or special character.
(xiii) Braemar Road Paddocks
This is an area of very subdued undulating moraine and outwash plain north-west of the Old Man Range and wetland. The homestead is located in this area. Most of the area is divided into paddocks lined with evergreen shelterbelts. A large ephemeral tarn is present in one of the paddocks next to Braemar Road. The area is highly modified and of little natural landscape value.
Visual Values
Visual values are a major component of landscape values and are closely tied to other values (eg, ecological, geological/scientific). They are assessed in terms of inherent visual values and visibility.
Inherent Visual Values
These relate to what the landscape actually looks like, regardless of whether it is publicly visible. High visual quality is characterised by:
• A high degree of perceived naturalness and intactness. • Visual coherence (the degree to which the elements fit together, including cultural ones). • Legibility (the ability to clearly see the different elements and how they were formed). • Visual distinctiveness/vividness and how memorable it is eg. (unusual things or contrasting elements).
These attributes also contribute to the special character or “sense of place” of an area. Indigenous flora and fauna and landforms in their natural state are particularly important, though cultural patterns can be very important too.
Much of the Balmoral landscape is of moderate to high visual quality, as indicated in the landscape unit descriptions. This reflects the high degree of apparent naturalness and intactness, high legibility of landforms, and the particularly high inherent visual qualities of some areas.
The eastern part of the Old Man Range
The eastern part of the Old Man Range, and its central tussock basin, is the main area of significant inherent visual value.
The broad rounded summit and expansive plateau area are impressive for their large scale, uniformity and simplicity. The smooth surface contrasts with distant rugged ranges and the adjacent erratic-strewn moraines, accentuated by the subtle interplay of light and shade. It has a highly natural appearance and no significant intrusive cultural elements. The large central basin has a high degree of naturalness and intactness despite the presence of fences, exotic trees and the docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 8 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
military camp. Topographical subtleties are again highlighted by interplay of shade and light. There is a degree of coherence with red tussock in the basin floor and depressions, and grey scrub in gullies and on fans.
The north scarp of the range is equally striking as it rears abruptly from the basin floor. It has a high degree of naturalness and intactness with extensive areas of mixed “grey scrub”, often associated with very old lichen-covered talus, forming a striking visual image.
The remainder of Balmoral
On the remainder of the property, there are several natural landscape elements that are interesting and unusual visual features or are good examples of their type:
(i) The boulderfields are intriguing and unusual features. They include sinuous linear examples adjacent to the north side of the Old Man Range, and a rounded one next to the Braemar Road at the head of the Old Man Range wetland. (ii) There are several tarns on the property. They include those on the Old Man Range, Swan Lagoon on moraine next to the Braemar Road and several others scattered across moraines. (iii) The Old Man Range wetland and its meandering stream are natural looking and intact, but lack visual distinctiveness. The wetland is however, visually impressive for its size and continuity, and it forms distinctive images such as where it contrasts with adjoining boulderfields and shrublands. (iv) The inter-moraine valley is distinctive with its grassy floor and sharp western scarp. (v) The scarps formed by Fork Stream cutting into outwash surfaces are large, well developed, visually striking natural landforms typical of terrace scarps in the basin.
Visibility
This refers to the visibility of a landscape or area from public viewpoints such as roads, lookouts and recreational areas. Landscapes that are more regularly seen from public areas have more values for more people. The property is generally visible from public viewpoints except for some moraines and valleys in the north-west and adjacent to the Old Man Range, some basins, and outwash surfaces next to Fork Stream.
Views from SH8
The Old Man Range is the most visually prominent part of the lease. Distant views can be seen from parts of SH8 as far away as Lake Pukaki and Whiskey Cutting, and from roads on the east side of the basin. In these views, the Old Man Range is one of the middle distance “layers” set against the distant mountains of the Ben Ohau Range.
Many middle distance views are seen from SH8 between Simons Pass and the Tekapo Military Camp. Travelling north, the views of the range from SH8 become more impressive from the junction with Tekapo-Pukaki Canal Road. The range appears as a distinct landform entity, and Irishman Creek gorge attracts visual attention as it frames peaks to the north.
The most impressive view of the range is gained where SH8 crosses the Tekapo-Pukaki Canal, where it is slightly elevated. In this distinctive view, the Old Man Range is visually integral with the rolling moraine and outwash on neighbouring Irishman Creek Station, and the whole forms a large natural landscape. docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 9 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
Further north on the highway, the range forms a gently undulating skyline, contrasting with the rugged forms of other ranges in the basin. The drifts of golden-orange spaniard are a distinctive feature of this view.
Travelling south, the high steep scarp on the north-east side of the range is a clear skyline element in direct view from SH8 between Tekapo and the military camp. The long terrace scarp above Fork Stream is also clearly visible from here. This is one of the classic views in the basin - across an expanse of flat outwash plain to the distant ranges on the east side of the basin, contributing to the impression of vast space and flatness.
Views from SH80 (Pukaki to Mt Cook)
These views are not particularly significant, as the western moraines are hard to distinguish from the wider moraine landscape, and the Old Man Range is a low bulge on the horizon.
Views from the Tekapo-Pukaki Canal Road
The south side of the Old Man Range is also visible from parts of the Tekapo-Pukaki Canal Road. The views are similar to those from SH8 but slightly more elevated, including the spectacular view through the Irishman Creek gorge.
Views from the Braemar Road
Extensive views of the landscape between the Old Man Range and Braemar Road are visible from the Braemar Road. The northeast scarp of the Old Man Range is seen in detail as the road passes along its base. Around the corner, there are clear views of the steep northwest scarp of the range, with its “grey scrub” and the two slumps. The range forms the skyline in views to the south, and there is a long distance view to the Irishman Creek gorge. Swan Lagoon, a permanent tarn, is a significant landscape feature very close to the road. The inter-moraine valley is a notable feature extending through the moraine to the Old Man Range. The circular boulder field at the head of the Old Man Range wetland is an unusual visual feature next to the road.
Aerial Perspective
Scenic aerial flights add another dimension to the visual perception of the property and its wider landscape context. The coherence and legibility of the landscape between the Ben Ohau Range and the Two Thumb Range are high on a broad scale.
2.1.4 Significance of Landscape The Balmoral landscape occupies a prominent position, and is an integral and important part of the Mackenzie Basin landscape. It contributes significantly to the wider qualities of the Mackenzie Basin.
The most significant part is the Old Man Range, which is a distinctive and unique feature in this part of the basin. Its isolated form rises above the moraines and outwash of the basin floor and its proximity to SH8 gives it a high visual value. The range is the visual watershed between the outwash plain in the south and east, and the moraine to the west and north (BMP 1992). It is an important landmark in the basin, and it imparts a strong local “sense of place”, especially in
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association with the Tekapo Military Camp. The range appears as a natural entity with virtually no visible cultural modification, except for some exotic trees.
Irishman Creek gorge is a visually striking feature which bisects the range. When travelling through the basin on SH8, a shifting vista of alpine peaks is visible through the gorge, including Aoraki/Mt Cook.
Parts of the property form the SH8 road corridor and some are also clearly visible from sections of the Tekapo-Pukaki Canal Road (Tekapo-Pukaki C road). The Old Man Range often forms a prominent skyline or intermediate horizon landform and is a natural visual focus. Balmoral comprises all the landscape south of Braemar Road, which provides a “remote, back-country” experience in the basin.
Balmoral also contains some hidden surprises, such as the curious boulderfields, the elongated wetland at the base of the north scarp of the Old Man Range, the red tussock wetland and the tarn on the southeast side of the Range.
2.2 Landforms & Geology Balmoral is located in the middle of the Mackenzie Basin, a large structural depression or inter- montane basin. The depression has been partly infilled by gravels, firstly by piedmont gravels coming off the hills formed around the basin and later by moraine and outwash associated with Pleistocene glaciers. Four main types of landform are represented on Balmoral - block mountain range, moraine, outwash and alluvial surfaces
These four broad landform types can be subdivided into 6 geomorphic units:
(a) Old Man Range (b) Wolds Moraine (c) Balmoral Moraine (d) Balmoral Outwash (e) Mt John Outwash (f) Recent Alluvial Landforms
The boundaries and extent of these landforms are shown on Map 4.2.3 Landscape Description.
Block Mountain Range
(a) Old Man Range
The Old Man Range is a well-defined, large, tilt block mountain range 8-9km in length rising to 1050m and upthrust along the south side of the Irishman Creek fault. The range is divided into two by the downcutting of Irishman Creek.
The range comprises thick layers of old weathered gravels, thought to have been laid down on a basin floor in Pliocene times. These original Pliocene gravels form the surface geology over most of the east block and the eastern end of the west block. However ice from the Wolds and Balmoral ice advances rode over the east and west ends of the range and deposited a veneer of till to form moraine. There is a subtle difference in topography between the two landforms. Areas underlain by gravels have smoother more undulating topography and a large plateau surface in the eastern block, whereas the moraine has more uneven rolling topography. docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 11 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
The range has high steep scarps facing northwest, north and northeast. These scarps have been re- shaped by ice into planar surfaces, which probably include lateral moraine remnants. Slumping has occurred on sections of some of the scarps, giving an upper slope concavity and a broadly convex, hummocky landform over the mid and lower slope. The origins of the distinctive boulderfields associated with the north-facing scarp on both blocks are unclear, though they are probably glacially derived.
This range landform is unique in this part of the basin. The Range is a distinctive and prominent landform rising above the relatively flat and open basin floor. The eastern block is a good example of a tilt block, which is able to be very easily seen from SH8 and the Braemar Road. The boulderfields are visually striking and curious features, as yet unexplained in origin.
Moraines
(b) Wolds Moraine
The Wolds moraine consists of till from the oldest (Wolds) glacial advance. It is found on the SE slopes of the eastern block of the Old Man Range. It has a north-south orientation and comprises two main ridges that descend southwards from high points of 875 and 820m asl. A wide shallow stream valley separates the moraine from the Old Man Range to the west, and a large basin containing wetlands and two ephemeral tarns separate the two landforms to the north.
This area is considered to be the best example of the oldest glacial deposit (Wolds) in the Mackenzie basin and represents 20-25% of the total area of moraine from that ice advance. The tarns are among the southernmost tarns in moraine between Tekapo and Pukaki.
(c) Balmoral Moraine
There are four different areas of moraine from the Balmoral ice advance (a later glacial event than the Wolds) that are located on the property:
(i) Along the western margin of the property is an area of rolling to hummocky “knob-and kettle” moraine with erratics strewn over the surface. Along its eastern edge is a major moraine ridge. A kame terrace exists in the southern half of the area, and extends beyond the property. (ii) East of this area is a large block of more subdued rolling moraine with few erratics. This area is probably older with greater weathering. It generally slopes northwest to southeast and merges with the adjacent flat floodplain of Irishman Creek. Several small drainage channels regularly spaced along the eastern margin drain eastwards into Irishman Creek. An old terrace of Balmoral age around 300-400m wide forms the eastern margin. In the very northern part of this area is a large ephemeral tarn, Swan Lagoon. (iii) An area of very subdued undulating moraine to the north of the Old Man Range (east block). It extends east to the Fork Stream, which has formed a high scarp along the eastern margin. (iv) East of the Old Man Range, and south of the Mackenzie Golf Course is a small area of moraine. It has a smooth but strongly rolling topography, several small ephemeral tarns and no erratics. It merges with the adjacent outwash surfaces in the south.
Separating the first two areas of moraine ((i) and (ii)) is a distinctive, wide, shallow, flat- floored valley comprising outwash gravels of Balmoral age. It runs north-south from the docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 12 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
Braemar Road to the Old Man Range where it turns abruptly east to flow down into Irishman Creek.
Outwash
(d) Balmoral Outwash
There are two areas of Balmoral outwash:
(i) An area of gently sloping plain on the true left of, and slightly elevated above, the modern floodplain of Irishman Creek. A small north-south drainage channel separates this area of outwash from an area of Balmoral moraine to the east (described in (c) (iii) above) (ii) The large outwash plain east of SH8 and the Wolds moraine. A scarp separates it clearly from the Wolds moraine. Topography is gently undulating and slopes evenly north-south from around 800 - 720m asl at the south boundary. Fluvio-glacial action associated with the more recent Mt John advance has cut a high, steep, continuous scarp to form the eastern margin of this area, almost 2km long.
(e) Mt John Outwash Surface
This small triangular shaped area is comprised of outwash gravels from the Mt John advance. It lies between the Balmoral outwash surface and Fork Stream, and is part of the much larger outwash areas east of Fork Stream and the Tekapo river. It appears very flat with the characteristic sinuous mound and swale pattern attributable to wind deflation and surface drainage in braided channels. The whole surface slopes evenly to the south and is around 700-720m asl.
Recent Alluvial Landforms
These include:
(i) The Irishman Creek floodplain – Upstream of the Gorge is a wide flat recent gravel floodplain with one main channel and several smaller channels. The Creek flows more swiftly where it cuts through the Old Man Range. (ii) The Old Man Range Wetland – This wetland is about 4kms long and 200-300m wide, lying in a depression on the NW margins of the Old Man Range. Its small, slow-moving and meandering stream appears to have its origins in the north, where Fork Stream exits from its mountain valley. It eventually joins with Irishman Creek in a large tussock wetland just above the Irishman Creek gorge. It has a low steep scarp to the north, but its southern side is less well-defined. There is a distinctive circular boulderfield at the head of the wetland. (iii) Fork Stream – Two small portions of the Fork Stream floodplain adjacent to the NE side of the Old Man Range and south of the golf course. The stream is deeply incised into outwash gravels in the south, and has large terrace risers.
