Mt Aspiring park plan

Call for greater recognition of commercial recreation in Mt Aspiring park plan

Draft management plans for Mt Aspiring National Park could prevent many people experiencing the park, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says.
It is calling for the park’s Draft Management Plan to be reviewed to give greater recognition to the value of commercial recreation.

Presenting TIA’s submission on the Draft Management Plan to the Otago Conservation Board in Wanaka today, TIA Advocacy Manager Geoff Ensor said access to Mt Aspiring National Park should have greater flexibility and the proposed limits should be revisited.

“Recreation is the same whether it is commercially delivered or enjoyed independently. Some choose to explore and experience New Zealand without making use of commercial operators, while others prefer to pay for the skill and knowledge of professional guides,” he said.

The demand for guided trips to the park was likely to grow during the 10 year life of the park’s Management Plan, as people became more urbanised and the population aged, he said.

However, the Draft Management Plan proposed very tight limits on commercial activity in the park and didn’t take into account potential changes in demand over the next 10 years.

At the national level, the Department of Conservation (DOC) recognised the value of tourism, with its new Statement of Intent outlining plans to foster commercial recreation where it was consistent with conservation outcomes.

Mr Ensor said commercial operations could support conservation efforts by educating visitors about the environment, and by managing their behaviour while they were in the park. Operators could also assist with conservation projects.

“There is a risk that during the 10 year life of this plan, innovative commercial activities that could contribute to conservation may be hampered or prevented because they were not anticipated by the plan,” he said.

TIA wanted the Management Plan to allow greater flexibility for commercial recreation operators.

“Public enjoyment is the key. Satisfied visitors to the park will become the greatest advocates for its continuing protection,” he said.

He also encouraged DOC to work with local flight operators to reach agreement on appropriate limits that offered both certainty and a reasonable degree of flexibility.

“Aircraft enable all people, irrespective of age, health or physical ability, the opportunity to enjoy New Zealand’s most remote and rugged terrain without leaving any lasting traces,” he said.

TIA’s submission on the Mt Aspiring National Park Draft Management Plan is available at www.tianz.org.nz

ENDS

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