Nugget Point Apr 2005

This article was originally published in the Southland Times 13 April 2005

A proposal for a community group of guardians to manage the South Otago coast has received the support of key user groups, including iwi and conservationists.

The idea, based on the Guardians of Fiordland model and put forward as an alternative to the Department of Conservation's (DOC) proposed marine reserve at Nugget Point, was endorsed by a meeting in Kaka Point on Monday night.

The 30 people at the meeting included recreational and commercial fishermen and divers, tourist operators, iwi and conservationists.

Giving the guardians working party their "broad agreement to proceed", the representatives will put the idea to their respective organisations and elect one member each to form the core group of guardians.

Representatives of the Ministry of Fisheries, the marine science department at Otago University, DOC and the Clutha District Council would advise the core group.

Working party spokesman Lionel Mason, who is president of the Catlins Boating Club and chairman of Tourism Catlins, said the idea came about because many people in the area were not happy with the DOC proposal. However, it was not a tactic to delay DOC's marine reserve application next month.

He hoped the guardians would develop a coastal management plan that the community supported because everyone wanted to protect the coast.

Conservationist, tourist operator and Catlins Promotions chairman Fergus Sutherland said he applauded the idea as it made "a lot of sense" and offered the group his assistance.

He also invited the guardians, when formed, to put their case to the Otago Conservation Board, of which he is chairman.

Clutha Mayor Juno Hayes also backed the idea.

The Catlins was an icon that needed protecting and it was "a question of striking a balance".

He agreed to put the idea to the district council to see what role it could play.

Meanwhile, the group would write to Prime Minister Helen Clark, Conservation Minister Chris Carter, Fisheries Minister David Benson-Pope and other key cabinet ministers seeking an extension of time to allow the group to be formed and develop a draft strategy.