Illegal grazing costs farmer

The vegetation before grazing and following the grazing.

A Central Hawke's Bay farmer was prosecuted by the Department of Conservation after cutting boundary fences and allowing his stock to graze on reserve land.

The man was given diversion but had to make a "sizeable donation" to a conservation group in Hawke's Bay, DoC Conservation Services manager Dave Carlton, said.

Charges were laid after it was determined the farmer deliberately cut fences and allowed 61 cows to graze on Hiranui Scenic Reserve in May.

While DoC sympathised with those struggling to feed stock in drought conditions, they were still required to abide by the rules.

"The offence is worsened when the land is protected, in this case a scenic reserve," Mr Carlton said.

"This is a serious offence under the Reserves Act 1977."

The reserve had been protected for more than 20 years, with DoC investing in fences, on-going pest control and survey work.

Damage caused by the illegal grazing was "immeasurable", he said, and had set the reserve back by a number of years, as much of the lower vegetation was destroyed.

• People wanting advice with regard to local reserves should contact DoC on (06) 834 3111.