The family had applied for a renewal of a concession for the crib, which was built by their relation Roy Elliott 88 years ago.
The family had applied for a 30-year term last year and had received support from all 35 submissions lodged in the application process.
In a letter to the Department of Conservation, during the process to seek the concession, the submitters — five people who are related to Mr Elliott — indicated they were profoundly concerned about Doc’s decision not to continue the lease on the crib.
The crib was described by one of the five submitters Michelle Matthews, who wrote to Doc in June last year, as ‘‘a place that has held deep sentimental and historical value for our family for five generations,’’
But nearly a year later, Doc has changed its mind over allowing a concession to the building which sits on Crown land.
Doc simply said in documents ‘‘the decision has been made to grant a concession’’.
The Otago Daily Times attempted to get more information about the decision but Doc did not reply before deadline.
The crib, which is 75sq m, has not changed hands since it was built and had come to the end of its 30-year concession from Doc.
Ms Matthews said in her concession letter the crib had served as a vital link to their ancestors’ history.
‘‘Our family has always respected Doc’s values of stewardship, partnership and respect for nature, but it is incredibly difficult for us to comprehend how removing this crib, which connects us to our heritage and the land, aligns with these principles.’’
The crib had been in the same place since 1938, was not used as a commercial operation, was not accessible by road and was too brittle to be moved.
The family said it had deep roots in the Glenorchy area.
The crib is shared by family members who are third-, fourth- and fifth-generation descendants of Roy and Helen Elliott.
They are Mrs Matthews, Carol Evans, Robin Evans, Rhonda Dunbavan and Clifton Todd.
Mr Elliott farmed Routeburn Station with his wife’s brothers in the early 1900s.
He built the crib on land which had grazing rights held by Woodbine Station. Rates were paid to the councils of the time until 1995, when it was changed to a new agreement with Doc.
In its application, the family said they had maintained the property in its original form.
The crib was often used for wedding photos and tour visits.
Pitt used the crib when he was filming the movie Heart of the Beast in the area last year and it was also in a photo shoot for GQ magazine, again featuring Pitt.
Mrs Matthews said, in her letter, the crib played an integral role in ensuring family memories lived on.
‘‘The crib is a sanctuary for us, one that is deeply woven into our family’s fabric, and it has provided a space for our memories and traditions for generations.’’
