Discretionary pastoral activity decision for Mt Hutt - Tracking - A5554050

For this decision summary:

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

Tracking

10 years

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that inherent values present are minimal and on balance it is considered that making it easier to use the land concerned for farming purposes and protecting inherent values can be achieved by implementing good management practises in track construction. The formation of tracks is needed to implement the irrigation and hydroelectric scheme. This scheme will have benefits for farming including the ability to provide all year-round quality feed for stock, and the ability for the pastoral lease to generate its own hydroelectricity reducing costs and making the station more efficient. Conditions imposed on the consent will mitigate the identified risks associated with the activities.

Consent is granted for tracking, subject to the following conditions:

1. Tracks up to a maximum of 4m wide, including any spill and batters, may be formed along the red lines on the plans attached. Any existing track formation works are to be utilised for the new tracks.
2. The small indigenous shrubland shown outlined in light blue on the plans is not to be cleared or impacted by the track formation.
3. Track formation works are to be kept to a minimum to reduce visibility in the landscape and loss of vegetation that could cause erosion. 
4. Track formation works within waterways is to be kept to the absolute minimum to reduce sediment and contaminants entering the water, and if possible be undertaken when the waterway is dry. 
5. Any metal or gravel used for the tracks shall be obtained from a nearby source that is free from any weed species including broom, gorse, lupin and false tamerisk. 
6. Any uphill batters are to be sloped off or struck back to minimise slumping and allow re-grassing. 
7. If applicable, the tracks are to be sloped at approximately 3-4cm per metre (2 degrees) in towards any banks, and a water table constructed to provide free drainage of water to safe disposal via culverts and/or frequent cut-offs.
8. Any drainage culverts and/or cut-offs are to be constructed with adequate protection at the inlet and outlet to prevent erosion. Run-off transfer should be to an area where any sediment can settle or be filtered by vegetation before it reaches a waterway. 
9. Disturbed soil is to be re-seeded with a certified weed and impurities-free permanent pasture mix as soon as possible after completion of the activity, with the exception of soil disturbed within 5m of a waterway which should be left to revegetate naturally.
10. Tracks must be maintained and kept clear of debris that could impede drainage. 
11. Any contractor machinery and vehicles are to be steam cleaned prior to entry to the lease 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 water ways. 
12.  The lessee is responsible for ensuring any contractor operates under the conditions of this consent. 
13. Consent to form tracks includes a consent to undertake ongoing maintenance of tracks formed pursuant to the consent under section 16(3)(d) Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998, subject to the consent conditions specified.

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