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Here is a submision I have written on behalf of the club in support of the creation of a Poteriteri wilderness area. If you have any comments, changes, correction or objections please post them or contact me.

 

Thanks,

 

Terra :)

 

 

 

 

Dear Department of Conservation,

 

The Victoria University of Wellington Tramping Club supports the creation of a Wilderness Area centered on Lake Poteriteri as suggested by the Federated Mountain Club.

 

The Victoria University of Wellington Tramping club has over 100 members with a common interest in enjoying New Zealand’s natural environment through pursuits such as tramping, mountaineering and climbing. Though we are based in Wellington we do numerous trips to the South Island.

 

The Poteriteri wilderness area is an exceptional vast remnant of natural New Zealand that we believe should be cosseted as a Wilderness area to protect its natural and recreational values.

 

Due to the Poteriteri wilderness’s isolation and ruggedness it has been relatively bypassed by pests that have caused devastation across most of New Zealand. This means it one of the few places without conservation interventions where you can hear the calls of kiwi, kaka, kea, kakariki, and rock wrens. It is also home to numerous rare endemic plant species including mohoua, and mistletoes as well as New Zealand’s largest remaining area of tall podocarp forest, Waitutu Forest..

Lake Hakapoua and Poteriteri are nationally significant as they are two of the largest lakes remaining in New Zealand without aquatic weeds and contain some of the largest stocks of unfished longfin eel.

 

A Poteriteri Wilderness area would offer exceptional wilderness experiences for members of our club and other adventurers. The many ranges offer outstanding transalpine traverses, the many peaks including Mount Solitary and Mt. Inaccessible challenges for climbers and the valleys stunning bush tramping. Lake Poteriteri and the fiords of Preservation and Chalky inlets provide extensive opportunities for mixed water and land travel.

 

Please protect this amazing and special place of New Zealand as a Wilderness Area to retain its unique character and qualities so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.

 

Sincerely,

 

Victoria University of Wellington Tramping Club