2.2.1 Significance of Landforms and Geology
Balmoral is a strategic property as it straddles the contact zone where two lobes of the Tekapo and Pukaki piedmont glaciers met. During the late Pleistocene period these ice bodies were some of the largest in the basin (possibly in New Zealand), the legacy of which is seen as extensive lateral moraine sequences, kettle holes, erratic boulders and related glacial landforms. docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 13 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
Much of Balmoral comprises glacial and fluvio-glacial landforms associated with three of the five known advances of the last glaciation. The area of rolling moraine southeast of the Old Man Range represents 20-25% of the total area of moraine of the Wolds advance in the basin. The Wolds moraine is the oldest known moraine deposit in the basin and is of limited occurrence. The moraine and kame topography along the western margin of the property is “fresh” and well- defined and part of the larger Mary Burn valley (outside Balmoral) with its array of glacial and fluvio-glacial landforms with very little apparent modification over a large area.
The Old Man Range, which comprises a large part of the property, is a very significant natural landform. It is a well developed example of a tilt block landform with a remarkably unmodified surface. It also marks the line of the Irishman Creek fault which is an unusual and very distinctive feature breaching the range.
2.3 Land Environments of New Zealand (LENZ) There are two databases that have been used to assess biodiversity protection (Walker et al 2003).
1. Environmental distinctiveness has been assessed through the Land Environments of New Zealand (LENZ). This is a classification of New Zealand landscapes using a comprehensive set of climate, landform and soil variables chosen for their roles in driving geographic variation in biological patterns (Leathwick et al 2002 & 2003). It is presented at four levels of detail containing 20, 100, 200 or 500 environments nationally. The most detailed is called LENZ Level IV. 2. The area of unprotected indigenous cover in threatened land environments has been identified in the national land cover database (LCDB).
From the above databases, spatial data depicting indigenous cover and legal protection were overlaid on LENZ Level IV environments to identify biodiversity that is most vulnerable (most likely to be lost). This provides a measure for: a. percentages legally protected and; b. percentages of remaining indigenous cover
Based on these two criteria, five categories of threatened environments have been used to identify environments containing indigenous biodiversity at most risk of loss. They are classified as follows:
1. Acutely threatened: <10% indigenous cover remaining 2. Chronically threatened: 10-20% indigenous cover remaining 3. At risk: 20-30% indigenous cover remaining 4. Critically underprotected: >30% indigenous cover remaining and <10% protected 5 Underprotected: >30% indigenous cover remaining and 10-20% protected 6. No Threat: >30% indigenous cover remaining and >20% protected
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Table 1: Land Environments of New Zealand (LENZ) Units on Balmoral
Threat Category Level 4 % %Protected Approximate LENZ Unit Indigenous nationally Area on vegetation for Lease (ha) cover conservation remaining purposes Chronically Threatened E4.1a 18.75 4.92 2976
At Risk E4.1b 27 3.82 2101 E4.2b 26 5 15 J2.2a 24.73 1.67 181 K2.1a 27.12 3.17 761 K2.1b 21.7 1.08 62 K4.1c 26.52 8.23 99 Critically E1.4b 38.86 2.13 172 Underprotected Total 6368
Attributing significance to LENZ units, while a useful exercise, must be treated with caution. Work is currently underway to improve the accuracy of underlying spatial data. For example, soils data is being upgraded, as median patch size for polygons sourced from the Land Resource Inventory is currently between 10,000 and 100,000 hectares, while at Level IV resolution, LENZ units cover areas as small as 10 hectares. Also underway, albeit as lesser priority, is ongoing work relating to continuous improvements of the underlying classification process which generates LENZ units.
2.3.1 Significance of LENZ Threatened Land Environments of New Zealand (Walker et al 2007) classifies most of the Old Man Range, and the western terraces of Irishman Creek, as chronically threatened. The western scarp face is classified as critically under-protected. The remainder of the property is classified as at risk. Where indigenous cover remains within these threatened LENZ units, it attains significance for tenure review.
Threatened LENZ units for Balmoral are shown on map 4.2.4.
2.4 Climate The Mackenzie basin has a continental like climate with hot summers and cold winters. It has annual and diurnal extreme ranges in temperature. According to climate records from the NZ Met Service, rainfall is normally evenly spread throughout the year, but there is a wide seasonal and annual variability from year to year. On average, snow falls on 6-12 days each year, the months May through to September having more than one day of snow per month. However, snow may fall during any month (NZ Met. Service, 1983).
The basin enjoys high sunshine hours, averaging 2000-2300 per year (cf. Christchurch averages 1950 hours). There is no season which may be called frost free, and the months of April to November have, on average, more than 10 days with frost.
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2.5 Vegetation Introduction
A rapid botanical survey of Balmoral was undertaken in February 2013. The purpose of the survey was to determine the efficacy of the original Tenure Review botanical recommendations (Walls 2001) and whether areas originally recommended for protection retain significant inherent values (SIVs).
The original TR survey undertaken in 2001 identified much of the southern face of the Old Man Range mainly for its fescue tussock (Festuca novae-zealandiae), red tussock (Chionochloa rubra) and wetland communities; the western scarp face of the Old Man Range for its shrublands; the Irishman Creek flood plain, the western tributary stream, and the Old Man Range Wetland, for river bed and wetland ecosystems. Two other small areas were also identified, being Swan Lagoon as a good example of an ephemeral wetland important for water fowl, and a small area in the far north western corner of the property presumably for red tussock and scrub communities. Threatened plant species were identified accordingly.
Previous surveys also identified areas as having important ecological values on the property, most notably the Protected Natural Areas Programme (PNAP) survey (Espie 1984). Recommended areas for protection (RAPs) identified on the property relevant to this survey include:
• RAP 9: Balmoral Fescue and Red Tussock Grassland, noted as one of the best examples of fescue tussock and red tussock in the Tekapo Ecological District (ED)
• RAP10: Old Man Range Wetland for a site of wildlife interest of ‘outstanding value’, and for red tussock on hill head slopes.
• RAP11: Tekapo Military Camp Tussock for red tussock, fescue tussock and wetlands. An earlier Department of Scientific Research (DSIR) report also recommended the protection of the Southern Old Man Range (Molloy et al 1976).
• RAP12: Balmoral Relic Boulderfield, which is a site of geological interest with a successional community of lichens.
• RAP 13: Forks Stream Swamp for wetland ecosystem including wildlife values.
Unfortunately these reports lack sufficient detail to ascertain accurately the composition and condition of the plant communities present at the time of these inspections, but they nonetheless provide a useful guide as to potential values present. Consequently the latest inspection assessed the presence of extant SIVs generally.
Notwithstanding the previous identification of SIVs, subsequent concerns have been raised that the original recommendations may have overlooked other important values likely to be present on the property (Walker and Lee 2010). Commensurate with these concerns are contemporary ecological assessment criteria that have arisen since the original survey was undertaken. These have been derived from ecological research that has emphasised New Zealand’s rarest and most threatened ecosystems and species, and consequently identifies the most important protection priorities. These include Threatened Land Environments of New Zealand (Walker et al 2007), and naturally rare and threatened ecosystems (Williams et al 2007; Holdaway 2012). Revision of the threat docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 16 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
status of New Zealand’s flora and fauna has also been undertaken, with the most recent revisions being completed in 2012 (in press).
This research forms the basis for the government’s National Priorities for Protection on Private Land (MfE 2007). The priorities are: • protecting indigenous vegetation that remains on acutely and chronically threatened land environments: • protecting ecosystems that have become rare, such as wetlands; • protecting naturally rare ecosystems; • protecting habitats for at risk and threatened species.
Inherent in these priorities is the importance of protecting under-represented ecosystems, typically low lying ecosystems of chiefly valley and basin floors. This concern was acknowledged by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Environment (PCE, 2009) report on tenure review, in which the general failure to address this conservation imperative was noted.
Although these priorities have only been identified since the original TR survey of Balmoral, they have subsequently become core considerations in TR surveys and as such they will be considered as part of this assessment.
Methods
The entire property was inspected by vehicle and on foot over 2 days with detailed botanical notes taken of representative plant communities and ecosystems. Cover classes of all species present within ‘representative plots’ was also estimated. Photos and plant specimens were also collected to aid with interpretation. Time limited our ability to undertake detailed field assessments of all of the property, in particular the Irishman Creek flood plain, the scarp face of the Old Man Range and the upper section of Old Man Range wetland. These areas were primarily assessed visually using binoculars.
Balmoral Ecological Context
Essential ecological context relevant to this assessment is summarised as follows.
Balmoral occurs within the Tekapo Ecological District within the Mackenzie Ecological Region (ER) of inter-montane Mackenzie Basin (Kelly & Park 1986). It comprises predominately glacial derived landforms and associated ecosystems of moraine and outwash materials of mostly Central Dry Foothills LENZ (Level I E) and Eastern South Island Plains LENZ (Level I N). Wetlands and uplifted hills make up smaller areas of the property. These occur within the Central Well Drained Recent Soils LENZ (Level I J) and Central Upland Recent Soils LENZ (Level I K) respectively (Leathwick et al 2003).
Much of Balmoral comprises sequences of naturally rare ecosystems, of chiefly dry moraines and inland alluvial surfaces (Williams et al 2007). Ephemeral wetlands are also classified as naturally rare ecosystems for which Balmoral supports good examples, whereas wetlands generally are classified as nationally threatened ecosystems (MfE 2000).
More recently, Holdaway et al (2012) have assessed the threat status of New Zealand’s naturally rare ecosystems. From this, much of the Mackenzie Basin comprises threatened naturally rare ecosystems, most notably inland sand dunes (nationally critical), outwash surfaces (nationally docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 17 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
critical), moraines (nationally vulnerable), ephemeral wetlands (nationally endangered). This threat of ecosystem loss in the Mackenzie Basin is apparent on Balmoral, with many outwash terraces cultivated, and large areas of moraines planted in plantation forestry.
The plant communities and ecological patterns of Balmoral as assessed from this survey are described as follows:
Vegetation Assessment
(i) Southern Old Man Range
This area includes the south facing catchment of the Old Man Range from the summit ridge to Irishman Creek in the west, the highway and NZ Defence land in the south east. The area comprises the southern slopes of the Old Man Range from the ridge to the more gentle topography of moraines and fluvio-glacial outwash surfaces (terraces and channels) in the east toward the highway. The area includes a poorly drained basin and associated wetland communities, including a tarn and a large ephemeral wetland. Glacial erratics are scattered throughout the moraine landforms.
Fescue tussock and red tussock are the predominant plant communities of the area. These occur in varying dominance and grade together to form an extensive mosaic. Fescue tussock dominates the drier outwash surfaces, moraines, exposed spurs and ridges, where it appears to have replaced red tussock over time. Fescue tussock cover varies from being very sparse <5% on the most depleted sites to around 35% in the best sites, but typically is around 20% cover. Red tussock cover also varies considerably, forming a patchy mosaic across much of the Old Man Range. Densest cover (40-80%) occurs on concave shady slopes, gullies and areas of impeded drainage. Elsewhere red tussock cover tends to be sparse and patchy where it merges with fescue tussock grasslands forming a depleted and patchy cover.
Inter-tussock diversity is high across the entire area with the full range of native plant species present as expected for these communities. It includes strong populations of the dwarf broom (Carmichaelia vexillata) (declining), coral broom (Carmichaelia crassicaulis subsp crassicualis) (declining), although many dead individuals of the latter species were observed. Several other at risk species were also recorded, including Coprosma intertexta (declining), Acaena buchananii (declining), Aciphylla subflabellata (declining), Leucopogon nanum (naturally uncommon) and Pimelea sericeovillosa subsp. pulvinaris (declining). The most abundant exotic species present was mouse-ear hawkweed (Pilosella officiarum) that occurs throughout the tussock grasslands and could often form up to 40% of the cover in the most depleted sites, but was generally less than 25% cover. Brown top (Agrostis capillaris) was also very common, especially on the damper deeper soils of the outwash surfaces toward the highway where it was noticeably abundant (made more obvious by its prolific flowering). Other ubiquitous exotic species present throughout the site was sweet vernal (Anthoxanthum odoratum), sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella), king devil hawkweed (Pilosella praelta) and hares-foot trefoil (Trifolium arvensis). Conifers (Pinus spp), broom (Cytisus scoparius), gorse (Ulex europaeus), were occasionally present.
Matagouri (Discaria toumatou) and golden Spaniard (Aciphylla aurea) occur in varying abundance throughout these grasslands, but were generally sparse, with the exception of stream margins where matagouri can form dense shrublands. Olearia bullata, Coprosma propinqua, Carmichaelia petriei, tauhinu (Ozothamnus leptophylla) and sweet brier (Rosa rubiginosa) were usually present among shrublands. Golden Spaniard seedlings were notably abundant and widespread across the entire site, although interestingly many mature plants had recently died. docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 18 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
The site is also notable for its wetlands. Most obvious was the tarn, ephemeral wetlands and red tussockland wetlands. These comprise an inter-connected sequence of rare wetland ecosystems in the poorly drained basin. Wetlands also occur more widely across the entire catchment of the Old Man Range site, associated with the many drainage channels, gullies and gentle depressions. Wetland communities include Carex sedgelands, red tussock, bog-rush (Schoenus pauciflorus), cushion bogs and ephemeral turfs. Several threatened and rare plant species occur in these wetlands, including Amphibromus fluitans (nationally vulnerable), Rytidosperma telmaticum (declining), Epilobium angustum (naturally uncommon), and Parahebe canescens (declining). Weed species present that are of concern include oval sedge (Carex ovalis), soft rush (Juncus effusus) and the occasional grey willow (Salix cinerea), but overall most wetlands remain relatively natural and retain their ecological integrity.
