SPARC Misses the mark with new Council

SPARC have just announced their new "Outdoor Recreation Council", which is supposed to 'represent the diversity of interests in the outdoor recreation sector'. While there is no doubt that the 5 men and 1 woman chosen, do have a lot of experience in managing and consulting on parks and mountain agencies I don't think that anyone could claim that they are a diverse lot.

5 white (older) men and 1 white woman, is hardly representative of New Zealand's population. Nor is the breadth of outdoor recreation even vaguely represented by the interests of those chosen. From the composition of this Council we can assume that SPARC believes outdoor recreation is covered by trampers and climbers in the wilds of the (South Island?) mountains. OK a couple of them claim to like mountain biking, and a couple have thrown some sort of water sport into the mix but where is the representation for those of us who are just average joes who want to get into the outdoors. I'm sure people like Graeme Dingle don't have any problem getting access to the back country, or even to a park but that's not necessariy the experience of people who don't know all the ins and outs of DOC or other agencies and individuals who control our outdoors.

Where is there any representation of horse riders at SPARC, this new Council or the various outdoor recreation associations? What about flyers (paragliders, hang gliders and the wide variety of new fly sports)? Hunters? What about people with dogs? We seem to have a real fear of including animals in our lives in New Zealand. In the UK it is not uncommon to take a dog into the pub with you, and it leads to much better behaved dogs - but here in New Zealand local laws and bylaws make you think that animals are akin to Satan himself. Something to be hidden away, feared or shunned as unclean (and then we wonder why both animals and humans are not socialised!) .

A redeeming feature in this announcement is that the intentions are good, and the members will be replaced on a regular basis. Let's hope we get some better diversity on future Councils; or that the CVs of these people do them some injustice and that they do actually have a much wider circle of interests or knowledge than shown in the press release.

Tuapiro Point - Western Bay of Plenty

Tuapiro Point is a very popular spot for horse riders in the Western BOP to take their horses, it has been for over 20 years (probably longer). But recently Council officers started to tell riders to leave the area, that they were not permitted to use the same trails as 4WD's or walkers. A local bylaw had been passed which bans horse riders from accessing ANY reserve, park or beach in Western Bay of Plenty.


Local riders Lu Bisset, Joanne Hin (both pictured) and Maxine van Berlo weren't about to take that news lying down. They organised a huge petition to protest.

The petition of 395 email signatures, and 329 handwritten signatures was presented to Western Bay of Plenty Council in April. While the Council does not intend to recind the bylaw, due to costs this would require, it has agreed that riders will not be harrassed in future. The petition will be used as part of a dispensation request for horse riders, and the bylaw will undergo a full review in 2011.

This should be a lesson for riders who believe that their local sports club, pony club or even the ESNZ is looking out for recreational riding issues and lobbying on behalf of riders with local or regional councils. In New Zealand, we do not have a body like the Australian Horse Council, nor the British Horse Society (BHS) that look after both competitive sports, and also promote horse riding and horse ownership.

NZ Horse Recreation Group

Photos - Local Heroes: Lu Bisset (top) and Joanne Hin (bottom)

Friends Hill Road

NZ Horse Recreation Member Information submission (to be posted NZ Bridleways website)

Friends Hill Road

No permit or registration required

40 minutes up hill, 25 minutes downhill Travels from the end of Puddle Alley, Mosgiel up to Halfway Bush Road, Three Mile Hill, Dunedin (or down the other way depending upon which way you go). Open gates, generally no vehicular access, share with mountain bikes and occasional illegal off-road trail biker. Good uphill (or downhill) ride. steep terrain, clay trails, Farmland, well marked trails slippery \ boggy in wet weather, shared with cycle riders, shared with trailbikes

Good phone coverage

There is no parking available 

View Larger Map

Pakuratahi Forest

NZ Horse Recreation Member Information submission (to be posted NZ Bridleways website)

No permit or registration required, but does require a key (free)

Up to 4 hours

Coming from SH2 turn off at Plateau Rd, continue along Maymorn Rd, under rail bridge and immediately turn left. There is a locked gate.

Rolling hills, steep terrain, clay trails, rocky trails, Forest, Native bush \ trees, plantation (pine) forest, well marked trails slippery \ boggy in wet weather, must have key for gates, shared with dog walkers, shared with cycle riders picnic area, shade, good phone coverage

Parking:

3-5 spaces, all parking requires drivers to be able to reverse At entrance

Improvements at Muriwai - ARC Horsepark

 

The ARC rangers at Muriwai have been working hard to improve the horsepark and the trails in the Five Mile Block. All trees that were blocking the trails in the Five Mile Block have been trimmed or chopped down and you now have a nice clear ride.

