Celebrating the Copland Valley
To celebrate Conservation Week 2010: Love New Zealand Arohaina i a Aotearoa, the Department of Conservation had a special weekend up the Copland Valley in early October 2010. Visitors were offered a once in a lifetime chance to fly into Welcome Flat Hut, and hear presentations on the history, geology, flora and fauna in the area. The weekend was hugely successful; eleven people took the opportunity to fly in, and a number of people already at the hut attended the talks. It was a full house, with thirty one people staying in the hut, and twenty five people camping.
Sally Jackson, a Ranger from the Department of Conservation -South Westland Weheka Area Office, took the group on a historic tour of the Welcome Flat Hut site. She introduced everyone to the Welcome Flat Hut, the airstrip campsite, bivouac rock, and the hot pools.
Jane Marshall, a botanist from the Department of Conservation- West Coast Conservancy gave an animated presentation on the unique characteristics of the vegetation and wildlife in the Copland Valley. The mixed podocarp forest, possum free fuchsia, the weka colony, and whio/ blue ducks were all highlighted during her talk.
Waikohatu Scott said a karakia to welcome Terry Scott. His presentation was on the cultural ties between the people of Te Runga Makaawhio and the Copland Valley. Terry has conducted extensive research into the history of the area, and he can trace his ancestry back to Te Koeti the last of the great battle chiefs. He is also the grandson of George Bannister, the first Mori to summit Mt Cook Aoraki.
The rest of the weekend was spent soaking in the hot pools and exploring the Upper Valley, before the group either flew or walked out on Sunday. Emma Rudd, the Community Relations Ranger who organised the event, said "it was lovely to hear the laughter in the hot pools, and see people enjoying this amazing area...people who would not have otherwise made it, were able to fly in just this once." She also added "I think we set a high standard, and we will have to think hard to come up with an even better event for next year's Conservation Week!"