I Think that should leave alone the Kaimanawa horses there just as native as the Kiwi so what and they not a problem for the desrert road you can not even see them any more and there under rare horses so doc should leave them alone

I'm yet to be convinced that wild horses are any different from possums, ferrets and other introduced noxious animals when it comes to a negative impact on NZ's native biodiversity, apart from being more capable of having human emotions projected onto them. The "its jsut a few plants" argument shows a lack of understanding of the concept of biodiversity and its importance.

What's even worse is "It is considered to be the minimum effective population.". Right, so they think it will be? So when they round up all the others they can't guarantee this population will be okay? If a few years down the track the numbers start dropping, because it turns out it wasn't the minimum effective population, that will be terrible. Destroying this wild herd for the sake of a plant. No, the horses aren't native, but they have been here long enough to be part of us. Like, for example, kiwifruit. They didn't originate here, but NZ got them, grew them, and now we consider them to be a part of New Zealand.

@ #4. They may be introduced, but they have a right to be here now. They came to New Zealand, got into the wild, and have now proven they can survive in NZ's desert. Most people have driven through the Desert Rd, and it's not exactly the most appealing place ever. It's cold and miserable on most days, and the land is not fertile at all. Yet these horses manage to survive.

They are there. I always look, but never manage to see, but some people are lucky enough to catch a glimpse.

Whilst I am all for supporting DOC, their stance on the Kaimanawas is crazy. Muster up lots of horses (and kill some of them), to save a plant?

To #6 & #7 its not "bollocks". I have travelled thru Desert Road area for 36yrs and have been fortunate to see these amazing animals. They are there but you just need to know where to look and depends on the time you go thru. No they arent standing by the side of the road as you gotta realise they are wild and scared of humans - but there are there. Once we even came across one dead and the army were "clearing the area". I also know several soldiers who are/have been stationed at Waiouru and they have stories to tell of times they have come across the horses - all along Desert Road. Its like winning lotto - some do - some dont.

I agree Emily. I have never seen one of these horses, nor spoken to anyone who has ever seen one, and I've been regularly travelling the Desert Road area for 50 years! And I've looked hard! I think it's bollocks.

I have NEVER seen a horse in the 28 years I have driven through the Desert Road area. They are so far from the road they would never be a issue to anyone. The army have plenty of land up there to blow up why are they such an issue?? They say it's to protect native plants, tussock grass is hardly a plant that needs to be protected, as long as there are volcanoes in the area it's always going to be there. . I think DOC do a fantastic job in protecting our native birds etc and getting rid of pests in sanctuaries across the country, but I think their attitude towards the horses stinks. They are not native to NZ but been here longer than anyone in NZ right at the present moment. If you think the horses are a pest they need their head read. Why can't we just let them be free and wild instead of trying to kill everything because it boosts our ego. Very sad that DOC has to be so cruel.

#4 You truly have no idea! You say these horses are an introduced species - are you? Can you truly say you are native to NZ? Killing elegant/graceful creatures all for the sake of a few plants. Not one person is stating these horses should stay because they are "cute". You need to look at the facts - they have been for here for over 100yrs and they deserve to call this place home instead of been mustered on a yearly basis and culled. How would you like your family moved all for the sake of some plants? If you acutally took a look at what was involved in the annual muster you will see what really happens - it aint no My Little Pony Story. The terror in their eyes when they are seperated from their families and all they know, to be trucked off to strange places, never seeing each other again. Humans wouldnt allow it to happen to other humans so why stand back and allow it to happen to them. Also yes I have seen the Kaimanawas while travelling along Desert Rd and no I havent had to "trespass". Kia Kaha great Kaimanawas!!

Luke your ignorence is truely breath taking, do you not think that the Army has been life firing and conducting intensive land use there since just after World War One and hey presto they still manage to sustain the land and all the myriad of flora and fauna that are present, how can that be if they just blow everything up, do you not for a moment think that minds greater than yours actually manage the land and that the Army have been awarded many commendations on the way that the land is managed, they spend a small fortune on controlling introduced weeds such as pinus contorta, nodding thistle and wild heather, all introduced from the good old Country, as for the horses, I defy anyone that has seen a horse from the Desert Road, let me see the photo, there are none to be seen, the only way to see a horse is to trespass on the Defence land or the adjoining blocks further in from the Desert Road, sure the ponies may be trainable and cute and all that, but they are still an introduced species that has no right to be there, do you bitch and moan about trapping feral cats, no I didnt think so.

it's on a firing range. the plants are gonna get blown up anyway. waste of time

I totally agree with you Sarah. Its beyond believe that Doc are determined to kill off these great creatures all for the sake of a few plants. Its absurd. I have been showing for over 20 years (ShowJumping) & have got to know alot of amazing Kaimanawas. They are truly the most versatile horse - eager to please and great to train. I just cant understand how their lives can be determined by a bunch of "greenies" who are determined to destroy everything around them. Aren'nt they meant to be saving the planet? But instead are killing everything off with a heartbeat all for the sake of having their own way. The horses have been here alot longer than all of us and have been through alot only to be wiped out by a few careless/souless individuals. It really dont make sense.