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The Heaphy
Mountain Bike NZ has long campaigned to regain access to these tracks. A major milestone was achieved in 2005 when the NZ Conservation Authority released the General Policy for National Parks - which now allows for mountain biking on selected tracks in National Parks.
The
NZCA's decision is backed by an overwhelming majority of submitters
to the Draft General Policy for National Parks. Of the 1305 submissions
received, 1106 supported the change while just 22 opposed. Supporting
organisations included Federated Mountain Clubs; SPARC; the Nelson/Marlborough,
West Coast, Waikato and Southland Conservation Boards; the Tasman,
Buller and Nelson Councils; the Golden Bay, Motueka and Waimea
Tramping Clubs; NZ Alpine Club; and Mountain Bike NZ. But mountain biking is still precluded until, and unless, the Kahurangi
National Park Management Plan is modified. MTBNZ is suggesting
seasonal access to the Heaphy from just after Easter to just before
Labour Weekend, when there are minimal trampers in the track. It
has also been suggested to develop management tools limiting party
size and precluding commercial trips. The Nelson-Marlborough Conservation Board recently voted unanimously in favour of a partial review of the Kahurangi National Park Management Plan. The next hurdle is one of DOC resources and timing to undertake the review. MTBNZ is predictably keen on this happening soon, but any change will take time and is subject to public submissions. The outcome is not a fait accompli in favour of mountain biking – the cycling community will once again have the opportunity to put their weight behind this campaign.
In the meantime patience and restraint continue to be virtues, ie. not embarking on clandestine sorties on the Heaphy. Being responsible, and being seen to be responsible citizens will greatly help in eventually regaining legitimate access to the Heaphy.
Stay tuned by subscribing to Ground Effect's e-mail list and receiving regular updates in our UnderGround newsletter. |
The
Heaphy is arguably New Zealand's premier multi-day mountain bike
ride… 74 kilometres of benched singletrack winding
through the backcountry from Golden Bay to Karamea and the nikau
palm clad beaches of the West Coast. In 1995 North West Nelson
Forest Park became Kahurangi National Park and mountain biking
was no longer allowed on the Heaphy and a handful of other great
tracks in the area.