The Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand is calling on American media personality Matt Lauer to restart negotiations with the community regarding access to Hunter Valley Station, the lease for which Mr Lauer recently bought.
It said it and other organisations participated in good faith in consultation with Mr Lauer’s agents regarding what appropriate public access provisions would be.
"FMC Clubs wants Mr Lauer to know that the New Zealand outdoors community is not happy with the public access provisions approved by the Overseas Investment Office. Only two out of nine recommendations put forward by the respected government agency, the Walking Access Commission, have been adopted."
FMC's bottom line was a walkway easement, managed by the Department of Conservation, along the existing formed road through Hunter Valley Station to the public conservation land at the head of Lake Hāwea and beyond. The easement would provide for all forms of public access as appropriate, the statement said.
"Federated Mountain Clubs invites Mr Lauer to reignite negotiations with the Walking Access Commission regarding this easement."
FMC campaigned for and achieved the creation of the 105,000 hectare Hāwea Conservation Park, and believed that the amazing outdoor recreation opportunities at its heart, the magnificent Hunter River valley – whether tramping, hunting or fishing – should be accessible for all, FMC president Peter Wilson said.
FMC also believed enduring access up the western shore of Lake Hāwea would guarantee public access to one of New Zealand’s greatest adventure mountain bike rides (the loop of Lake Hāwea), adding demonstrable value to Wanaka tourism as well as local recreational opportunities.
A response is being sought from the Overseas Investment Office and Mr Lauer.
- See tomorrow's ODT for more.