In the horsepark, the rangers have been replacing all the old tie ups and putting down some gravel to try to stop the racehorses digging big holes around them. There is also some new signage on the horse access points, and in conjunction with the new initiatives by the police, and ARC rangers to get control of the beach this is a really pleasant ride again.

A note of concern is the number of riders who just do not have any consideration for others - or the work being put into the place for us. Leaving horse manure to lie around instead of spending 30 seconds picking it up and throwing it into the surrounding trees!

Regional Information to be collated

With the success of Bridleways Auckland, and the NZ Horse Recreation Group  I am going to take the plunge and put all the information I have gathered from around the country into a website (like BA) - hopefully this will encourage others to pipe up and fill in the gaps ...

They need to find somewhere else to ride...

A news article from the Otago Daily Times caught my eye while I was googling for horse riding recreation stories and links.

"We've all been inspired by the Speight's billboards, but I'm afraid the reality is very different for the majority of leisure horse riders on the Taieri," Dunedin Riding Centre owner Victoria Watt says.

It's not a Speights Ad, it's a TUI ad...

"I understand their concerns about riding on the roadside, but they need to find somewhere else to ride." yeah, right! and where would that be exactly?

Apparently this area is not so sensitive that is can't be developed into housing, but it is too sensitive to ride on before housing goes on it. Grrrr

Hawkes Bay Regional Council Opens New Horse Trail

A new horse trail has been developed by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council alongside the Rotary pathway between the Clive River boat ramp and River Road on the Tukituki River.

The idea came from horsewoman, Nicky Ross, who saw the opportunity for a good long trail for horses and riders to enjoy along river areas and the coast.

“It’s wonderful to have the ability to access these areas. The implementation of this horse trail is a wonderful start to providing safe areas for horse riders of all ages,” said Nicky. >read more>>

---

Clive/Tukituki Horse Trail

A new horse trail is an addition to the Rotary Centennial Pathway, Clive/ River Road (Tukituki). It offers a mix of riverside trails, coastal views and rural settings.

Northern Entrance
Main Road, Clive (14km to River Road), Lots of parking here, but will be shared with boaties/jetskis on the weekend.


Middle Entrance
Sea end of Richmond Road, (4km to Clive, 10km to River Road), Plenty of parking.

Southern Entrance

Eastern end of River Road (14km to Clive), Plenty of parking but more isolated.

There are some very small photos and further instructions on the Council webpage

Crunch 'won't stop forest sale' - New Zealand's source for business, stock market & currency news on Stuff.co.nz

Crunch 'won't stop forest sale' - New Zealand's source for business, stock market & currency news on Stuff.co.nz

Matariki, a consortium of American forestry company Rayonier, AMP Capital and Deutsche Bank's RREEF Infrastructure, said last week that it was putting its forests up for sale.
read more ...

There are 12 serious buyers expressing interest, and the tender process has an estimated closing date of “before Christmas” with a final sale expected in quarter one 2009.

Let's hope that Hancock's don't buy Matariki's forests... given their cranky attitude toward recreation at Woodhill

Waikato Windfarm offers potential for recreation trails

Hauāuru mā raki, the new Contact energy (proposed) wind farm in the wind farm should be raising the hopes of those in both the Auckland and Waikato regions as another opportunity for horse riding and multi-use recreation trails.

Although this development is several years off, we must start lobbying Council's and developers (in this case Contact energy) to include horse riding trails as part of the overall development.

The windfarm will run almost from Port Waikato to Raglan, opening up the possibility of having a real 'great trail' in this area to encourage tourism. Ideally the trail (or series of trails) will cater to walkers, cyclists AND HORSE RIDERS!

View the online map of the proposed farm (this is quite large)

or download the pdf version of the map

A Bonnetful of Bees » Lake Kereta, South Head

A Bonnetful of Bees » Lake Kereta, South Head

An entry in Dave Wudhi's blog which explains some of the changes around Lake Kareta (Woodhill Forest)in the last few years.

Horse Sense on the Roads

New Website created to promote safer road riding. Rather than simply outlining good practice and road rules, this website seeks to explain why horses and riders do things that perplex other road users and why they need to have some special considerations. However, it also looks at riders behaviour and promotes safer riding and equipment, and courtesy to considerate road users.

Horse Sense on the Roads

www.horsesenseontheroads.info

Otorohanga Equestrian Centre

Otorohanga is heading towards becoming New Zealand's next international equestrian centre. The piece of land to the west of the bridge out of Otorohanga, and part of Island Reserve, has been very under-utilised said Otorohanga mayor Dale Williams.It has now been renamed as the new Otorohanga Equestrian Centre. read more ...

