Defending New Zealand's back country

The new president of the Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (FMC), Robin McNeill, says two controversial projects planned for the Fiordland and Rakiura National Parks should not go ahead.

McNeill started his role this week as head of the national umbrella group for New Zealand tramping and mountaineering clubs, which represents more than 13,000 trampers and climbers.

He replaces Richard Davis, who stood down to work for the Department of Conservation (DOC). McNeill is also the editor of the Fiordland tramping guidebook Moir's Guide South and is known for rewriting Safety in the Mountains, launched last month.

Taking up his new role, McNeill said he feared for the future of the back country citing underfunding by DOC for putting back-country huts and tracks at risk.

McNeill explained "the great outdoors is part of every New Zealander's heritage and should not be disposed of through expediency.

"What remains of our natural environment is also under dire attack from predators, but the public has yet to grasp the urgency or scale of what is at stake."

A long-time member of the New Zealand Alpine Club and the Southland Tramping Club, McNeill had also been on the Southland Conservation Board since 2003 and had taken a special interest in developing the Fiordland and Rakiura National Park plans.

He said the proposed Hollyford-Dart Tunnel and Snowden Forest Monorail projects "fly in the face of common sense", would "deface the natural landscape" and both projects "mock statutory plans."

McNeill concluded "the process to date attacks the core of democracy, and the public are waking up to what is at stake.

"We have the most magnificent mountaineering opportunities to be found in the world and it's still there to be enjoyed.

"I want to ensure our grandchildren will be able to enjoy the same beauty and the wild of our unique natural heritage as my generation of trampers."

Image: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

22nd February 2012 - MAJOR PROJECT TO REJUVENATE ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK ECOLOGY