The area was initially identified as a site of high biological values by DSIR (Molloy et al 1976). Espie (1984) identified it as an RAP (RAP 11: Tekapo Military Camp tussock) for its fescue and red tussock grasslands, and wetland ecosystems. The original TR survey noted that the values as originally identified appeared to have become depleted, in particular the red tussock grasslands, but little information is available from these surveys on the previous condition and composition of the plant communities present. Notwithstanding this, the original TR report noted the area as having SIVs for the representative range of native plant communities present, including the nationally threatened dwarf broom.
This area still retains SIVs as originally recognised by Espie (1984) and by the original TR survey (2001). It contains a range of representative ecosystems and plant communities that retain their structure and ecological integrity. These include extensive fescue and red tussock grasslands that support the full range of associated native plant diversity, including threatened and at risk species. Although the red tussock grasslands have been reduced in extent and were depleted generally, they still occupied substantial areas of the site, and comprised numerous core areas of ‘intact’ cover in relatively good condition. Young plants of red tussock were quite common indicating a degree of ecosystem resilience and potential for recovery over time (given appropriate management). The wetlands present also retained their values as discussed above.
(ii) Irishman Creek floodplain, Old Man Range Wetland
These areas were not inspected in great detail, with vegetation plots only being undertaken in wetlands.
The shrublands on the north facing scarp of the Old Man Range were originally included as part of RAP 11 for the representative range of plant communities. These shrublands were described as containing a range of native shrub species expected for these environments, and noted the presence of regionally rare species, such as prostrate kowhai (Sophora prostrata) and Corokia cotoneaster. The lichen flora is also considered to be potentially notable (Molloy et al 1976).
These shrublands retain the values as originally identified and there was no evidence that they had been diminished in any substantial way, although sweet bier is a common component.
The Old Man Range Wetland was identified as RAP 10 (Old Man Range Swampland). It was considered an area of special wildlife interest, and of outstanding values (Espie 1984). TR (2001) described a complex wetland system comprising a mosaic of tall sedgelands, ponds, cushion bogs, red tussock and herb field that merge into the Irishman Creek floodplain. Irishman Creek is
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described as containing representative shrublands, fescue tussock grasslands, herbfield and wetland complexes, which are associated with active floodplains, dry terraces and scarps.
Although most of these areas were not inspected closely, they appeared to retain the range of values as originally identified with little evidence suggesting they have become modified in any considerable way. However, cultivation has occurred within the margins of the Old Man Range wetland in places. This has constricted the wetland and subjected it to edge effects. Wilding pines were also relatively common within the Irishman Creek gorge.
Additional values present that were not originally identified include a population of Chaerophyllum colensoi var. delicatulum (nationally critical) which was found in a cushion bog within the red tussock wetland near the airstrip. This relatively large area of wetland is an inherent part of the Old Man Range wetland complex.
(iii) Swan Lagoon.
Swan Lagoon was previously identified as having botanical values which persist. However the area identified is somewhat limited.
(iv) Forks River
The Forks Stream Swamp was originally identified as an RAP 13 for its wetland values, including extensive sedge lands and springs. This area still has significant vegetation values.
The terrace riser above the Forks River contains patchy cover of native shrubs but it is dominated by sweet brier. Nonetheless it contains an interesting array of rare dryland species, including Muehlenbeckia ephedroides (declining), Carmichaelia nana (declining), Colobanthus brevicephalus (naturally uncommon) and Coprosma intertexta (declining).
The moraines east of the highway above the Forks River have been modified from over sowing and topdressing, but retain significant values. These fescue tussock and scrub communities on a naturally rare ecosystem contain a collection of kettleholes that contain turf communities in which at least one supports the nationally threatened plant Amphibromus fluitans (nationally vulnerable). This area is contiguous with the Forks River terraces and is part of the sequence of ecosystems and diversity of habitats.
(v) Western Corner.
Walker and Lee (2010) raised the possibility that SIVs had been overlooked, and identified the western moraines as an area likely to contain significant remnant ecosystems and botanical values. Supporting this was the identification of RAP 9 on the western moraines for red and fescue tussock communities considered to be the best in the district (Espie 1984).
The far western corner adjoining the Mary Burn was previously identified as having botanical values which it still retains. However this is part of much larger and intact area of similar values.
The latest inspection confirmed the presence of highly significant values here, including some of the best examples of highly representative ecosystems and plant communities on the property. This part of the property comprises lateral moraines of distinctive and complex topography, including hummocky conical moraine, kame terraces, melt water channels, boulder field, erratics and depressions. It supports an extensive cover of fescue and red tussock grasslands, including docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 20 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
probably the largest and most intact red tussock grassland on dry moraines remaining in the ecological region, and certainly the best example on the property (and extending across adjoining properties).
The composition of the fescue and red tussock grasslands was highly diverse and in good condition, supporting strong populations of several rare species, such as coral broom (declining), dwarf broom (declining), Pimelea sericeovillosa subsp. pulvinaris (declining), Leucopogon nanum (naturally uncommon), Coprosma intertexta (declining), and grassland Spaniard (declining). Matagouri was common, especially within red tussock grasslands. Cottonwood, coral broom, dwarf broom and Carmichaelia petriei were also common. Shrublands of chiefly Coprosma propinqua, porcupine shrub (Melicytus alpinus agg), Coprosma intertexta, Carmichaelia petriei occur around numerous erratics. Kettleholes occur throughout the moraine complex, including many unusual boulderfield depressions. These contain turf communities that were notably weed free, were in excellent condition, with several threatened and rare species present, such as pygmy rush (Isolepis basilaris) (nationally vulnerable), Centipeda minima (nationally critical), Rytidosperma telmaticum (declining), Lobelia ionantha (declining), Epilobium angustum (naturally uncommon), and Rorippa palustris (locally uncommon). Thorough survey of these ecosystems is highly likely to reveal the presence of more notable species.
2.5.1 Significance of Vegetation Balmoral comprises mainly glacial derived landforms on predominately chronically threatened and poorly protected land environments.
Previous surveys identified significant inherent values on Balmoral relating to representative ecosystems and plant communities of chiefly tussock grasslands, wetlands and shrublands. The latest assessment confirms that Balmoral retains these SIVs.
These SIVs are highly representative of the native plant communities of the Tekapo ED and relevant LENZ. They remain in relatively good condition, and occur as intact ecological sequences across poorly protected ecosystems. They include numerous threatened and at risk plant species.
The recent inspection identified additional areas with SIVs, including the upper and western slopes of the Old Man Range, parts of the Old Man wetland complex, and most notably, the western lateral moraines, which includes RAP 9. The western moraine sequence, in particular, contains some of the best representative examples of poorly protected rare and threatened ecosystems, and populations of at risk and threatened species, on the property.
The original TR survey (2001) recorded only one threatened plant species (dwarf broom). Since then, revision of New Zealand’s threatened species has been undertaken (de Lange 2009; de Lange 2012 in press). These revisions have classified species’ threat status by aligning the likelihood of its extinction to the rarity of its habitat, and the threat to its habitat. Given the rarity and threat to the Mackenzie’s ecosystems, and the distinctiveness of associated dryland biodiversity, means the Mackenzie Basin has emerged as the national stronghold for a disproportionate number of New Zealand’s rare and threatened plant species. The importance of the Mackenzie for threatened plants is reflected in this survey, from which 19 threatened and at risk species were recorded within two days of rapid survey, and more detailed surveys is highly likely to reveal more. The protection of the habitats for threatened and at risk species is essential to halt the decline of New Zealand biota (MfE 2007) and as such this takes on high significance on Balmoral.
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Recent research that has determined the most important conservation priorities in New Zealand (MfE 2007). Considering these priorities, Balmoral contains rare and threatened ecosystems, wetlands, and habitats for threatened and at risk species that meet all four national priorities for the protection of indigenous biodiversity (MfE 2007). They also occur as interconnected sequences. This substantially increases the overall significance of these values. Protection of large interconnected areas also aligns with the requirement to provide for the ecological sustainability of SIVs as an object of the Crown Pastoral Land Act (CPLA). Moreover, protection of low lying under-represented ecosystems is national priority generally.
Given the widespread loss and fragmentation of indigenous biodiversity throughout low lying New Zealand on private land, the Mackenzie Basin remains one of the last opportunities to achieve national conservation objectives at an ecologically sustainable context, i.e. ecological attributes relating to large reserve size, ecosystem and habitat diversity and connectivity. In particular, few, if any other places exist in New Zealand where the opportunity remains to protect intact sequences of nationally rare, threatened and poorly protected glacial derived dryland ecosystems, and associated populations of threatened and at risk species.
Threatened plants recorded are listed in Appendix 1, and a full species list is in Appendix 2. Map 4.2.4 shows the areas of significant ecological value.
2.5.2 Problem Plants Conifers (Pinus spp), broom (Cytisus scoparius), gorse (Ulex europaeus) and lupins present a major threat if left uncontrolled. In each case, these weeds change the disturbance regime and replace or compete with the indigenous flora, in turn, reducing the diversity and persistence of native invertebrates.
Weed species present in wetlands that are of concern include oval sedge (Carex ovalis), soft rush (Juncus effusus) and the occasional grey willow (Salix cinerea),
2.6 Fauna
2.6.1 Invertebrate Fauna
Introduction
This section is a desk top re-evaluation of the Balmoral invertebrate values as initially documented by Franz Schnitzler (Schnitzler 2001). The information presented here includes material from the Schnitzler report and related ecological information.
Balmoral is an ecologically strategic property as it straddles the contact zone where two lobes of the Tekapo and Pukaki piedmont glaciers met. During the late pleistocene period these ice bodies were some of the largest in the basin (possibly in New Zealand), the legacy of which is seen as extensive lateral moraine sequences, kettle holes, erratic boulders and related glacial landforms.
Summary of the Schnitzler report
Schnitzler’s 2001 report of invertebrates collected from Balmoral briefly describes the physical environment followed by a summary of the individual insect types collected from several docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 22 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
locations. The majority (biomass) of taxa were flies and hymenoptera (wasps, bees and ants), an outcome that reflected Schnitzler’s collecting methods (sweep netting and pan trapping). Schnitzler identified six orders, 35 families and seven species (see list Appendix 4). All but one species identified were beetles, and although none of the species identified in Schnitzler’s report are threatened, no significance criteria was applied to the survey findings. Given this, and the problem that conservation status cannot be assessed on family alone, I have made an extrapolation from previous surveys and available material (discussed below).
Methods
This report assesses Schnitzler’s table of families and estimated the suite of species likely to be included in his list. These were then assessed for significance. It has been assumed the same species per family also occur in analogue habitats on neighbouring Irishman Creek PL. This approach has obvious limitations without another physical inspection of Balmoral.
Schnitzler’s taxon list was further collated from reports, papers and books, including Chinn 2008 & 2006; White 2002; Johns 2001; Macfarlane 2001; Peat and Patrick 2001; Schnitzler 2001; Patrick 1992, 1989 and Espie et al. 1984. Ecological information was gathered through discussions with Brian Patrick (entomologist with Wildlands Consultancy Ltd) and Department of Conservation botanist Nicholas Head, who also provided a set of photographs taken during a visit to Balmoral on February 21st, 2013. Aerial and Google Earth satellite photographs were also used to assess the extent of cultivation and surface modification.
The Mackenzie Basin is well known for its endemic moth fauna associations with tall tussock grassland and native shrubland habitats (Patrick 1989 & 1992). Included is a list of native moth species known from the basin some of which are likely to be present in the tall tussock and shrublands of Balmoral.
Ecological overview of Balmoral pastoral lease
The absence of any significant human modifications to the landscape of Balmoral sets the property apart from many in the district. Features typical of post-Pleistocene glacial geomorphology are abundant across the property and these are well documented elsewhere (Head 2013; Walker and Lee 2010; CPLA 2004; Walls 2001; Espie et al. 1984; Molloy et al. 1976).
During the Protected Natural Areas Survey of the Mackenzie Basin (Espie et al.1984), five areas on Balmoral were recommended for protection. These areas included habitats comprising fescue and tall tussock, streams, wetlands and shrublands, differentially aged surfaces and disturbance regimes. The Balmoral RAPs are located at roughly four points of the compass, illustrating the extent of ecologically intact areas despite extensive cultivation to the north of the Old Man Range and south of Fork Stream.
Balmoral has not yet undergone the degree of severe ecological modification as other properties in the Mackenzie Basin have. As of this report, there are no intensive farming practices including dairying and large-scale pivot irrigators with associated infrastructure, the exception being areas to the north and east of the property that are top dressed and oversown. To that extent, the property is an outstanding example of the habitats and landscapes that characterize the Mackenzie Basin.
