A Brief Annotated Listing of .Karst Features and Caves in National Parks. Reserves, State Forest Parks. Ecological Areas, and State Forests

The following listing of karst features and caves in National Parks, Scenic Reserves, State Forest Parks, Ecological Areas, and State Forests based on the Register of Protected Natural Areas in New Zealand (Lands and Survey. 1984); the New Zealand Speleological Bulletin; Caves - The Cave and Karst Resource of New Zealand (Wilde, 1981a) Karst, Caves and Caving - North-West Nelson (Millar and Rautjoki 1984); Scenic Reserves of the Waitomo Area Management Plan (Lands and Survey 1984); personal communications; and the personal knowledge of the author.

The Listing is probably the most definitive to date, but more physical and biological data is required to establish what types of karst, karst features, karst ecosystems and caves are represented and whether they are representative in terms of Ecological Regions and Districts. The author takes complete responsibility for any omissions or mistakes in the list.

The areas are shown by Land Districts (Lands and Survey) and Conservancies (New Zealand Forest service); and by Ecological Regions and Districts. (Protected Natural Area System).
 

Eg: NORTH ISLAND	(= Land District Conservancy)
Western Northland	(= Ecological Region)
Tangihua	(= Ecological District)
	(SR Scenic Reserve)
	(ScR = Scientific Reserve)
	(NR Nature Reserve)
	(QEII = Queen Elizabeth II National Trust)
	(CC Conservation Covenant)
	(PPL = Private Protected Land)
	(EA = Ecological Area)
	(NP = National Park)
	(SFP = State Forest Park)
	(SF = State Forest - No Protective Status)

 

.

3 STATE FOREST PARKS:
 

4 ECOLOGICAL AREAS:
 

5 STATE FORESTS: (NO PROTECTIVE STATUS)
 

NUMBER OF PROTECTED NATURAL AREAS CONTAINING KARST/MARBLE/LIMESTONE(CAVES ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY AND THE NEW ZEALAND FOREST SERVICE:
 

NB: A total of 8 State forests which have no protective status contain karst areas and caves.

The New Zealand Speleological Society believes:

(a) that caves and karst areas have unique ecological, scientific, recreational, scenic and cultural values;
(b) that these values are sometimes endangered and compromised by careless and intentional vandalism and extractive industries such as mining, quarrying and logging and by inappropriate development and utilisation;
(c) that once these values have gone they cannot be recovered; 
and
(d) that responsibility for conserving and protecting cave and karst areas must be assumed by those who scientifically study them, and those that pursue recreational opportunities in them.

The Society supports the view that 'conservation' is the wise, balanced and sustained use of our natural resources. It 
therefore believes that a responsible approach should be taken to the protection and Conservation; and development and utilisation of New Zealand's cave and karst resource. 'Preservation' is regarded by the Society as a legitimate use of
natural resources. Preservation is the most extreme method of conserving natural resources in which the objective may imply minimal impact or non-use of caves and karst areas.

Accordingly, the intention of the Society is to work not only for the pursuit of recreation and scientific study in caves, but also for the conservation and preservation of our caves and karst areas. To these ends policies are supported that encourage conservation awareness among Society members and other cave users; promote education and research concerning conservation and preservation leading to the prevention of damage to caves and karst areas; 
and encourage Co-operation with other groups similarly dedicated to the conservation of natural environments.

The Society encourages the legitimate scientific study of caves and karst and the use of such studies to conserve and preserve, and to appropriately develop and utilise New Zealand's cave and karst resources. The Society Supports the use of such knowledge to create awareness among the public, corporate bodies and government agencies of the unique values of our caves and karst areas.

The Society supports and encourages projects by individuals, organisation and government agencies to protect caves and karst areas in consultation with the Society; opposes the sale of speleothems; encourages the monitoring of user impacts; Supports effective protective measures and the cleaning and restoring of over used caves. Reference: NSS Policy for Cave Conservation ASF Newsletter No 92, 1981

Policy prepared by Kevan A Wilde (NZSS) and ratified by the Council of the New Zealand Speological Society at Wellington, 30 March 1985.

The Society expects that the following code will help to guide the actions of New Zealand Speological Society Groups,. Clubs and individual members; and promote an ethical approach to caving by other cave users.

CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF CAVES
1 We will take care. to avoid destruction or disfiguration of  cave decorations (speleothems), and any other natural feature of caves

2 In sensitive areas tracks will be rigidly adhered to, and where applicable route markers followed.

3 During exploration sensitive areas will be taped off and routes will be marked for future use.

4 We will not disfigure caves by unnecessary markings. Survey marks will be small and inconspicuous.

5 In areas of clean flowstone floors, muddy clothing's or boots will be removed.

6 We will not leave rubbish in caves; our own or other peoples. Flash-bulbs, batteries, wrappings and other refuse must be carried out of the cave.

7 We will carry spent carbide out of the cave and whenever possible encourage the use of battery operated lights.

8 We will where practicable discourage camping in caves.

9 Under usual circumstances we will discourage the practice of urinating or leaving faeces in caves.
Where there is no alternative to underground camps faeces where practical will be removed from the cave.

11 When carrying out water tracing experiments in karst areas only those trace agents which present no danger to the cave, flora or fauna will be used.

12 We will insure that water supplies are not adversely affected by tracing agents and before carrying out experiments we will obtain water rights from the applicable catchment authority.

13 We will not construct a gate in a cave without an accompanying sign explaining the reason for restricting access and the circumstances under which authorised visits are possible.

14 We will not construct a gate or barrier in a cave without first obtaining approval of Council, and the land owner: or 
administering authority.

6 We will not conduct any substantial dig, or use explosives on the surface or underground without the permission of the landowner (or administering authority). We will make secure or cover any hole which has occurred as a result.

7 We will not be accompanied by a dog, or carry a firearm without the prior consent of the landowner (or administering  authority).

8 We will always have available a current Society membership card to produce to the landowner (or administering authority) when necessary.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

1 We will obtain permission from the managing authority before entering a tourist cave; and will treat guides and other officials courteously.

2 We will when visiting the area of another group or club co-operate and liaise with that group/club.

PUBLISHING INFORMATION

1 We will be discreet in disseminating information that might endanger caves or karst areas. In particular we should not
broadcast the location of entrances or routes.

2 We will not publish, or draw media attention to scientifically, ecologically or physically sensitive caves or karst areas
without prior consultation with Council.

3 We will in reporting our work, Particularly to the media avoid and discourage sensationalism, exaggeration and unwarranted statements.

4 We will, in Publishing our work, take particular care to acknowledge other people's contributions to the work involved, either as clubs, groups or individuals published work, personal communications or whatever.

Reference: Ethics of the Australian Speleological Federation ASF Newsletter No 92, 1981

Ethical guidelines prepared by Kevan A Wilde (NZSS) and ratified by the Council of the New Zealand Speleological Society at Wellington, 30 March 1985