Fishing News index> October 2008

Karamea Hut Update

Negotiations by Fish and Game and others with the Department of Conservation regarding their hut replacement programme in the Karamea Catchment has been successful. The Department of Conservation’s original proposal was to upgrade the Crow and Thor Huts and remove the Venus Hut. As most of the angling opportunities occur downstream of the Thor hut and given the ideal location of the Venus Hut from an angling perspective, Fish and Game were keen to see Venus Hut retained. After concerns were raised regarding the removal of Venus Hut.  DoC then proposed to retain a hut at the Venus Hut location but remove Thor Hut and built an emergency shelter adjoining Kendall Creek.  In an attempt to retain Thor Hut, Fish and Game contemplated taking on a contract with DoC to maintain Thor Hut, but the deal was dependant on sponsorship. After negotiations however DoC have agreed to retain Thor Hut under a minimal maintenance regime. 

Although the Karamea Catchment is administrated by West Coast Fish and Game Region, the majority of angler use in the catchment is by anglers from the Nelson/Marlborough Region. As a result, although West Coast Fish and Game staff have been directly involved in negotiating with DoC, it has been a joint effort by both regions to get the best outcome for all F&G licence holders.  As a result of negotiations, DoC now proposed the following:

CROW HUT
To replace the existing six bunk Crow Hut with a 12 bunk facility on the same site. Construction work is to begin in early October, with the old hut closed for six weeks while the new hut is being built.  No public accommodation will be available during the construction period.

VENUS HUT
Instead of removing Venus Hut as originally planned, DoC have agreed to retain a hut for anglers, trampers and hunters at the Venus location, although the existing Venus Hut will be replaced with a new 12 bunk hut. Venus Hut is to be closed and decommissioned in late September. The site is to be levelled and a temporary two person bivy placed on the site until building commences on the replacement hut, which is due to begin in early November.  No accommodation will be available for the public during the construction period that is anticipated to take six weeks to complete.

THOR HUT
Thor Hut is to be retained, although requires some minor upgrade work, which is scheduled to be carried out in March.

For more information regarding the Karamea Hut upgrades contact the DoC, Motueka Area Office.

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