Commission considers Molesworth Station access

Public access on Molesworth Station, in the upper-South Island, was among the topics considered at a Nelson/Marlborough Conservation Board hearing last month.

Access to much the 180,787-hectare station is provided for through provisions in Landcorp's lease of the station from the Crown. However, many seasonal restrictions are in place and members of the public require a permit to access large portions of the historic station.

The New Zealand Walking Access Commission attended the conservation board hearing on March 5 to give a presentation in support of its recent submission to the draft Molesworth Station Management Plan.

Commission Chief Executive Mark Neeson said the hearing was an opportunity for the Commission to reiterate its recommendation that the conservation board should work collaboratively with current and potential recreational users to establish the practicality and compatibility of different recreational options with farming and conservation objectives.

“We're confident that improved access to the station can be achieved in a way that doesn't adversely affect the ongoing farming operation or conservation values on the station.â€