High-country farmers are finally getting their day in court.
They are reeling from the loss of summer grazing rights to the Hawkdun and Ida Ranges near Ranfurly and what they consider attacks on their traditional pastoral lease rights, and today the first of two court cases will be completed in the High Court at Christchurch.
Today's hearing follows a decision by Land Information New Zealand (Linz) not to renew a group of Kyeburn farmers' summer grazing licences that date back to post-World War 1.
The farmers have taken Linz to court, claiming it reneged on a 2003 deal to offer them a special lease, instead terminating the leases so the land could be included in a proposed high country park.
The first two days of the case were heard last month but will be completed today when Nick Davidson QC puts the farmers' case and cross-examines Crown witnesses.
