Farmers say wilding pines a big threat

Wilding pines are posing the biggest threat ever seen to the South Island's high country, say Central Otago farmers and land owners.

About 20 people voiced their concerns to the Otago Conservation Board at its meeting at Kyeburn Diggings on Friday.

The most passionate arguments concerned the rampant spread of wilding pines in naturally pine-free areas within Central Otago and the wider region.

Ranfurly resident and former Maniototo farmer David McAtamney told the board wilding pines would make the spread of rabbits in Otago look insignificant.

"Wilding pines are going to be your biggest issue and rabbit populations won't even compare," he said.

Artist Grahame Sydney, who lives near Cambrian, said a proactive approach needed to be taken against wilding pines, unless the board wanted to see Alexandra resemble Naseby.

"Do we have to get an urban guerrilla group to go out there with hand drills and Napisan to kill the bloody things, or is the board going to make sure something is done about it? We don't want Central Otago to become a forest, which it soon will if you don't start getting rid of wilding pines now," he said.

Department of Conservation Otago conservator Jeff Connell said the Government had provided Doc with millions of dollars to get rid of wilding pines throughout New Zealand, including some in Central Otago.

He said the department had had "good success" getting rid of wilding pines in the district, although others at the meeting disagreed.

"Wilding pines haven't even popped their heads out of the tussock yet, but don't think they are not there," Mr McAtamney said.