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Assessment of Invertebrates
None of the five insect species identified in Schnitzler’s report are threatened although they are all native. Schnitzler identifies two areas of Balmoral as particularly significant. These are the southern basin and ‘lakes’ (south west of Tekapo Military Camp and to the west of the main highway) and the Old Man Range with associated wetlands. Both locations support significantly large areas of consistent tall tussock (Chionochloa rubra) and hard tussock (Festuca novaezelandiae). These habitats are very likely to be populated with a suite of characteristic moths (Orocrambus and Eudonia species), and butterflies (e.g. Argyrophenga antipodum and Lycaena spp.). Endemic cicada (Maoricicada spp and Kikihia spp.) will be abundant throughout any native grassland habitat. Table 2 lists the significant invertebrates collected during the 2008 tenure review survey of neighbouring Irishman Creek pastoral lease. These taxa are expected to be present on, at least in the contiguous boundary habitats.
Orthoptera (grasshopper, weta and the like) are typically well represented throughout tussock - grassland habitats of the Mackenzie Basin and at least two species of endemic grasshopper are likely to be present within the tussock habitat of the Old Man Range and southern slopes. Sigaus minutus (declining) (which is restricted to North Otago and the Mackenzie Basin) and S. australis, widespread from North Canterbury to Otago, are very likely to be present on Balmoral.
At the eastern boundary of the property are two populations of the nationally endangered robust grasshopper (Brachaspis robustus). The larger of the two populations occurs to the south east of Balmoral, on Patersons Terrace (on the true right of the Tekapo River). To the north of the eastern boundary of Balmoral, B. robustus occurs in Fork Stream river bed and includes the boundary of Balmoral. These sites are important remnant habitats for this rare grasshopper which has specific habitat requirements (dry stony ground with scattered Raoulia and a specific disturbance regime that is easily modified by agricultural practices).
It appears there is sufficient intact habitat for B. robustus at the Fork Stream boundary of Balmoral. This habitat links the two known B. robustus populations of Patersons Terrace and Fork Stream. The north eastern corner of Balmoral also maintains vegetation (and therefore habitat) values, including wetlands and tussock (N. Head pers comm. 2013). Similarly, the hard tussock / red tussock community of the southern Old Man Range and the western limb of Balmoral shows little change between ecological surveys (Head 2013, Espie et al. 1984 and Schnitzler 2001). This is important because it means that the ecological community (including invertebrates) remains intact and that habitat connectivity with adjacent lands also persists.
To the north of the Old Man Range, extensive modification has occurred throughout the wetlands (between Braemar Road and the scarp face of the Old Man Range). In general, indigenous invertebrates are seldom found on modified high country lands and the most likely taxa to be found in this area of Balmoral are scarab beetles (Costelytra zealandica) and boulder copper butterflies (Boldenaria boldenarum), however damselflies, dragon flies, diving beetles (Rhantus sp.) and notonectidae (water boatmen), can be expected in any semi-intact wet land or riparian margins of small creek systems as their carnivorous diet is not restricted to indigenous prey.
There are several notable wetlands on Balmoral, including the central airstrip wetland (near the U- cut valley of Irishman Creek), the toe of the Old Man Range scarp, Metties Well, near the station homestead and the extensive drainage system on the south slopes of the Old Man Range. These are all valuable habitats for their localized communities of plants and associated invertebrates, and while all have been modified to some extent, the indigenous vegetation persists. Despite the apparent abundance of water bodies in the Mackenzie Basin, most are artificial (or modified) and docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 24 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
include silt rich glacial water. In contrast, fresh water seepages and streams are limited and represent an ecological distinctiveness against the surrounding dryland habitats.
The western landscape of Balmoral is highly significant for its complete moraine sequences, erratic boulders and extensive red tussock. The only notable ecological modification to this area is a pine plantation to the south west of Swan Lagoon. Few large and rare endemic invertebrates are likely to exist in these modified habitats.
Invertebrates most likely to occupy these western tall tussock habitats include large ground beetles (e.g Megadromus sp.), ground weta (possibly Hemiandrus ‘tekapo’), grasshoppers (Sigaus spp.) and spiders including common wolf spiders (Anoteropsis sp., Notocosa bellicosa) and less common types including nursery web spiders (Dolomedes minor), stealthy spiders (Matua sp.), trapdoor spiders (Hexathele sp.) and sheet web spiders (Cambridgea spp.).
Without collecting new material from the area, the best information for moth species found in these habitats is the work of Brian Patrick and Graeme White (Patrick 1984; 1992 and White 2002). Table 1 provides a list of invertebrates collected from Irishman Creek PL in 2008 and which are likely to be present on Balmoral, given the similarity and contiguous habitat across both properties. Appendix 5 also provides a list of candidate moth species likely to be present in the tussock grasslands of Balmoral.
2.6.2 Significance of Invertebrates Balmoral currently supports several large sequences of indigenous habitat, including red and hard tussock communities, wetlands and a lake. These habitats are (currently) intact with existing ecological connectivity to neighbouring properties. The indigenous invertebrate fauna of Balmoral is likely to reflect the extent and biological character of the native vegetation and for these reasons Balmoral is of high importance. The following notable species are likely present on Balmoral:
Table 2. Invertebrate species of conservation interest known from Irishman Creek and also likely on Balmoral Pastoral Lease.
Common name Scientific name Notes and conservation status Stealthy spiders Matua valida (Forster and Restricted to inland Otago and the Blest) Mackenzie Basin. Data Deficient Robust Grasshopper Brachaspis robustus* Nationally Endangered species. (Bigelow) Small ground beetle Holcaspis bidentella (Johns) Nationally Critical species. Endemic to the Mackenzie Basin. Small ground beetle Demetrida lateralis (Broun) Distribution restricted to the Mackenzie Basin and inland Otago. Large headed flies Tomosvaryella novae- Worldwide group. NZ has 2 genera, zealandiae* (Tonnoir) T. novae-zealandiae flies are usually rare where found. Ground weta Hemiandrus “furoviarius” Undescribed member of the Hemiandrus furcifer complex. Potentially a subspecies. Mackenzie Basin endemic.
Of significance is a population of the nationally endangered grasshopper Brachaspis robustus that exists on the north eastern boundary of Balmoral. The population occurs on a linear strip of docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 25 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
habitat on the true right of the Tekapo River terraces and curves north-west up the Fork Stream. Balmoral includes part of the stony habitat and river bed that this grasshopper requires.
The Fork Stream boundary of Balmoral provides habitat for the population of Brachaspis robustus grasshoppers to move and persist. These sections of the lease include dry, stony ground with limited disturbance. These habitats are critical for the survival of Brachaspis robustus and are in decline throughout the Mackenzie Basin.
The wetland located at the toe of the Old Man Range and associated strip of depleted but continuous wetland (Old Man Range wetland) support wetland vegetation and associated semi- aquatic invertebrate. Similarly, the Metties Well area, adjacent to the Balmoral homestead carries wetland vegetation and habitat for aquatic invertebrates.
The southern slopes of the Old Man Range support the largest area of intact red tussock and wetlands on Balmoral. Ecologically this landform and its associated hydrology retains a sequence of multiple values including a tarn, wetland vegetation, higher dry lands of red and hard tussock as well as scree habitats (on the northern face of the Old Man Range).
The ecological values on Balmoral are very high for their representativeness, intactness and community structure (native vegetation and invertebrate associations). The western limb of the property is particularly significant as it is representative of the post glacial open tussock habitats, once widespread in Mackenzie Basin but now becoming fragmented by intensive agriculture.
2.6.3 Herpetofauna Several threatened lizard species have been recorded in the vicinity of Balmoral. Jewelled gecko (declining) has been reported from the nearby Tasman and Tekapo river margins (McEwen, 1987). Spotted skink (Oligosoma aff. lineoocellatum ‘Mackenzie Basin’) (nationally vulnerable,) occurs at several sites around Lake Tekapo, including Godley Peaks Pastoral Lease (Sedgeley, 2002a). Scree skink (declining) and long-toed skink (declining) have been recorded on the eastern side of Lake Tekapo (Sedgeley, 2002b). Common skink, McCann’s skink and southern alps gecko have been recorded on Godley Peaks Pastoral Lease (Sedgeley, 2002a; DOC Herpetofauna Database).
Lizards have not been specifically searched for on Balmoral although skinks, identified as either McCann’s or common were noted during the latest inspection. On the adjoining Irishman Creek property McCann’s skink (Oligosoma maccanni), common skink (Oligosoma nigriplantare polychroma), and common gecko (Hoplodactylus maculatus sp. Southern Alps) are found. All species are common throughout the Mackenzie Basin and will almost certainly be on Balmoral.
2.6.4 Avifauna A total of thirty-nine bird species have been recorded on Balmoral over the past twelve years including 8 endemic species and 15 native species (see Appendix 3). Many of these are classified as threatened (Hitchmough 2010).
Important wetland habitats for birds on the property are Irishman Creek, the Old Man Range wetland, Fork Stream and two tarns amongst tussock grasslands south of the Old Man Range.
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(i) Irishman Creek
Irishman Creek is a moderately fast flowing stream with a gravelly bottom and several braids, and adjacent associated wetlands. This valuable habitat is rich in native biodiversity and is part of the Tekapo River system. The Tekapo River is a Site of Special Wildlife Interest (SSWI), a RAP and a Site of Natural Significance (SONS) under the Draft Mackenzie District Plan. Irishman Creek passes through red tussock/short tussock grassland, and native shrublands are present along stretches of the stream. It provides valuable feeding and breeding habitat for black-fronted tern (nationally endangered), banded dotterel (nationally vulnerable), and a wide range of other wetland birds including paradise shelduck, black shag (naturally uncommon), little shag (naturally uncommon) and pied oystercatcher (declining).
(ii) Old Man Range Wetland
The Old Man Range wetland is rich in native biodiversity, and is a Wetland of Ecological and Representative Importance (WERI), a SSWI, and a RAP. A slow-flowing steam meanders through the wetland, and other components are red tussock/short tussock grassland and some areas of pastoral development. The stream flows into Irishman Creek. Black stilt (nationally critical) have bred here in the past, and are likely to do so in the future. Other species known to use the wetland are black fronted tern, paradise shelduck, pied stilt (declining) and pied oystercatcher. Marsh crake (relict) and Australasian bittern (nationally endangered) may also be present.
(iii) Fork Stream
Fork Stream is a moderately fast flowing stream with a gravelly bottom and considerable areas of exposed gravels. This valuable stream, which is rich in native biodiversity, passes through pastoral and short tussock grassland. It is part of the Tekapo River system (a SSWI). Fork Stream provides valuable feeding and breeding habitat for black-fronted tern, banded dotterel, and a wide range of other wetland birds including paradise shelduck, pied stilt, black shag, little shag and pied oystercatcher. Forks Stream wetland (a SSWI and RAP) is located on a braided part of the floodplain at the far north-eastern end of the property includes a swampy carex river flat, and adjacent gravel beds. It provides feeding and breeding habitat for a number of waders.
(iv) Balmoral Tarns
These two ephemeral tarns are part of a red tussock/short tussock wetland complex that is a SSWI of outstanding importance and is also a RAP. They provide valuable feeding and breeding habitat for banded dotterel, black stilt and a wide range of other wetland birds including black billed gull (nationally endangered), paradise shelduck, wrybill (nationally vulnerable)), pied stilt, grey teal and Australasian shoveler.
At the recent 2013 inspection the tarns had a range of birds: • Large pond - black swan, paradise duck, canada goose, mallards, pied stilt, black stilt and hybrid black stilt. • Smaller pond - mallards, pied stilt, black stilt, pied oyster catchers, banded dotterel and NZ pipit (declining). • Other birds noted in this area were - southern black backed gull, harrier hawk and skylark.
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2.6.5 Significance of Avifauna Balmoral has a range of bird habitats, including significant wetland areas. It has at least 11 threatened bird species that breed or feed on the property. This includes the threatened, nationally critical, black stilt, which had a wild population of only 85 in 2010.
2.6.6 Aquatic Fauna Data on freshwater fish in Forks Stream was accessed from the national freshwater fish database (NIWA). Several fish species have been found in the past within the numerous streams in and around Balmoral between 1979 and 2002, including alpine galaxias (Galaxias paucispondylus), Canterbury galaxias (G. vulgaris), upland bully (Gobiomorphus breviceps), common bully (G. cotidianus), longfin eel (Auguilla dieffenbachii) (declining), and two exotics, brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).
Irishman Creek has clear water that flows constantly over a gravely substrate, its waters originating as springs and seepages that drain the southern portion of the Gammack Range. The flow has an average width of around 4 metres and is about 600mm deep. The portion of Irishman Creek that runs through Balmoral has excellent in-stream values with runs, riffles and quiet backwaters. These features provide a variety of freshwater fish habitat, which is enhanced by indigenous riparian vegetation. The freshwater fish observed in this creek are representative of high country waterways and include the Canterbury galaxiid (Galaxias vulgaris), common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus), and the upland bully (Gobiomorphus breviceps). Both rainbow and brown trout are also present.
At the 2013 inspection, bignose galaxias (Galaxias macronasus) (nationally vulnerable) were observed through open holes in a monkey musk weed canopy in a side stream of Irishman Creek (E1384707 N5123502). The channel had a 500 mm depth with boulders common but a largely silt base.
2.6.7 Significance of Aquatic Fauna Longfin eel and bignose galaxias are threatened species. The recent find of bignose galaxias is particularly notable because it is a new site for this fish.
2.6.8. Problem Animals Balmoral, like many properties in the MacKenzie is very rabbit prone. Numbers of rabbits appeared low at inspection. Rabbits will always remain a threat to the ecological sustainability of this property.
