Heron colony could attract tourists—plan

Press, 13 December 1986, Page 2

Heron colony could attract tourists—plan

A draft plan on the West Coast’s Waitangiroto Nature Reserve has raised the possibility of tourist visits to view New Zealand’s only white heron breeding colony in the reserve. The draft plan was released yesterday by the Lands and Survey Department. An investigation into private tourist ventures to view the herons within strict environmental guidelines is i recommended in the plan. At present permits to visit the reserve are Required from the chief ranger of the Westland National Park, Mr Murray Reedy. The plan outlines the advantages that could accrue from a new tourist venture. These include chances for local people to take part in the tourist industry, and for the department to recover some revenue from its reserve operations and the better

use of department time and resources in other areas.

Reservation of a large part of the Waitangiroto River catchment is also recommended in the plan, which emphasises the priority of protecting the white heron colony and other natural features of the reserve.

The white heron colony comprises about 80 breeding adults and about 60 first and second-year birds. A small colony of royal spoonbills and several shags also nest near the white herons.

The West Coast National Parks and Reserves Board is due to consider the recommendations made in the plan.