An invitation to the high country landscape

Abstract

Receiving and accepting an invitation to this party is simple but the accessibility of the venue is a complex matter. It is the concept of accessibility which is crucial to this dissertation. How accessible is the landscape? Looking at it in both figurative and literal ways, access refers to certain legal rights of approach or entry to land. It also refers to the degree to which these rights may be enacted at a certain time, place and for a certain duration. Although legal rights play an important part, it is more the broad interplay of social, cultural, ethical and economic factors which determine the extent of 'accessibility' and hence the relationship between people and the resource (see Figure 1). ''The reasons why someone or something may be 'inaccessible' or 'difficult to get at' may be quite varied. An aloof boss may be located in the next room and yet be inaccessible because of the bureaucratic paraphernalia with which he surrounds himself. A well paid job, a pretty girl, or a desirable residence may each be located only five minutes away and yet be effectively inaccessible because one's inadequate skills, social talents or income effectively place them out of bounds." (Morsley, quoted by Cloke, 1985). At present New Zealand is at a crucial stage in its development as a nation. We have a history of exploitation of the landscape based on our colonial origins and now as we question our traditional role as a primary producer, we are searching for our identity as Aotearoa. But in this searching a great deal of uncertainty and questioning has arisen about our relationship to the New Zealand landscape. Many of our old values and attitudes are coming under scrutiny, causing conflict, as there is a growing awareness of the multiple values of the land. As I write this the Ngai Tahu tribe are presenting evidence at the Waitangi Tribunal for grievances associated with the south island high country, the government is preparing the implementation of the second draft of the Resource Management Law Reform (RMLR) as well as a new Land Act. At the same time the Hill and High Country conference is assessing the increased demands on high country land. Land, in New Zealand and globally, is subject to increasing demands. Population growth has meant increased pressure, economically, socially and ethically with demands ranging from recreation, farming, hydropower, industrialisation, conservation, urbanisation and so the list goes on. As the population grows and urbanisation moves with it, so the amount of land belonging to the individual decreases with standard sections being reduced from the half-acre to the quarter-acre section and even smaller with cross-leasing and further subdivision. Consequently the demand for the common landscape increases and so the importance of accessibility of the the landscape grows. This concept of accessibility might be considered impractical or elitist by some. Landscape values are difficult to measure. One must consider ecological, ethical and economic values, not solely values in financial terms. values, such as these, that are difficult to measure are a problem in a society governed by pragmatism: where everything should be quantifiable, where every institution can be readily defined and its worth expressed easily in dollars and cents. Despite this prevailing view that what is affordable is this society's bottom line, nevertheless less tangible values must not be forgotten. The purpose of this dissertation is to take a philosophical look at the concept of access to our high country landscape. It is a landscape of major conflicts and uncertainty. The future of this land is undecided, and is presently in a state of flux between development and modification away from the natural, and conservation and modification towards the semi-natural. The issues involved are far-ranging, but within the limits of this dissertation it has been impossible to do justice to them all. They have served as a backdrop to illustrate the complexity of people's attitudes and values to the land. It is in no way a complete analysis of the situation, but merely a precursor to an area which needs a great deal of research. It is hoped this dissertation will contribute towards the awakening of our consciousness in regard to our relationship with the land.