Exotic predatory animals are a significant threat to native birds and flightless invertebrates. Hedgehogs are among the most serious invertebrate and egg predators, along with stoats and cats. Hedgehogs are currently trapped by Department of Conservation staff on Patersons Terrace, near the south eastern boundary of Balmoral.
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2.7 Ecological Sustainability and Carbon Storage The PL contributes to a number of “ecosystem services”. Costanza et al. (1997) define ecosystem services as flows of materials, energy, and information from natural capital stocks which combine with manufactured and human capital services to produce human welfare. They identify 17 “services”. This PL clearly contributes to at least eight of these services excluding those of a recreation and cultural nature which are described elsewhere.
(i) Sustainability
The Land Use Capability (LUC) system is a nationally consistent land classification system based on physical sustainability that has been used in New Zealand to help achieve sustainable land development and management since 1952. The LUC system has two key components. Firstly, Land Resource Inventory (LRI) is compiled as an assessment of physical factors considered to be critical for long-term land use and management. Secondly, the inventory is used for LUC classification, whereby land is categorised into eight classes according to its long-term capability to sustain one or more productive uses (Lynn et al. 2009). See map 4.2.6 showing Land Classifications.
Analysis of LUC for the PL reveals that three classes are present. Land along the faces above Fork Stream is mostly Class 7e or 7s. Class 7 land has severe physical limitations and consequently it is high risk land requiring active management to achieve sustainable production. The “e” shows it has erodibility, while the “s” shows it has soil limitations. Class 6e and 6s land occupies much of the property. It indicates moderate suitability for pastoral grazing or production forestry. A small are of class 5w (“w” for excessive wetness) occupies a wetland behind the military camp. Moderate areas of Class 4e and 4s land are located on the south eastern corner of the property on relatively flat land. While this class has severe limitations for arable cropping it has good suitability for pasture, tree crops and production forestry.
(ii) Gas Regulation
Much of the existing tussockland and shrubland has potential for further carbon sequestration. The full potential of tussocklands to increase in density and stature and ultimately to succeed to indigenous woody cover, is retarded by pastoral use.
Carbon storage in regenerating shrublands and tall tussocklands makes a modest contribution to ameliorating the current anthropogenic induced rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Carbon storage varies depending on the vegetation cover present (Table 3).
Table 3: Carbon stock estimates for broad vegetation cover classes in the Vegetation Cover Map (VCM) found on the PL. (Source: Carswell et al. 2008)
Vegetation class Carbon (t ha–1) Unimproved pasture 2.1 Snow tussock grassland 27.2 Mixed indigenous scrub 99.4 Manuka/kanuka scrub or 50.5 fern Beech forest & scrub 179.8 Wetland communities 31.5 docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 29 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
One hectare of mixed grassland/shrubland stores about 42 tonnes of carbon versus approximately 2 tonne for unimproved grassland (Carswell et al. 2008).
(iii) Climate Regulation
Carbon storage in expanding shrublands, forest, tall tussock grasslands and consequential increased soil organic matter makes a modest contribution to ameliorating the current anthropogenic induced rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
(iv) Disturbance Regulation
Areas of forest, wetlands, upland bogs and extensive tussocklands on the PL make a modest contribution to disturbance regulation by reducing sediment yield during flood events.
(v) Water Regulation/Regulation of hydrological flows
To enable the best flow regime for the future that will assist with downstream water flows, the following research provides some insights: Waugh (2005) notes that; • snow-tussock catchments have less variable flows than degraded tussock • snow-tussock catchments have flows that are steadier on a monthly basis and are less variable in the summer- autumn period. • To maximise water yield it is necessary to maintain tall, unmodified tussock vegetation over the headwater catchments. This is best achieved by completely destocking these areas, preventing fires of any kind and controlling wilding pine tree growth.
The wetlands and bogs help maintain modest river flows during dry periods.
The Waitaki Catchment has numerous hydro electric dams that are fed mainly from snow melt. Thus the additional contribution from local wetlands is likely to be small.
(vi) Water Supply Storage and Retention of Water
Snow/red tussock catchments have less variable flows than degraded tussock. In the absence of intact headwater vegetation cover, variability of flow would be even greater.
(vii) Erosion Control and Sediment Retention
Without extensive areas of snow/red tussock in the headwaters, sediment yields would be greater. Snow/red tussock catchments have been shown to have very low sediment yields by New Zealand standards (Fahey 2004).
(viii) Nutrient cycling
Studies have shown that tussock covered catchments yield very good water quality (ORC 1999) characterised by:
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• Cool water temperatures • High levels of dissolved oxygen • Approximately neutral pH values • Low conductivities • Low total nitrogen levels • Low NH4 + NH3 levels • Low total phosphorous levels • Low turbidity • Low faecal coliform levels
MCI (Macro-invertebrate Community Index) values of waterways within catchments dominated by native vegetation indicate water quality and good habitat condition in tussock catchments.
However, where native vegetation cover has been converted to exotic pasture, with significant inputs of fertiliser and stocking rates, there can be problems.
“Sediment erosion and nutrient loss from land are natural processes. In natural, unmodified ecosystems stream communities rely on regular inputs of nutrients to sustain life. In healthy native bush, catastrophic slip erosion occurs in response to climatic events, as do periodic floods and droughts. However, many agricultural practices accelerate natural processes leading to consistently higher levels of sediment, nutrients and surges of bacterial material being present in stream waters in agricultural catchments. Where land use and farm practices are changing and becoming more intensive, these effects are pronounced, both in waterways and shallow lakes, where sediments and nutrients tend to accumulate”. [Understanding the Issue, Ministry for the Environment 2001].”
This issue highlights the importance of maintaining riparian buffer zones of native vegetation cover to minimise nutrient runoff into creeks and tarns.
2.7.1 Significance of Sustainability and Ecosystem Services Much of the existing tussockland and shrubland on the lease has potential for further carbon sequestration if management practises including stock grazing, spraying and burning were to cease. Likewise, the succession of montane shrublands to forest is also limited by stock grazing and shrubland clearance.
Given its relatively small size, the property makes only a modest contribution to ecosystem services and has an equally modest potential for carbon storage. However the property is one of many in the MacKenzie Basin and when combined with potential gains in the basin as a whole, benefits could be significant.
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2.8 Historic
Methods
Prior to the archaeological survey, research into the history of the Balmoral Pastoral Lease was carried out. This was undertaken to identify potential archaeological sites and to provide the necessary context for interpreting and understanding the significance of any archaeological sites recorded during the survey.
A number of primary and secondary sources were consulted during the historical research. The primary sources included files held at Archives New Zealand (a number of which related to the Braemar Road), Papers Past, Matapihi, Landonline and DOC files. The main secondary source used was Pinney’s Early South Canterbury Runs.
ArchSite was searched to identify recorded archaeological sites within and around the pastoral lease.
History
The Mackenzie Basin (Te Manahuna) was an important part of the lifeways of Maori people, as evidenced by both Maori history of use of the area and recorded Maori archaeological sites in the area. The Hakataramea (Te Kopi O Hakataramea) and Mackenzie (Te Kopi O Manahuna) passes were both traditional trails into the basin (Te Rūnanga O Ngāi Tahu n.d.: 2).
Traditionally there were three Maori settlements around Lake Ohau – Te Whakpapa, Whakamate and Opakia (Norton n.d.). There was another seasonal settlement on Take-Karara (later known as Ram Island) in Lake Tekapo (Whelan 1989: 14). These settlements were no doubt used as seasonal bases from which the resources of the area could be harvested. These resources included tuna (eels), for which the area was particularly famed (particularly around Lake Ohau). Water fowl were plentiful in the wetlands that were once associated with Lakes Ohau and Pukaki and there were moa, kakapo and weka in the area too. The waterfowl included patakitaki (paradise shelduck), parera (grey duck), tataa and whio (blue duck). Taramea (speargrass) was also gathered in this area (Norton n.d.).
A number of Maori archaeological sites have been recorded in the Mackenzie Basin. These sites include rock art, ovens, a rock shelter and scattered artefacts on the ground surface (including orthoquartzite or silcrete blades and other stone tools, shell and charcoal). Several sites of this last type have been recorded and variously described as camps and moa hunter sites. The nature of the artefacts found in the Mackenzie Basin suggests that the area was known to and well-used by Maori from the first centuries of their occupation of New Zealand. A number of archaeological sites have been recorded that date to the time of moa hunting (these sites contained moa bones in ovens and significant quantities of silcrete, a material typically associated with the moa hunting period of Maori culture), while greenstone tools have been found in association with ovens at Boltons Gully, Jacks Stream, Haldon and Simons Hill (Duff 1977: 360, Taylor 1952: 92). Greenstone tools have also been found at the head of the Sealy Pass (Taylor 1952: 93).
The archaeological evidence suggests that the Mackenzie Basin was visited seasonally, possibly from a base camp at the Waitaki River mouth, to gather stone resources and no doubt to hunt for birds, including moa (Challis 1995).
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The modern Balmoral Pastoral Lease grew out of Runs 244 and 251. Run 244 was taken up in April 1858 and was originally part of Tekapo Station. Run 251, of 60,000 acres, was applied for E. G. Stericker and W. K. Purnell on 1 May 1858 (although the application was made in the names of Stericker and G. W. Hall, who applied for Run 252 (Sawdon) on the same day).
By around 1862, Stericker and Purnell were no longer involved with Run 251 and the property was being run by George Hall. George’s brother, John, had taken over the run by 1867, adding it to his holding of the neighbouring Glenmore (which lay between Run 251 and Lake Tekapo and which he had taken up at the end of 1866). Hall ran the two properties together, before selling to Alfred Cox, probably in April 1869. Cox, who was already involved with Tekapo Station and had land at Raukapuka, bought Glenmore and Run 251, and then bought the Braemar runs from T. W. Hall and John Fraser. This left Cox holding a vast swathe of land between the Tasman and Cass rivers.
Cox was Australian by birth and a relatively wealthy man. He was a member of the Provincial Council and the General Assembly for a time. In 1869 he was 44 years old, with eight children. In 1869 he sold the Raukapuka property and, according to Pinney (1971: 44) “recklessly entangled himself in the Mackenzie Country”. This he did in association with James Williamson, who was involved with the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company and was the first president of the Bank of New Zealand. The two men began speculating in land, which was to lead to the ruin of both of them.
In 1876, Cox began disposing of his Mackenzie Basin holdings. Balmoral (Run 251) was sold to Cox’s half brother, Gamack. This iteration of Balmoral included the original Balmoral homestead site (now the Tekapo Military Camp), which had been part of Run 244. Gamack purchased the property of 50,000 acres with 12,000 sheep for £11,000 (TH 15/5/1876). Cox (and Williamson) retained ownership of the Braemar leasehold.
At the same as Cox was disposing of his leasehold, others were buying freehold out of it. Job Wain (Dunedin), James Coyle (Morven Hills) and John Stevenson bought what became known as the Braemar freehold out of Run 251 in the middle of 1878. At around the same time, George Newlands also bought land out of Run 251 – 1480 acres, which became Tasman Downs. The loss of these blocks of land (which essentially comprised Gamack’s entire frontage along Lake Pukaki and the Tasman River) ruined old Balmoral as a property. Freeholding out of Braemar also compromised the remaining leasehold, which was then added to what remained of Balmoral.
After Gamack began to struggle financially, the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company took over his property (the combined Balmoral and Braemar leasehold). To begin with, Gamack was retained as manager but he was soon replaced.
The original certificate of title is hard to read, but it appears that the Balmoral homestead block was freeholded in 1882. The block was of 244 acres and positioned on the true right of Fork Stream. Even at that time the homestead was close to the main route through the Mackenzie Basin. The homestead block remained freehold until it was surrendered to the New Zealand Army in 1958 or sometime after this (CB99/56).
At the 1889 auction of runs, Balmoral was offered as Runs 81 and 82. Run 81 consisted of 29,000 acres with an upset rental of £260 per year, while Run 82 was 40,000 acres, offered at an upset rental of £340 (TH 20/4/1889). Both runs were retained by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company at the upset rentals (TH 31/5/1889).
The Loan Company began shedding its holdings in the early years of the 20th century. docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 33 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
In 1910, Balmoral comprised Runs 81 (of 29,000 acres) and 82 (40,000 acres). Run 81 was the more southerly of the two runs. It had 13,900 acres of country in grass which was poor winter country, 6800 acres of inferior land and 8300 acres of fair to good winter country. The estimated carrying-capacity was about 7000 sheep. The average lambing percentage for both Runs 81 and 82 was 55%, and the death rate was 8-10%. Run 82 had 27,000 acres of good summer country, 5500 acres of good winter country and 7500 acres of barren country. The commission into the classification of Canterbury pastoral runs recommended that the two runs be offered separately when the leases fell due in 1911, Run 81 at £200 per annum and Run 82 at £290 (AJHR 1910 C12: 14).
William Montague Home Sams (who was managing Balmoral at the time) was granted Run 81 in the 1911 ballot. Following the outbreak of World War I, he transferred the run to his father, William Thomas Sams, and went to war (CAAY CH134: 29/3/1915). Balmoral was transferred to William Orbell in 1931 (after Lucy Orbell unsuccessfully applied for it in 1929; CAAY CH134: 5/2/1929, 18/2/1929). Orbell held the run until 1939, when the lease was taken over by Catriana Burnett of Mt Cook Station. In 1951 Catriana’s brother, Donald, bought into the property (CB529/51). The Burnetts owned the property until 1973, when it was transferred to Mt Hay- Balmoral Station Ltd. In 1988, Andrew Simpson and his wife Karen took over the lease and still hold it today (CB529/21).
