The harvest of Kaikōura’s South Bay Forest Reserve will finally get under way after a four-month delay. Source: The Press/Te Matatika
It was originally planned for July, but Kaikōura District Council staff decided to bring in an archaeologist after completing a site inspection with Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura.
An archaeological authority has now been obtained from Heritage New Zealand.
A cultural induction was to be completed on Tuesday along with site preparations, before the felling of trees begins on Monday, 11 November.
‘‘The important thing is the whole area is within a cultural landscape so there is the potential to find sites of interest,’’ council chief executive Will Doughty said.
‘‘So, we have taken measures to minimise the impact of ground disturbance.
‘‘It is not the first time the site has been planted and harvested, but it is good to make sure we have the necessary protocols in place.’’
A radiata pine forest was first planted at South Bay in 1978, with some areas replanted in 1993.
A large part of the 12.6 hectares under forestry is a popular recreation area.
Mr Doughty said the cycle trails would still be open over the Christmas period.
The work is being carried out by Tasman Forest Management.
The council approved a draft South Bay Forest Reserve management plan for consultation at last week’s council meeting.
It is the second of five reserve management plans being developed by the council.
An Esplanade Reserve management plan is out for consultation until 27 November, with hearings due in December.
Mr Doughty said council staff were working on draft Top 10 Holiday Park and South Bay Domain reserve management plans, which were expected to be presented to the council on 27 November.
The South Bay Forest Reserve, Top 10 Holiday Park and South Bay Domain Reserve management plans would be consulted on together.
‘‘We have provided multiple opportunities with early engagement and drop-in sessions before we developed the draft management plans, so hopefully we will get some good community input,’’ Doughty said.
A Takahanga Domain reserve management plan was also in the pipeline.
