Vandals hit conservation fence on Coromandel

The fence was a promotion for a bigger barrier across the peninsula.

A fence has been vandalised as tensions erupt in a remote community over a plan to create a giant conservation zone.

The 12m section of pest-proof fence just north of Colville was put up by the Moehau Environmental Group (Meg) to promote the idea of building a giant 2m-high, predator-proof barrier 8km across the Coromandel Peninsula from Colville Bay to Waikawau Bay at a cost of at least $1.5 million.

To the north is 8000ha of rugged country with some of the country's most endangered species, one of the country's most successful kiwi zones at Mt Moehau and dense forest.

Meg spokeswoman Lettecia Williams said the vandalism was sparked by scaremongering from opponents of the project, who were telling residents their rates would go up and they would not be able to keep pets.

"It's just nonsense but it's emotive," she said. "There's not enough people living up here to look at new rates or a levy.

"We would encourage summer holidaymakers to put dogs through kiwi aversion training but we are not saying you can't bring your dogs or anything like that."

The upper peninsula is popular with campers, boaties and pig hunters.

Ms Williams said no gates would be installed to keep visitors out and pigs were not being targeted as a pest species. Instead, locals and visitors would be encouraged to help make the project a success.

But Port Charles resident Reihana Robinson, who is a member of Meg and the Upper Coromandel Landcare Association, said she had 40 signatures opposing the plan, representing 80 per cent of affected landowners. Onerous restrictions on what people could do within the zone were likely once the fence was up.

Meg was avoiding the issue of pigs because it was "political suicide".

"It is reasonable to be concerned that down the track wild pigs would be eradicated as they have been in other such zones."

Her landcare group had denounced the vandalism, but the display fence was a "monstrous advertisement" for a project that wasn't feasible. "Farmers are saying this is taking their land by stealth. There is a groundswell of serious opposition."

Residents were also worried 1080 poison would be used to eradicate pests north of the fence.

Ms Williams said 25 out of 27 landowners had agreed the fence could be put up on their land, and 1080 would not be used without landowner their consent.

ANIMALS IN ZONE

* A large population of kiwi, thought to number at least 500.

* Critically endangered brown teal, or pateke.

* Endangered land snails, Archey's frog.