The Archaeological Survey
Historical research identified the following potential archaeological sites on the Balmoral Pastoral Lease: • the western boundary fence (shown on SO 1037, n.d.); • the southern boundary fence (SO 103, n.d.); • subdivision fences, including one alongside Braemar Road (SO 103, n.d.); • a fence near the homestead freehold (shown on SO 8681, 1954); • a bridge and track, Reserve 3989, (SO 5376, 1914); • a hut on Braemar Road (SO 11234, 1969); • an earlier alignment of Braemar Road (SO 8681, 1954 and SO 11234, 1969); • a stock bridge over Fork Stream (SO 103, n.d.); • a track to The Wolds (Topo 28T, 1880); and • Trigs B, C, L and O (SO 103, n.d.).
Each of these sites is discussed below, regardless of whether or not they were found during the archaeological survey. Other sites found during the survey are also discussed.
(i) Western boundary fence
This fence is described on SO 103 as having standards and seven wires. No evidence of this fence survives.
(ii) Southern boundary fence
This fence is described on SO 103 as having standards and six wires. The scattered remains of this fence were located during the archaeological survey. These comprised loose wire, standards (some
7 SO 103 is likely to have been drawn around the time of the 1911 ballot – a number of other SO 100 series plans were drawn at this time and the separation of Run 81 from all other properties occurred at this time (the plan shows Run 81 as a separate entity). docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 34 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
of which may have been cut off) and at least one timber post, which had holes drilled through it (Figure 5).
(iii) Subdivision fences
The remains of only one of the subdivision fences shown on SO 103 was found. This was the western-most of those fences near the homestead. One section of which is shown as having six wires and the other section as having seven wires. While the 6-wire fence may have erected between 1869 and 1881 and the seven wire fence after 1881.
(iv) Homestead boundary fence, Fork Stream
This fence was on the true right of Fork Stream, immediately north of the boundary with the military camp. The section of the fence that remains is less than 20 m long and has wooden posts (not tanalised), standards, five plain wires, one barbed wire and rabbit netting. This fence does not show on SO 103 but does show on SO 8681 indicating that it was erected between 1911 and 1954, but based on age, probably soon after 1911.
(v) Hut, Braemar Road
This hut near Irishman Creek, is still standing and is in excellent condition. It is believed to have been built to provide shelter to passing motorists and would probably only have been built once the road was of a sufficient standard to take regular vehicle traffic. It appears to be located on road reserve.
(vi) Braemar Road
Braemar Road was realigned around 1954, when part of the Balmoral Pastoral Lease was surrendered to the army. The section of earlier road was found during the archaeological survey and shows clearly on Google Earth. The earlier alignment of the road recorded during the archaeological survey is likely to have been the route followed by the bullock tracks. Over time, and with increased and changing usage (from bullocks to cars to heavy trucks carrying stock), repairs and modifications are likely to have been carried out until the road reached the form visible today.
(vii) Stock bridge
The remains of this stock bridge consist of stone abutments on either side of Fork Stream. This appears off the property.
(viii) Track to The Wolds
A track labelled “track to The Wolds Station” was shown on Topo 28T, drawn in 1880 (Figure 20), and on SO 103. No evidence of this track was found during the archaeological survey.
(ix) Trigs
Due to time constraints, only two trigs were located during the archaeological survey, Trigs L and O. It is likely that Trigs B and C remain in situ and that they are similar in form to Trigs L and O.
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Both trigs were the original 19th century trigs (i.e. a hollow metal pipe in the ground), although both had been added to.
(x) Hut site, old Braemar Road
The remains of an earth-walled hut were found to the south of the old Braemar Road, where it cuts down across the face of a slope. The remains comprise the square-ish walls, with the entrance on the south side, adjacent to a fireplace lined with corrugated iron.
(xi) Yards
These were tailings yards (A. Simpson, pers. comm.), found to the south of the old Braemar Road and to the east of the track to Trig L.
(xii) Fence
The remains of a fence were found to the south of the old Braemar Road and approximately 100 m east of the plantation.
(xiii) Hut site, Braemar Road
The remains of this hut comprise a concrete pad (probably for a garage, given that it appeared to have had double doors facing onto the road) and a timber floor on wooden piles, bearers and joists. The building was originally clad in red corrugated iron. A fireplace probably stood where there is a metal plate in the floor. This hut was the centre of a complex established here when Catriana and Donald Burnett held both Mt Cook and Balmoral Stations. The hut burnt down after battery acid in the telephone leaked. The woolshed was moved to near the current Balmoral homestead and is still in use today.
(xiv) Water race
This water race began at the base of a hill to the east of Braemar Road, 600 m south of Balmorals boundary with the NZ Army land, although it is not clear where it would have picked up water from or delivered it to.
2.8.1 Significance of Historic On the basis of these significant inherent values, a degree of significance is ascertained for each site. Most sites are pre 1900 and therefore protected under the Historic Places Act 1990. The only site with significant inherent value recommended for protection is the hut on Braemar Road near Irishman Creek. This is within the fenced roadway and shows on plans to be within the 40m wide road reserve.
2.9 Public Recreation
2.9.1 Physical Characteristics Balmoral is a flat to gently rolling landscape, easily accessible by foot from State Highway 8 and the Braemar Road. According to the FMC guidelines Balmoral would be mainly within an “open
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space” recreational experience zoning. For open space the descriptors are semi-natural grasslands under extensive grazing, accessible by roads, off-road vehicles and foot tracks.
According to DOC’s recreation opportunity descriptors Balmoral has the primary characteristics of a back-country environment – primarily “4 x 4 drive in”. This means that the property is a modified environment but one that is generally dominated by natural vegetation or landscapes and is natural looking. It is accessible to all terrain vehicles and is traversed mainly by ungravelled roads, or 4 x 4 access. Obvious elements of modification include roads and areas of farming or forestry.
2.9.2 Legal Access Balmoral is accessible on three sides by legal formed roads – SH 8 (Tekapo-Twizel Road) bisects the property in the south-east, and the Braemar Road forms the boundary in the north-east and north, although along half of this northern boundary the formation does not follow the legal alignment.
2.9.3 Activities The Old Man Range has been used in the past for tramping, mountain biking and horse riding and has considerable potential for increased use. The views are really superb from the top of the range. There is also potential for walking, botanical interest, photography, painting and just enjoying the view from the top.
The tarn area is interesting recreationally for botanical studies, photography, painting, walking and picnicking. With access links to the top of the range, tramping and mountain biking would be popular additional activities.
With regard to the block of country west of Irishman Creek, which is being developed for forestry there is some future recreation potential once the forest has grown, such as ski touring around forestry tracks, possible orienteering, mountain bike riding and horse riding. The geological aspect is quite interesting with rock outcrops and boulders left by the glaciers along the crest of the ridges. A track running north-south near the western boundary provides an opportunity for public access in conjunction with adjoining properties.
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PART 3
OTHER RELEVANT MATTERS & PLANS
3.1 Consultation Early warning NGO meetings were held on 25 September 2001 in Christchurch and 26 September in Timaru with representatives from Federated Mountain Clubs, New Zealand Deer Stalkers Association, Peninsula Tramping Club, Canterbury Conservation Board, New Zealand Mountain Bike Association, Forest and Bird Society, Canterbury University Tramping Club, Opus Consultants, Mount Cheeseman Ski Club, Environment Canterbury, Friends of Lewis Pass, QEII, Pegasus Pig Hunting Club, as well as Public Access New Zealand, Fish and Game Council, QV Valuations, Knight Frank Ltd, Geraldine Tramping Club, 4 WD Club, Temuka Tramping Club, and Environment Canterbury in Timaru.
The main issues raised were for provision of access to any reserves created and for access up the Forks River – as long as permission is first gained from the army to check whether there is any live firing. Forest and Bird thought that there were red tussocklands which should have been preserved a long time ago and that wetlands should be looked at. Also of note was a gentian that needs to be looked at, as it seems to be a local species.
Since the NGO meeting Federated Mountain Clubs have prepared a 9-page submission on Balmoral recommending areas for protection and public access (Dennis, 2002). The key outcomes they seek are summarised as:
• Restoration to full Crown ownership and control of the major part of the Old Man Range and areas to the south along with the Old Man Range wetland and (depending on its current status) the area north of the Braemar Road between Irishman Creek and the Mary Burn; • Year round public foot access to the Old Man Range from the points identified as (a) the bridge over Fork Stream on the Braemar Road, (b) from SH 8 around the southern and western boundary of the Tekapo Military Camp; and (c) From the Braemar Road via Irishman Creek marginal strips as well as public access through the Old Man Range wetland and along the margins of Irishman Creek and Fork Stream. Also foot and mountain bike access along the Mary Burn north of the Braemar Road; • The removal of the recent plantation of Douglas fir near the western boundary of the lease or at the very least a landscape covenant over this area to ensure there is no wilding spread from this plantation. Adequate conditions to ensure control of wilding spread from other exotic conifers on the property.
Since the NGO meeting the South Canterbury Branch of the NZ Deerstalkers Association have written a letter requesting that marginal strips be set aside on all creeks and streams on the properties under review and that legal motorised access be provided up the Forks Stream.
The South Canterbury Tramping Club and Temuka Tramping Club have also submitted, with their primary concern being to maintain legal access for recreational usage. This includes access over marginal strips and easements along formed access tracks for pedestrian and non-motorised use as of right, and motorised used by agreement. They would also like to see; off-road parking made available; all legal roads (whether formed or unformed) as shown on cadastral maps remain as such; protection of areas with significant inherent and natural values including those already recognised in PNA surveys. docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 38 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
3.2 District Plan
Balmoral pastoral lease lies within the Mackenzie District. The proposed district plan, as amended by Council decisions, was notified in September 1999 (see planning map 4.2.7).
Under this plan Balmoral is zoned Rural. The plan identifies a geopreservation site (G14) and three sites of natural significance on its maps and schedules on Balmoral pastoral lease – site 34 which is divided into two parts, site 31 and site 35. The Geopreservation site G14 is described as Braemar Road Rock Glacier – “Classified as extremely well defined landforms of scientific/educational value”. Site 34 is described in the appendix as Old Man Range – and is listed as including the RAPs of Old Man Range swampland (Tekapo 10), Tekapo Military Camp Tussock (Tekapo 11) and a WERI site Old Man Range wetland. The Site 34 as mapped is smaller than the original RAPs and the extended RAPs which were recommended by FRI (see comment below on this). Site 31 is the Forks Wetland, a RAP (Tekapo 13), a SSWI and a WERI. Site 35 Balmoral boulder field is RAP Tekapo 12, Balmoral Relic boulder field and may be the same as what is described as Geopreservation site 14 even though they have been mapped in two different locations.
The District Plan contains a number of rules that apply to sites of natural significance, riparian areas4 and high altitude areas (areas above 900m). These are detailed in Appendix 7.
In March 2013, the Mackenzie Basin's status was confirmed in a ruling from Justice Williams in the High Court that a 2011 Environment Court declaration that the basin be declared an outstanding natural landscape. Justice Williams said it was now up to the parties involved - which include Federated Farmers, the District Council and Meridian Energy - to submit their proposals to the Environment Court as to how the detail should be worked out. Judge Jackson's proposals included new rules limiting intensification and wilding tree spread, as well as classing pivot irrigators as buildings.
3.3 Conservation Management Strategy & Plans Balmoral pastoral lease lies in the CMS unit known as Waitaki. The key objectives for this unit relevant to tenure review are:
• to seek to protect, maintain and enhance the natural landscapes and natural landscape values of the Waitaki – through appropriate methods such as tenure review and district plans. • to identify the significant indigenous vegetation and threatened species of the unit and to use a range of effective methods to protect the indigenous biodiversity as well as protecting and enhancing the viability of priority threatened species populations and their habitats in the unit. • For recreation and access the Conservancy’s objectives are to provide new recreational facilities and opportunities by the Department, other organisations and concessionaires where natural and historic resources and cultural values are not compromised, and to liaise with adjacent landholders to resolve conflicts over access for recreation to land managed by the Department. • To reduce and maintain rabbit and thar densities to levels that ensure their adverse effects on natural values are minimised
Other priorities identified in the CMS that are Conservancy wide and relevant to tenure review on these properties are – to undertake necessary actions to secure the conservation of Category A and
4 within 50m of wetlands and lakes, 75m of listed lakes, 10m of a bank of a river, and within 20m of listed rivers. docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 39 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
B species, including predator control, fencing and habitat protection. The species listed as priority include black stilt, wrybill, black-fronted tern and banded dotterel.
3.4 New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy The New Zealand Government is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity. In February 2000, Government released the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy which is a blueprint for managing the country’s diversity of species and habits and sets a number of goals to achieve this aim. Of particular relevance to tenure review, is goal three which states:
Maintain and restore a full range of remaining natural habitats and ecosystems to a healthy functioning state, enhance critically scarce habitats, and sustain the more modified ecosystems in production and urban environments, and do what is necessary to:-
Maintain and restore viable populations of all indigenous species across their natural range and maintain their genetic diversity.
The strategy outlines action plans to achieve this goal covering terrestrial and freshwater habitat and ecosystem protection, sympathetic management, pest management, terrestrial and freshwater habitat restoration, threatened terrestrial and freshwater species management, etc.
