Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Forming tracks - A5150694

Following changes to the Crown Pastoral Land Act that took effect on 17 November 2022, Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand now publishes summaries of decisions on applications for consent to undertake activities on Crown pastoral land, on behalf of the Commissioner of Crown Lands. The new requirement is outlined in s22D of the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998.

For this decision summary:

• LINZ received the application before 17 November 2022
• the decision was made under the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 before the amendments taking effect on 17 November 2022.

Forming tracks

10 years (including maintenance rights)

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that allowing the lessee to form tracks will improve access for maintenance, stock and pasture management, and ground control of pests and particularly weeds such as gorse and broom, making it easier to use the land concerned for farming purposes. 

The conditions recommended will promote good management practice and mitigate effects on landscape and inherent values identified in the area.

Consent is granted to form tracks up to 4m in width (including batters and spill) on or near the dashed blue lines on the plans attached, subject to the following conditions:

1. The lessee may determine the exact location of the track where it crosses the area outlined in blue and labelled “Track formation area” on the plans. It is to comprise a single track taking the most direct route which is the least visible from Lake Sumner Road.
2. Disturbance of the following is to be avoided or kept to the absolute minimum required (if safe and practical to do so): 
   • mature shrublands and riparian indigenous vegetation
   • waterways and wetlands, and
   • rocklands.
3. Unstable and erosion-prone areas are to be avoided.
4. No additional material should be deposited into waterways other than rocks. Any stream works including culverts should be carried out and maintained in a way that protects fish passage.
5. Cuts are to be kept to the absolute minimum, particularly in areas visible from Lake Sumner Rd. Where necessary, uphill batters are to be sloped off or struck back to minimise slumping and allow re-grassing.
6. Where necessary, tracks are to be sloped in towards the bank and a water table constructed to provide free drainage of water to safe disposal via culverts and/or frequent cut-offs.
7. Culverts should not be used where there is a significant risk of wash-out. If necessary, they should be of a suitable size for the waterway and not perched, to maintain fish passage.
8. Disturbed soil is to be re-seeded and topdressed with a certified weed and impurities-free permanent pasture mix as soon as possible after completion of the activity.
9. Tracks must be maintained and kept clear of debris that could impede drainage.
10. Any contractor machinery and vehicles are to be steam cleaned prior to entry to the property to minimise the possibility of weed infestation. Any fuel and oil storage facilities are to be sited to eliminate the possibility of a leak or spill into any waterways.
11. The lessee must ensure any contractor operates under the conditions of this consent.

Section 17 Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 provides that permission to undertake the activity may still be needed under other enactments.