Amber Mountain Ltd Horse Wilderness Treks

Amber Mountain is a newly opened private horse trek venue for Waikato / King Country riders in Ngaroma. Approx 45 minutes to Te Awamutu or Otorohanga, 1 hour to Hamilton. Spend a day exploring the farmland, bush & forest, enjoying fabulous views! There are numerous formed paths and tracks to discover.

Clubs & private admission by appointment only.

Ph David 0274845326

New Instructions for Access to Whitford Forest

The following is a copy of the new instructions for getting access to Whitford Forest. Great to see that there are free maps and day charges (for those who visit infrequently).

A new permit can be obtained from Howick Information Service via phone direct 09 534 4796 or email david.pegman@manukau.govt.nz but you still have to post a cheque as noted in the attached document. \

---

RAYONIER - MATARIKI FORESTS

Instructions for handling the issuing of permits.

(also known as Te Maraunga or Waiho forest blocks)

The Howick Information Service is now responsible for the issuing of permits for users of what is known as the ‘Whitford Forest’ for Mountain Biking and Horse Riding.

Walking in the forest is free, but a permit is required.

Horse Riding

A permit and two horse gate keys are issued.

Mountain Biking

A permit and a bike sticker are issued.

Charges

Daily or weekend access: $5 per day

Week (7 Days): $10.00

Month: $20.00

Annual (12 months): $50

Administration staff at the Howick Information Service will handle the physical issuing of permits.

We will also require the following information:

• Name,
• Address,
• Phone,
• Email (if available),
• Vehicle Registration number(s),
• purpose of use (horse or bike riding) and
• for how long (length of permit required).

A cheque for the amount payable should be made out to:

MATARAKI FORESTS

And sent to Howick Information Service, 91 Picton Street, Howick.

Maps of the forest are available free of charge.

14 May 2008

---

Should you have any specific concerns or issues please do not hesitate to contact the Forest Management on (07) 927 2400 or by email hayley.gordon@rayonier.com or robert.schoonderwoerd@rayonier.com. They can answer questions as to the status of logging activities etc.

Dean Seymour: Good start, but bill still has a few holes - 19 May 2008 - NZ Herald: New Zealand National news

Dean Seymour: Good start, but bill still has a few holes - 19 May 2008 - NZ Herald: New Zealand National news

Dean Seymours article raises many of the same issues with the proposed Walking Access Bill as the Bridleways Auckland's submission. You can view the Bridleways submissions and information at http://groups.google.com/group/bridlewayz, join up now to add your support to submissions on Horse Riding Issues!

Karekare races

An annual event at Karekare beach. Horse riding on the beach is normally allowed, but only before 10am and after 6pm.

Crown Pastoral Leases

For those interested in gaining access to some prime South Island land, you may want to look at the Crown Pastoral Leases information at LINZ. There is a tenure review process currently in process, some of these properties will end up as Crown Land (DOC), some will be refreshed with new leases, some will be some sort of land offset.

Recreational users should keep an eye on these, we may be able to get access for horse riding across some of these areas (or to places of significance) if we lobby at the right time.


Latest reviews

Equestrian Tourism

Equestrian Tourism

Anyone interested in the equestrian tourism scene, will be interested in the proceedings at the international equestrian tourism conference. I will find out if transcripts and presentations will be available after the event.

ARC Calls for Submissions on their Horse Riding Strategy

In the latest development of the ARC's Horse Riding Strategy an "Issues and Options" paper has been released for submissions.

You can find a copy posted on the Bridleways site:

http://groups.google.com/group/bridlewayz/web/Horse_Riding_Issues_Options_Paper.doc

Feedback is required by Tuesday May 20th (details are in the document).

News article - Public meeting on Muriwai beach vehicle issue

The ARC, in collaboration with RDC and NZ Police, is holding a public workshop geared towards improving management of vehicles at Muriwai Beach Sunday 30 March at Waimauku School.


The Muriwai community, public and agencies with an interest in the area are invited to a meeting on Sunday 30 March at Waimauku School, 2 Muriwai Road, Waimauku (corner of SH6 and Muriwai Road). The meeting will take place in the school hall with the doors opening at 1.30pm in time for the 2pm start.
read more ... News article - Public meeting on Muriwai beach vehicle issue

Beach death sparks vehicle rethink - Nor-west news on Stuff.co.nz

Beach death sparks vehicle rethink - Nor-west news on Stuff.co.nz: "Regional council Rodney representative Christine Rose says there hasn’t been enough done to control vehicles on beaches.
She says it is the council’s responsibility now to provide motorcyclists with alternatives to Muriwai and Woodhill Forest."

So apparently the way to get access to recreation resources is by being obnoxious and out of control. We have seen this with skaters, skateboarders and now it seems trail bikers. Perhaps, if we horse riders want a fair share of the recreation access we need to start riding through the city streets and leaving piles of manure in prominent places. So much for playing by the rules...