3.5 Protecting Our Places In April 2007 the Ministry for the Environment produced a new policy document titled ‘Protecting Our Places’ which was jointly launched by the Minister of Conservation and the Minister for the Environment. This publication introduces four national priorities for protecting rare and threatened native biodiversity on private land. The national priorities identify the types of ecosystems and habitats most in need of protection.
The policy statement supports the government’s pledge to maintain and preserve New Zealand’s natural heritage. This began in 1992 when New Zealand signed the United Nations Convention on Biodiveristy; followed in 2000 with the release of the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy.
The four national priorities for biodiversity protection are listed below. They are based on the most up to date scientific research available.
National Priority 1: To protect indigenous vegetation associated with land environments, (defined by Land Environments of New Zealand at Level IV), that have 20 percent or less remaining in indigenous cover.
National Priority 2: To protect indigenous vegetation associated with sand dunes and wetlands; ecosystem types that have become uncommon due to human activity.
National Priority 3: To protect indigenous vegetation associated with ‘originally rare’ terrestrial ecosystem types not already covered by priorities 1 and 2.
National Priority 4: To protect habitats of acutely and chronically threatened indigenous species. docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 40 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
These national priorities have relevance beyond conservation initiatives on private land. For example they are used to help assess applications for grants under the government funded Community Conservation Fund which funds conservation projects on public land by community groups.
The national priorities also provide a useful measure for assessing tenure review recommendations and outcomes and have been discussed under the previous vegetation section 2.5.
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PART 4
ATTACHMENTS
4.1 Additional Information 4.1.1 References
Boffa Miskell and Lucas Associates (BMP and LA) 1993- Canterbury Regional Landscape Study Vol 1, Vol 2
Boffa Miskell Partners Ltd., 1992- Landscape Change in the Mackenzie/Waitaki Basins
Challis, Aidan J., 1995. Ka Pakihi Whakatekateka O Waitaha: The Archaeology of Canterbury in Maori Times. Science and Research Series No. 89. Department of Conservation, Wellington.
Costanza, R., R. d’Arge, R. de Groot, S. Farber, M. Grasso, B. Hannon, K. Limburg, S. Naeem, R. V. O’Neill, J. Paruelo, R. G. Raskin, P. Sutton, M. van den Belt. (1997): The value of the world’s ecosystem and natural capital. Nature, 387 (6230): 255. de Lange, P.J.; Norton, D.A.; Courtney, S.P.; Heenan, P.B.; Barkla J. W.; Cameron E. K.; Hitchmough, R. Townsend, A.J. 2009. Threatened and uncommon plants of New Zealand (2008 Revision). New Zealand Journal of Botany 47: 61-96.
DOC 2006. Simons Pass Pastoral Lease Tenure Review. Invertebrate Survey. Unpublished Department of Conservation report.
Duff, Roger, 1977. The Moa-Hunter Period of Maori Culture. 3rd ed. Government Printer, Wellington.
Espie, P.P., Hunt, J.E., Butts, C.A., Cooper, P.J. and Harrington, W.M.A. 1984. Mackenzie Ecological Region. New Zealand protected natural area programme. Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington. NZ.
Holdaway, R.J., Wiser, S.K. & Williams, P.A. 2012. Status Assessment of New Zealand’s Naturally Uncommon Ecosystems. Conservation Biology 26: 619–629.
Johns, P.M. 2001. Distribution and conservation status of ground weta, Hemiandrus species (Anostostomatidae:Orthoptera). Science for Conservation 180. Department of Conservation, Wellington.
Kelly, G. C.; Park, G. N. eds 1986. The New Zealand protected natural areas programme: a scientific focus. Biological Resources Centre Publication No 4. Wellington, Department of Lands and Survey. Pp. 63-87.
Leathwick, J. R.; Wilson, D.; Rutledge, D.; Wardle, P.; Morgan, F.; Johnston, K.; McLeod, M.; Kirkpatrick, R. 2003. Land Environments of New Zealand, Nga Taiao o Aotearoa. David Bateman Ltd, Auckland. 184 pp.
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Lynn, I. 1993. Land Types of the Canterbury Region. Landcare Research Report LC9394/2.
Macfarlane, R.P. 2001. Irishman Creek Station:-invertebrate and reptile tenure survey. Unpublished report for the Department of Conservation.
Ministry for the Environment & Department of Conservation. 2000. The New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy. Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand.
Ministry for the Environment. (2007). Protecting Our Places, introducing the National Priorities for protecting rare and threatened native biodiversity on private land.
Molloy, B. P. J.; Hodder, R. A. C.; Cowie, D. 1976. Joint Report: Balmoral Historic Reserve – Mackenzie Basin. Department of Lands and survey, New Zealand Forest Service, Botany Division Report. DSIR.
Norton, Takerai, n.d. Tenure Review Property Report: Bendrose Pastoral Lease. Unpublished report.
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. 2009. Change in the high country:
Patrick, B. H. 1992. Supplement to the Lepidoptera of the Mackenzie Country with recommendations on their conservation. New Zealand Entomologist 15: 48-58.
Peat, N. and Patrick, B. 2001. Wild Rivers Discovering the Natural History of the Central South Island Otago University Press.
Pinney, Robert, 1971. Early South Canterbury Runs. A. H. & A. W. Reed, Wellington.
Schnitzler, F.R. 2001. Invertebrate Survey for Tenure Review of the Balmoral Station Pastoral Lease. Unpublished report to the Department of Conservation.
Taylor, W. A., 1952. Lore and History of the South Island Maori. Bascands, Christchurch.
Te Rūnanga O Ngāi Tahu, n.d. Cultural Values Report: The Grampians Pastoral Lease. Unpublished report.
Walker S., Lee, W. G. 2010. Proposed Protection for indigenous ecosystems on Balmoral Pastoral Lease under the crown Pastoral Land Act. Landcare Research contract Report: LC0910/105. Prepared for Canterbury Conservancy, Department of Conservation.
Walker, S. Price, R.; Rutledge, D.; Stephens, T.; Lee, W. G. 2006. Recent loss of indigenous cover in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology 30(1): 169-177.
Walker, S.; Cieraad, E.; Grove, P.; Lloyd, K.; Myers, S.; Park, T.; Porteous, T. 2007. Guide for Users of the Threatened Environment Classification. (Version 1.1, August 2007). Landcare Research Limited.
Walls, G.M. 2001. Botanical Assessment for tenure review: Balmoral Pastoral Lease.
Watson, Katharine, 2009. Historic resources on the Braemar Pastoral Lease. Unpublished report to the Department of Conservation, Canterbury Conservancy. docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 43 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
Whelan, Chris D., 1989. An Inventory of Historic and Archaeological Sites in the Mackenzie Ecological Region. Canterbury Region Technical Report Series No. 1. Department of Conservation, Canterbury.
White, E.G. 2002. New Zealand tussock grassland moths: A taxonomic and ecological handbook based on light-trapping studies in Canterbury. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln, NZ.
Williams, P. A.; Wiser, S.; Clarkson, B.; Stanley, M.C. 2007. New Zealand’s historically rare terrestrial ecosystems set in a physical and physiognomic framework. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 31(2): 119–128.
4.1.2 Abbreviations AJHR Appendix to the Journal of the House of Representatives TH Timaru Herald
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4.2 Maps
4.2.1 Balmoral Topographic/Cadastral 4.2.2 Balmoral Landscape Values 4.2.3 Balmoral Landscape Description 4.2.4 Balmoral Significant Ecological Values 4.2.5 Balmoral LENZ threats 4.2.6 Land Use Classification Plan 4.2.7 Mackenzie District Council Planning Map
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4.3 Appendices
Appendix 1
Threatened and At Risk Plants recorded on Threat Rank (2012 revision) Balmoral
Acaena buchananii Declining Aciphylla subflabellata Declining Amphibromus fluitans Nationally Vulnerable Carmichaelia crassicaulis subsp. Declining crassicaulis Carmichaelia nana Declining Carmichaelia vexillata Declining Centipeda minima Nationally Critical Chaerophyllum colensoi var. Nationally Critical delicatulum Colobanthus brevisepalus Naturally Uncommon Coprosma intertexta Declining Epilobium angustum Naturally Uncommon Isolepis basilaris Nationally Vulnerable Leucopogon nanum Naturally Uncommon Lobelia ionantha Declining Muehlenbeckia ephedroides Declining Montia angustifolia Naturally Uncommon Parahebe canescens Declining Pimelea sericeovillosa subsp. pulvinaris Declining Rytidosperma telmaticum Declining
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Appendix 2 Plant species recorded
Scientific name Common name * = exotic spp Acaena anserinifolia bidibid Acaena buchananii bidibid Acaena caesiiglauca bidibid Acaena inermis Spineless bidibid *Achillea millefolium yarrow Aciphylla aurea golden Spaniard Aciphylla subflabelata grassland Spaniard Acrothamnus colensoi mountain heath *Agrostis capillaris browntop Agrostis muscosa Aira caryophyllea silvery hair grass Alopecurus sp marsh fox tail Anaphaloides bellidioides ever-lasting daisy Anthosachne solandri blue wheat grass Amphibromus fluitans Anisotome aromatica kopoti Anisotome flexuosa *Anthoxanthum odoratum sweet vernal Aphanes arvensis Arenaria serpyllifolia Aristotelia fruticosa mountain wineberry Asplenium appendiculatum Asplenium flabellifolium necklace fern Blechnum penna-marina little hard-fern Brachyglottis bellidioides groundsel Brachyglottis haastii Haast’s groundsel Brachyscome longiscapa daisy Carex breviculmis Carex colensoi Carex coriacea sedge Carex gaudichaudiana Grassy sedge Carex diandra sedge Carex flagelifera sedge Carex echinata sedge Carex kalioides sedge Carex muellerii sedge *Carex ovalis oval sedge
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Carex petriei sedge Carex sinclarii sedge Carex virgata sedge Carmichaelia crassicaulis subsp. crassicaulis coral broom Carmichaelia nana mat broom Carmichaelia petriei native broom Carmichaelia vexillata dwarf broom Celmisia angustifolia Celmisia gracilenta grassland daisy Celmisia lyallii false Spaniard Celmisia sessiliflora Centipeda minima sneezeweed *Cerastium fontanum subsp. vulgare mouse-ear chickweed Charophyllum colensoi var delicatulum Cheilanthes humilis rock fern Chionochloa rigida narrow-leaved snow tussock Chionochloa rubra red tussock Chionochloa rubra X rigida red tussock snow tussock hybrid Clematis marata clematis *Cirsium arvense Californian thistle *Cirsium vulgare Scotch thistle Colobanthus bevicephalus pin cushion Colobanthus strictus pin cushion Coprosma cheesemanii Coprosma dumosa Coprosma intertexta Coprosma petriei mat coprosma Coprosma propinqua mingimingi Coriaria plumosa feathery tutu Coriaria sarmentosa tutu Corokia cotoneaster corokia Craspedia lanata woolly head Craspedia incana woolly head Craspedia uniflora agg woolly head Crassula sieberiana Crassula sinclairii *Crepis capillaris hawksbeard *Cuscuta epithymum clover dodder *Cytisus scoparius broom *Dactylis glomerata cocks foot
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Deschampsia chapmanii Deyeuxia avenoides grass *Dianthus armeria deptford pink Dichleachne crinita plume grass Dichondra repens mercury bay weed *Digitalis purpurea fox glove Discaria toumatou matagouri Dracophyllum pronum dwarf turpentine shrub Dracophyllum uniflorum turpentine scrub Drosera arcturi sundew *Echium vulgare vipers bugloss Eleocharis acuta spike sedge Eleocharis gracilis Slender spike sedge Eleocharis pusilla tiny spike sedge Epilobium alsinoides agg willowherb Epilobium angustum willowherb *Erophila verna whitlow grass Euchiton audax cudweed Euchiton limosum Euchiton mackayii cudweed Euchiton paludosum Euchiton traversii Festuca novae-zealandiae fescue tussock Euphasia zealndica eyebright *Festuca rubra subsp. communtata Chewings fescue *Galium aparine Galium aff perpusilla Gautheria depressa Gautheria parvula Gentianella corymbifera snow gentian Geranium brevicaule geranium Gonocarpus agregatus Gonocarpus micranthus Hebe buchananii Hebe pimelioides subsp pimelioides Helichrysum filicaule slender everlasting daisy *Hieracium lepidulum tussock hawkweed *Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog Hydrocotyle hydrophila Hydrocotyle novae-zealandiae
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*Hypericum perforatum St John’s wort *Hypochoeris radicata catsear Isolepis basilaris Juncus antarcticus *Juncus articulatus jointed rush Juncus edgariae Native rush *Juncus effusus soft rush Juncus novae-zealandiae Juncus pusillus *Juncus tenuis track rush Kelleria dieffenbachii Lachnagrostis filiformis Lachnagrostis lyallii wind grass Leptinella pectinata subsp villosa button daisy Leptinella pusilla button daisy Leucopogon fraseri dwarf heath Leucopogon nanum dwarf heath Limosella lineata Linum cathcarticum purging flax Lobelia ioantha Lobelia perpusilla *Lolium perenne perennial rye grass *Lupinus polyphyllus Russell lupin Luzula rufa var albicomans woodrush Luzula rufa var rufa red woodrush Luzula ulophila Lycopodium fastigiatum alpine clubmoss Melicytus alpinus agg porcupine shrub Microseris scapigera native dandelion Microtis unifora grassland orchid *Mimulus guttatus monkey musk *Mimulus moshatus Montia angustifolia Muehlenbeckia axillaris creeping pöhuehue Muehlenbeckia complexa scrub pöhuehue Muehlenbeckia ephedroides *Myosotis discolor field forget-me-not *Myosotis laxa subsp caespitosa Water speedwell Olearia bullata shrub daisy Olearia odorata scented shrub daisy
