South Island High Country Launch Publication

Federated Farmers South Island High Country Launch Publication

Alistair Ensor, Chairman of the South Island High Country Committee last night launched the booklet 'Tussock Grasslands: Our Heritage' as part of the Annual High Country Conference. "This booklet promotes a better understanding of the potential and problems facing the land and the people of the South Island High Country", said Mr Ensor.

It follows on from "The Spirit of the High Country" produced by the Committee in 1992.

'Tussock Grasslands: Our Heritage' explores the natural and cultural history of the Tussock Grasslands. It also discusses the issues relating to conservation on private land. It shows that management of the tussock lands for conservation can be closely integrated with production. " Private property rights should not, and need not, be compromised to achieve nature conservation objectives." said Mr Ensor.

"The South Island high country is wonderfully varied and provides immense opportunities. There is still an opportunity to retain landscapes that represent both the pre-European and pre-human ecosystems.

Agriculture, horticulture and forestry will continue alongside nature conservation, recreation and tourism. Such a mix of options is rarely available."

In launching the booklet, Mr Ensor said "high country farmers have demonstrated that private ownership provides opportunities to meet different needs. The future must be in partnerships - linking, sharing, growing; farming with tourism, recreation with conservation; urban with rural; commercial operators with community spirit, and many other combinations. I appreciate the opportunity of being able to bring to all New Zealanders something of the mystique of the land that the high country farmers cherish."

Copies of "Tussock Grasslands: Our Heritage can be obtained from Federated Farmers, PO Box 665 Timaru Fax: 03 688 4096 or email southcanterbury.ff@fedfarm.org.nz

ENDS

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