The Press has an update on this story this morning, regarding likely decisions by the Canterbury-Aoraki Conservation Board.
From http://www.stuff.co.nz/3387110 :
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"The board, which advises DOC, was told at its meeting in Twizel on Friday that the controversial practice was 'sick' and 'repugnant'.
"Board members left the room briefly and, on their return, chairman Steve Lowndes took the unusual move of making a statement.
"Lowndes said the board was unanimous in its opposition to heli-hunting and it would "not look favourably" at amendments to any plans which allowed the activity on public conservation land. He said heli-hunting concerned board members because of animal welfare, hunter safety and that it could hurt New Zealand's international reputation."
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Yes its fantastic news but I wouldnt say that we have won yet, It wouldnt surprise me if DOC turned their backs on it all and went ahead anyway, But I am hoping.
Poma Palmer, senior planner for DOC's Canterbury conservancy, said a discussion document on proposed changes to the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park's management plan received 102 public submissions. All but one were against heli-hunting.
Surerly they cant ignore that.
Well, Poma is keen to play the treasury tune so he just might try but I think the Canterbuy conservator who is a hunter mightn't be so keen. I suspect he finds it as sick and repugnant as the rest of us.
