Molesworth incidents

The Department of Conservation is considering taking further legal action against two groups of people who allegedly forced entry on to the Molesworth Station recently.

The access road to the station closed in March for farming activities after being open to visitors for the summer.

DOC South Marlborough Area manager Dave Hayes said in the first incident, several people in a car damaged gates and fences as they broke onto the land. The car rolled and people were injured.

In the second incident, fences were tampered with, stock were moved, buildings were entered and food was taken, Mr Hayes said.

It is understood three men who were horse-trekking through Marlborough in a round trip from Murchison were responsible for the second round of damage, after Molesworth Station manager Jim Ward said men took over the Tarndale muster quarters without permission.

He said the men were allowed through to St James station and on to Rainbow.

The next time Mr Ward heard from them, they had gone through a locked gate and were in the Tarndale mustering quarters.

The police issued the men with warnings for unlawfully being on the property and in a building and confiscated a .22 rifle. The men had since moved off the property.

Mr Hayes said people who forced entry into the Molesworth jeopardised the health and animals on the farm and put people's safety at risk.

"Molesworth is considered by many to be a national treasure and it is important that a few inconsiderate people be not allowed to spoil the opportunities for so many others."

- The Marlborough Express