Lake ice-skating ban 'could end in tragedy'

Ice skating officials claim a landowner's decision to exclude them from a popular Canterbury lake controlled by the Department of Conservation could result in tragedy.

Lake Ida, in the Canterbury high country, has been a popular ice-skating lake for more than 50 years and is the region's main site for ice racing over 200m and 400m.

Until this year the Lake Ida Winter Sports Association operated a lodge next to the lake during winter, checked ice thickness, oversaw safety, and charged skaters for the use of its facilities.

But this winter some members have been served trespass notices by the owner of Ryton Station, which surrounds the lake, controlled by the department.

A lawyer for Ryton Station, David Goodman, said the station was exercising its legal right as the land's owners.

"There is no legal right, or right of way, for anyone to be there," Mr Goodman said.

Association member Kelvin Nicolle, a Canterbury ice-racing referee, said he was appalled when he was issued with a trespass notice last Saturday banning him from the lake.

Mr Nicolle said the ban meant there was little or no supervision of skaters at the lake and nothing was done to keep people away from dangerous areas.

Wafer-thin ice covered part of the lake and at least one skater had put a leg through the crust this week.

"We don't know why they have banned us, but they have produced some very nice touristy-type brochures that mention ice-skating.

"Our lodge ... would make a great base for a tourist operation."

- NZPA