"A bit later on - we paid a bunch of people to go manage the situation (who got called DoC) - without necessarily giving them much specific directions about what we wanted done.
They've used a couple of approaches around our estate but the most common response was to build bigger huts, much bigger huts, mostly at the places where at the time the noisiest complaints were coming from. "
At the same time they didnt give them much money so because they spent so much on these palaces there wasnt enough money to look after the other smaller huts some they became derilict and less people went to them so maintenance was stopped on the track so even less people went there and Doc then decreed these huts are no longer required Lets remove them. Result even more people using the new big huts so restrictions on the number of people that can use them put in place and when it is found that doesnt work they will discourage even more people by charging a small (under $100) fee to enter the forest and go to the only huts/ palaces left
Problem is that many of the huts were originally built and paid for by private organisations (clubs etc) and never sold to Doc or the forest service so the question must be asked whether Doc has a right to declare them dead or prevent those organisations doing required maintenance etc
doc has a priority to put more huts in up north to serve the population, they were asking for public input on where to put them, they tend to be around ten to twenty person huts, and usually require booking. they are looking at doing up the track along the kaimais and putting huts in there amongst other places... not a lot else is firm.
a great walk is supposed to go in around lake tarawera... expect that one to get absolutely thrashed most of the year due to its easy accessibility and proximity to the tourist industry centre of rotovegas.
"A bit later on - we paid a bunch of people to go manage the situation (who got called DoC) - without necessarily giving them much specific directions about what we wanted done."
Which problems do people here see with Management Strategies and Management Plans and Conservation Boards in this regard? They're meant to be one of the main mechanisms by which the public helps DOC to decide how to run places. Are they not specific enough?
Most recently at least, I think part of the problem has been that DOC's sometimes been outright ignoring them when it's been thought inconvenient, no matter how specific they are.
This post has been edited by the author on 9 April 2015 at 21:20.
"Which problems do people here see with Management Strategies and Management Plans and Conservation Boards in this regard? They're meant to be one of the main mechanisms by which the public helps DOC to decide how to run places. Are they not specific enough?
Most recently at least, I think part of the problem has been that DOC's sometimes been outright ignoring them when it's been thought inconvenient, no matter how specific they are."
Very true but a major problem with the CMS is actually getting people to make submissions on them. I have made 2 submissions over the years from my viewpoint of both a tramper and 4wder. How many others here have made submissions.
How many even knew they were open for submissions?
They are not well publicised
Surely when hiking and tramping, taking waterproof gear is just common sense. I cannot believe the amount of people who do not do this. Even on day hikes.
Back on topic.... Waynowski, I know you're not massively keen on me as i'm one of those outsiders. It would be great to join your group on facebook, but i'll leave that to the tramping gods to decide.
There is one thing I do know though, I have a great respect for all that contribute on this particular forum. All the knowledge that gets passed around is brilliant. Along with the many discussions. I too have a great affinity with your beautiful country. I'm not going to be your "once in a lifetime" visitor, but when I do arrive here to do large sections of the TAT and many other trails along the way, it would be great to do some less well known tracks and tie that in with the conservation volunteering that I will be carrying out along the way.
I think you're very lucky that you live in a country roughly the same size as the U.K. One huge difference, we have 60 million here, you have 4 million? I love my country and the fact I live on the edge of the Peak District NP, but I know where i'd rather be, with regard to finding a less busy place! What's important is that it never changes so much to the level that your fantastic environment gets overrun with house building and ignorant tourism.
I'll always be a respectful tourist and always try to fit and adapt to my surroundings. I'm a pretty friendly and approachable guy so that usually helps.
I think your backcountry deserves (at all times) to be given something back by every single visitor, be that tourist or local. I endeavour to give back as much of my time and resources to it as possible.
To be considered for your Kiwi only group would be great and my Kiwi friends would probably say "thats just what people back home are like bro; no chips on their shoulders"