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Oreobolus pectinatus comb sedge Ourisia caespitosa Ozothamnus leptophylla tauhinu Parahebe canescens Parsonsia capsularis native jasmine Pentachondra pumila dwarf heath *Pilosella officiarum mouse-ear hawkweed *Pilosella piloselloides subsp. praealta king devil hawkweed Pimelea oreophila daphne Pimelea prostrata daphne Pimelea sericeovillosa subsp pulvinaris cushion daphne Pimelea sericeovillosa agg? *Pinus contorta lodge pole pine Plantago spathulata Plantago triandra Poa cita silver tussock Poa colensoi blue tussock Poa lindsayii Poa maniototo Polystichum vestitum shield fern Polytrichum juniperinum wire moss Potamageton cheesemanii red pondweed Prasophyllum colensoi onion orchid *Prunella vulgaris selfheal Psychrophila obtusa White caltha Pteridium esculentum bracken Pyranthera exigua Racomitrium pruinosum woolly moss Ranunculus amphitrichus Ranunculus foliosus buttercup Ranunculus gracilipes hairy buttercup Ranunculus multiscapus grassland buttercup Raoulia apicinigra mat daisy Raoulia australis scab weed Raoulia hookerii mat daisy Raoulia parkii mat daisy Raoulia subsericea mat daisy *Ribes rubrum red current *Rosa rubiginosa sweet brier rose Rubus schmidelioides native blackberry
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*Rumex acetosella sheep sorrel *Rumex conglomeratus *Rumex crispus Rumex flexuosus native dock *Rumex obtusifolius dock Rytidosperma pumilum danthonia Rytidosperma telmaticum Rytidosperma thomsonii danthonia Schoenus pauciflorus bog rush Salix cinerea Scleranthus uniflorus *Silene gallica catchfly Sophora prostrata prostrate kowhai *Sorbus aucuparia rowan Sphagnum cristatum sphagnum moss Stackhousia minima Stellaria gracilenta native chickweed *Taraxicum officinale dandelion Thelymitra sp (longifolium) sun orchid *Trifolium arvense hares foot trefoil *Trifolium dubium suckling clover *Trifolium repens white clover *Trifolium pratense red clover Trisetum tenellum *Ulex europaeus gorse *Urtica urens nettle Urticularia dichotoma bladderwort *Verbascum virgatum moth mullein *Verbascum thapsus woolly mullein Viola cunninghamii white violet Vittadinia australis white fuzz weed *Vulpia bromoides hair grass Wahlenbergia albomarginata hare bell
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Appendix 3 Bird species present on the Balmoral
Endemic species
Kaki Himantopus novaezealandiae Black billed gull Larus bulleri Black fronted tern Sterna albostriata Banded dotterel Charadrius bicinctus Paradise shelduck Tadorna variegata Grey warbler Gerygone igata New Zealand falcon Falco novaeseelandiae Wrybill Anarhynchus frontalis
Native species:
Australasian harrier Circus approximans Spur winged plover Vanellus miles novaehollandiae White faced heron Ardea novaehollandiae Welcome swallow Hirundo tahitica neoxena Pied stilt Himantopus himantopus leucocephalus Grey teal Anas gibberifrons gracilis Australasian shoveler Anas rhynchotis Grey duck Anas Superciliosa Black shag Phalacrocorax carbo Little shag Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Black backed gull Larus dominicanus Pied fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa Silvereye Zosterops lateralis lateralis Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae Pied oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus finschi
Introduced species
House sparrow Passer domesticus Hedge sparrow Prunella modularis Blackbird Turdus merula Songthrush Turdus philomelos Starling Sturnus vulgaris Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Redpoll Carduelis flammea Yellow hammer Emberiza citrinella Skylark Alauda arvensis White backed magpie Gymnorhina tibicen hypoleuca Mallard duck Anas platyrhynchos Rock Pigeon Columba livia Black swan Cygnus atratus Canada goose Branta canadensis
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Appendix 4 Complete taxa list from Schnitzler’s 2002 invertebrate report
Order DIPTERA COLEOPTERA HEMIPTERA HYMENOPTERA LEPIDOPTERA DERMAPTERA
Agromyzidae Carabidae Aphididae Formicidae Geometridae Forficulidae Caliphoridae Chrysomelidae Corixidae Halictidae Alticini Sigara sp. Caliphoridae Curculionidae Notonectidae Ichneumonidae Calliphora Anisops wakefieldi quadrimaculata Cecidomyiidae Dytiscidae Saldidae Pompilidae Antiporus strigosulus Chironomidae Dytiscidae Liodessus plicatus Dolichopodidae Dytiscidae Rhantus pulverosus Empididae Hydrophilidae Empidinae Limnoxenus Family zealandicus Ephydridae Scarabaeidae Muscidae Mycetophilidae Phoridae Sciaridae Sphaeroceridae Syrphidae Tachinidae Tephritidae Tipulidae docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 55 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
Appendix 5.
Significant lepidoptera taxa collected by Brian Patrick from properties neighbouring Balmoral pastoral lease (Patrick 1989; 1992)
Common name Class Order Family Species Locations Taxonomic and threat status* Grass moth Insecta Lepidoptera Crambidae Eudonia gyrotoma Tekapo Flats NT. MOE (type locality) Grass moth Insecta Lepidoptera Crambidae Eudonia philerga Lower Cass NT. MOE terraces Grass moth Insecta Lepidoptera Crambidae Orocrambus fugitivellus Greys River and Nationally Critical. ME Tekapo Grass moth Insecta Lepidoptera Crambidae Orocrambus callirrhous Tekapo flats NT. MOE Grass moth Insecta Lepidoptera Crambidae Orocrambus ordishi Tekapo NT. MOE Grass moth Insecta Lepidoptera Crambidae Orocrambus paraxenus Tekapo NT. MOE Grass moth Insecta Lepidoptera Crambidae Orocrambus xanthogrammus Tekapo flats NT. MOE Grass moth Insecta Lepidoptera Crambidae Scoparia contexta Lower Cass NT. MOE terraces Grass moth Insecta Lepidoptera Gelechiidae Kiwaia sp. Tekapo terraces Nationally Endangered, ME Grass moth Insecta Lepidoptera Geometridae Paranotoreas fulva Tekapo Gradual Decline. MOE terraces/flats Grass moth Insecta Lepidoptera Noctuidae Agrotis infusa Tekapo NT. Widespread terraces/flats Grass moth Insecta Lepidoptera Noctuidae Andesia pessota Tekapo NT. Widespread terraces/flats Grass moth Insecta Lepidoptera Oecophoridae Leptocroca asphaltis Tekapo NT Endemic terraces/flats Grass moth Insecta Lepidoptera Oecophoridae Phaeosaces apocrypta Tekapo NT Endemic terraces/flats *NT – Not Threatened. MOE – Mackenzie Basin and Otago Endemic. ME
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Appendix 6. List of invertebrate taxa collected from Irishman Creek Pastoral Lease, 2008.
Class Order Family Genus and species Common name, Taxonomic notes and Conservation status (NT-Not Threatened) Arachnida Opiliones Phalangidae Phalangium opilio L Introduced harvestman NT Arachnida Araneae Gnaphosidae Matua valida Forster & Blest Data Deficient MOE Arachnida Araneae Lycosidae Notocosa bellicosa Goyen Monotypic genus, endemic to New Zealand. NT. Arachnida Araneae Lycosidae Anoteropsis aerescens (Goyen) Found throughout NZ. Endemic species.NT Arachnida Araneae Lycosidae Anoteropsis hilaris (L. Koch) New Zealand endemic, widespread species. NT Arachnida Araneae Lycosidae Anoteropsis urquharti (Simon) Small spiders, endemic to lower South Island. Occurs in stony, scree ground. NT Arachnida Araneae Salticidae Holoplatys apressus (Powell) Endemic jumping spider NT Arachnida Araneae Stiphidiidae Cambridgea antipodiana (White) Widespread South Island species NT Insecta Blattodea Blattidae Celatoblatta vulgaris (Johns) Cockroach. A common species throughout the South Island. NT Insecta Coleoptera Carabidae Holcaspis bidentella (Johns) Nationally critical. Holcaspis is and endemic genus of small ground beetles. Several species are of conservation interest Insecta Coleoptera Carabidae Demetrida lateralis (Broun) Small ground beetle. South Island endemic with restricted range (North Otago-Mackenzie Basin). NT Insecta Coleoptera Coccinellidae Cocinella leonina (L.) Lady beetle. NT
Insecta Coleoptera Curculionidae A species of weevil from the Small broad nosed weevils. Probably endemic sub-family Eugnomini NT. Insecta Coleoptera Melyridae Dasytes sp. Flower beetles (pollen feeders). Probably all NZ species in this genus are endemic. Common in the high country. NT Insecta Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Costelytra zealandica (White) Grass grub beetle. Common throughout NZ. Native. NT Insecta Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Odontria sp. Odontria is an endemic genus of chafer beetles.NT Insecta Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Pyronota festiva (F.) Manuka beetle. Common throughout NZ. Native. docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 57 RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT
Insecta Coleoptera Tenebrionidae Artystona sp. Small darkling beetles, native. NT Insecta Coleoptera Tenebrionidae Mimopeus sp. Darkling beetle. Mimopeus convexus is endemic cf. M. convexus Watt to the Mackenzie Basin. NT Insecta Coleoptera Tenebrionidae Mimopeus opaculus Darkling beetles. Endemic species, common Bates throughout NZ. Highly variable morphologically.NT Insecta Coleoptera Oedermeridae Selanopalpus aciphyllae Lax beetles. Feeds on Aciphylla flowers. NT Insecta Hemiptera Cicadidae Kikihia sp. Tussock cicada. A common native.NT Insecta Hemiptera Cicadidae Maoricicada sp. Black mountain cicada. Maoricicada is an endemic genus of cicada species endemic to the South Island high country. NT Insecta Hemiptera Lygaeidae Rhypodes anceps White Seed bugs. Common and widespread. Native. NT Insecta Hymenoptera Colletidae Leioproctus sp. Solitary bees. Native. NT Insecta Hymenoptera Formicidae Monomorium Common southern ant. Native.NT antarcticum (White) Insecta Orthoptera Acrididae Sigaus australis Endemic South Island species.NT (Hutton) Insecta Orthoptera Anostostomatidae Hemiandrus Range restricted. Not fully described, this tag “furoviarius” named weta appears confined to the Mackenzie Basin (Johns 2001), and is therefore of conservation interest.
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Appendix 7 Mackenzie District Plan Rules
For sites of natural significance, riparian areas4 and high altitude areas (areas above 900m) the District Plan contains a number of rules:
• Clearance of indigenous vegetation exceeding 100m2 per hectare in any continuous period of 5 years in sites of natural significance and in high altitude areas is a Discretionary Activity, except for the clearance of declared weed pests and for the purpose of track maintenance. An exemption for protective mechanisms under statute also applies (see below); • Clearance of more than 10% of the total area of indigenous vegetation cover present on any site of natural significance is a Non-complying Activity; • Clearance of vegetation exceeding 100m2 per hectare in any continuous period of 5 years within the riparian margins is a Discretionary Activity, except for the clearance of declared weed pests or for the purpose of track or habitat maintenance. An exemption for protective mechanisms under statute also applies (see below); • Earthworks in sites of natural significance, geopreservation areas or high altitude areas exceeding 20m3 (volume) or 50m2 (area) per hectare in any continuous period of 5 years is a Discretionary Activity, except for the purpose of track maintenance. An exemption for protective mechanisms under statute also applies (see below); • Earthworks on any land in a lake, river or wetland or within the riparian margins exceeding 20m3 (volume) or 50m2 (area) per hectare in any continuous period of 5 years is a Discretionary Activity, except for the purpose of track maintenance. An exemption for protective mechanisms under statute also applies (see below); • Pastoral intensification exceeding 5% of any site of natural significance is a Non-complying Activity. An exemption for protective mechanisms under statute applies (see below); • Forestry within 100m of a lake, 20m of a bank of a river or 50m of a wetland is a Restricted Discretionary Activity. An exemption for protective mechanisms under statute applies (see below); • Tree planting in high altitude areas is a Discretionary Activity. Forestry in wetlands and tree planting (other than restoration of native plantings) in sites of natural significance is a Non- complying Activity. An exemption for protective mechanisms under statute applies (see below);
The exemption for protective mechanisms under statute states the standard shall not apply to the activity if it is provided for in any one of the following mechanisms: • Section 76 Reserves Act 1977 Declaration; • Section 77 Reserves Act 1977 Conservation Covenant; • Section 27 Conservation Act 1987 Covenant; • Section 29 Conservation Act 1987 Management Agreement; • Queen Elizabeth II National Trust Act 1977 Covenant (this statute does not apply to an exemption for pastoral intensification)
Provided that such mechanism: • Protects the significant natural values, and • Remains current for the duration of the activity, and • The terns of the mechanism have not been breached, and • Has been lodged with the Council.
4 within 50m of wetlands and lakes, 75m of listed lakes, 10m of a bank of a river, and within 20m of listed rivers. docDM-1167700 - Balmoral 2013 CRR 59