Rakaia Basin

Press, 30 May 1987, Page 20

Rakaia Basin

Sir,—lf a preliminary study indicates that a resort development in the Rakaia Basin is feasible, a group of bodies representative of a wide range of community interests will study the proposal and its impact before any work can proceed. B. R. Hansen (May 25) does not appreciate that, for varying reasons, such an area is inaccessible to many New Zealanders and that an “approved” development in the area will guarantee more New Zealanders, and tourists, do see and experience the natural beauty of the area. I have seen the potential of this area, but it is a potential that would be completely ruined by an insensitive "intrusion into our back country.” That is why landscape architects and botanists, social planners and environmental experts are assessing the region. If a development goes ahead it will be environmentally sensitive, and designed to ensure that the intrinsic values of the area are appreciated by more than just fishermen, boaties, trampers, and ornithologists. B. R. Hansen

appreciates the beauty of the area; so do I; we should allow others the chance, too—Yours, etc.,

BILL FARMER, Pinnacles Resort Development Group. May 27, 1987.

Sir, — I concur with B. R. Hansen’s objection (May 25) to development of the Ryton River area, especially the Ryton Basin for ski-ing. The Ryton Valley is one of the last undeveloped valleys of the Craigieburn Range. A ski-field here could cause considerable ecological and botanical damage. There are snow tussock grasslands of botanical value at the head of the valley near the proposed ski-field site, which could be disturbed by access roads or parking lots. Recent research in the Mt Olympus Valley shows that ski-field foodscrap disposal systems and septic tank seepages can lead to replacement of native plant species by introduced weeds. Bare areas created by bulldozing may not be recolonised, or provide a nucleus for the establishment and further spread of non-native species. The Craigieburn Range already supports four ski-fields. Why should we inflict more ecological havoc on this local mountain range by engineering yet another one? — Yours, etc., JOAN E. VICKERS. May 25, 1987.