Recommendation on 5th Okarito reaffirmed

Press, 18 June 1979, Page 2

Recommendation on 5th Okarito reaffirmed

The National Parks Authority has reaffirmed its recommendation that both the Waikukupa and South Okarito State forests be incorporated in the Westland National Park. The chairman of the authority (Mr N. S. Croad) said that a recent meeting of the organisation had considered the reported discovery of the South Island brown kiwi in the Okarito forest, and the announcement by the Government that moves to add the Waikukupa State forest to the Westland park would be

'stopped until the region’s ■ wildlife and timber values [were reconsidered. The authority had noted ■ that its original recommendation of national park .status for both forests had i taken account of the diversity of bird life in South ; Okarito and the latest discovery had strengthened the view, Mr Croad said. Another recommendation Ito the Government concerned the Dart State forest. The authority wants part [of this forest to be incorporated into the Mount Aspiring National Park.