Visit to Southerns parks and beaches

I finally made the trek out South to visit a few of the major riding areas around Waiuku. First on my list was Karioitahi Beach, mainly because it is only 8km from Waiuku town centre.

It was very easy to find, simply drive down Karioitahi Rd and there it is. The drive was also very pretty with some beautiful views out over the low lying areas on the way. The beach itself is spectacular, as many of our West Coast beaches are. Franklin District Council has obviously spent some time trying to control this area. I noted that one of their stipulations is that riders should clean up all manure in a 1km zone - not sure how! Are riders expected to leap off their mounts and scoop poo into a garbage bag and then leap back on with the filled bag... I understand if they have an issue at the unloading area but really,... it's grass and this is one of the only spots that Franklin provides for horse riding.

On the positive side I did see a road sharing sign on the way out - it was the only one I saw in the entire trip but I guess its better than nothing.

I also think they could've joined in with the highly successful 'Don't burst their Bubble' campaign rather than stealing the London underground's saying :)


Anyway, on to Awhitu. I had so many good reports about this park that I was a little disappointed when I got there. Not with the park itself but the lack of support for horse riding. No signs, locked gates, having to phone the ranger beforehand ... oh, dear we still seem to be second-class citizens....

Since they do both camping and have cattle grazing at this park I don't see any reason why this couldn't be a park where horse riders can camp for a few days.

Finally, back to Waiuku Forest. This did take me a little while to find - I made a mistake navigating and there are few signs to tell you where the entrance is (there is one at a closed gate).

I was pleasantly surprised. I had heard a couple of different reports about the rutting in the road but I didn't think it was very bad at all. The variety in entrances and parking places more than made up for it IMHO.

New ARC Website look, Activities Finder

Search for activities

The ARC have just launched a new look for their website. It now includes an activities finder. You can now click on the horse riding link and it will list all the parks which allow horse riding. I am following up on a few as some still appear a bit misleading, but this looks like a great improvement on what has been available up till now. The park pages themselves are also greatly improved, with better descriptions, icons, maps and more information on a single page.

Update on CHCH Horse Riding Areas

In a previous post about CHCH riding, I mentioned the 'Cashmere Spur And Bowenvale Valley Reserves Management Plan, July 1991'. I finally received a response to my query about this area ...

"I have found out from the Greenspace Unit that the horse tracks through the Victoria Park/Bowenvale area were not developed and the feasibility of developing these now is remote due to the changed nature of recreation in that area. Some riders use the Huntsbury track from the end of huntsbury road to the summit road although its multi use so other traffic should be expected however the track is closed for lambing at the moment." - CCC Customer Services 2007

So CHCH people, get onto your local councillors and give them a hard time about this. If you don't constantly keep at these people they will let things drop. I would love to hear from any locals about the " changed nature of recreation in that area". Do they mean they finally ignored people for so long that riders gave up? ;)

Totara Park

Took a drive out to Totara Park, in Manukau to see what its like. Bigger than I initially thought, there seem to be 3 main entrances to this park. I have photographed the 2 used for horses. One is the public parking area, with entrance to the bridlepath and the other is Totara Park Equestrian Centre.

Totara Park

Pae O Te Rangi, Waitakere Ranges

Visited Pae O Te Rangi, at long last. Wasn't actually as far out into the wilderness as I thought. Interestingly, the ARC call centre don't know where it is ...

Anyway, have started adding all the information to the new website (click on the heading link) and have created a new photo album for it. This would make a really nice farm ride (day outing) if only the ARC didn't have such a ridiculous policy about using it - you have a have a key to get in the gate and they expect you to pay a $250 bond for that! Even the able-bodied are not particularly welcome at this park! Anyone with even a slight disability would have trouble slipping through the gap to get in.

Pae O Te Rangi

Improvements to WFEP

New tie-rails have been added all around the parking area to allow for more vehicles (so we don't have to park so far apart with horses tied in-between).

The washdown area has been improved with a truckload of sand dumped over the base metal. There's some new tie-rails there too.

New Website underway - Bridleways Auckland

I've now started working on a website to hold information on Riding in Auckland Region. I hope that editors from around the country will be come forward to help put together similar pages for other regions.

http://bridleways.googlepages.com/home

Sanders Reserve

Thought I'd post a map of Sanders Reserve, this is the new equestrian park (to be) that will be built by the North Shore City Council. It'll be shared mountain biking, horse riding and dog walking but hopefully they will manage the margins of these areas well to avoid conflicts.

You can get more information from the plan on the NSCC website http://www.northshorecity.govt.nz/pdfs/parks/sanders-reserve/sanders-reserve-draft-development-plan.pdf


View Larger Map