Department of Conservation (DOC) Statutory Land Management Manager David Griffin has acknowledged his organisation failed to meet statutory timeframes which has held back the final piece to the Roxburgh Gorge Cycle Trail.

In an email to The Central App, David says “DOC acknowledges we did not meet the statutory timeframes to enable the Trust to pursue this avenue for the construction of the cycle trail.”

Yesterday, The Central App reported Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network Trust chairman Stephen Jeffery had written to the Minister of Conservation outlining his concerns.

Central Otago Recreational Users Forum Chairman Joe Sherriff also labelled the Department of Conservation “Incompetent” and claimed the organisation was obstructing a vital link in the National Cycle Trail network. 

Stephen says the Trails trustees are “extremely frustrated that having been informed that a 150 metre marginal strip had been laid off to subsequently be informed that it had been withdrawn”.

“I wrote to the previous Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage expressing my absolute frustration with the DOC not meeting a statutory reporting timeline that ultimately led to the removal of a 150 metre marginal strip,” Stephen says. 

“More recently I have written to the new Minister of Conservation outlining my concerns as expressed above. To date I have not had a reply from the Minister other than the usual auto reply.

“I would like to receive a reply from the Minister of Conservation before making any further comments.”

The Minister has so far not replied. 

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In a reply to The Central App’s queries, DOC’s David Griffin says his organisation has conducted a review. 

“We’ve reviewed our processes to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” David says. “This means streamlining our internal processes, and working closely with LINZ to ensure we can properly assess large lease areas such as this in a timely way, in the time frames available. 

“While there is no legislative basis for DOC to change the marginal strip outcome, the Trust may have other options to work through. 

“We recognise this is not the outcome the Trust had hoped for, and acknowledge their frustrations. 

“Cycleways are a great way for people to get out in nature, and provide boosts to regional tourism.” 

The Department of Conservation has acknowledged their failure to meet statutory timeframes which has caused an unfinished piece to the Roxburgh Gorge Cycle Trail to remain unfinished for the time being, which some say could prove costly to stakeholders. Image contributed. 

Joe Sherriff, in reply to DOC’s response, said “David Griffin’s response is understandable from his perspective, it is totally unsatisfactory”. 

“This was not a “Large Lease area”, only a tiny part of the particular Crown Pastoral Leases. 

“The renewal date was known to all parties many years in advance and it is inexcusable that DoC missed it. 

“Despite Mr Griffin’s assurances I am absolutely sure that this scenario will be repeated elsewhere. 

“Even if that doesn’t happen it is of no consolation to the Trail Trusts and the cycling public. 

Joe said, as far as he could see options would be very limited and potentially very expensive to the Trust. 

“While the landholders’ stance may appear very unreasonable, they have not actually done anything wrong, as far as I can make out. 

“My own view is that LINZ and DOC should not only acknowledge that between them they have totally stuffed up, but start negotiating with the landholders to arrive at a reasonable price for the trail to go through. 

“This cost should come from Crown Lands and/or DOC.

“Mr Griffin should look into the DOC coffers and get behind his statement  “Cycleways are a great way for people to get out in nature, and provide boosts to regional tourism”.