Public the losers if military base grows - local

A high country station owner is joining the chorus of concern against proposals to expand the Tekapo military base.

Glenmore Station's Jim Murray said the New Zealand Defence Force's plans to acquire 8000 of the 13,000 hectares of Braemar Station for military activities would disturb his own livelihood.

"Glenmore Station borders Braemar Station, so I have a number of issues with the proposal," he said.

"There is potential for stock disturbance during times of live firing, as they would not be used to these noises. There is also the possibility that the capital value of our asset will decrease with military activities right next door."

Braemar Station, a high country run between Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, is undergoing tenure review. The NZDF runs the base near the station, but plans to acquire more land.

Mr Murray said he was concerned the public would not get the access they deserved.

"It is the public who will be the major losers. The NZDF are not good farmers, because farming requires management of the land. We are not talking about ownership for the next five years, but for the next 105 years and beyond."

Last week, NZDF told the Herald that it supported public access "subject to conditions relating to health and safety matters" but Mr Murray was sceptical that the defence force would keep its promise.

"The public of New Zealand are not being made aware of the implications. The area is already very popular for fishing near Fork Stream, while hunters will not be able to access parts during military activities."

The application for tenure review has received more than 20 submissions, several wary of increased NZDF involvement. Forest and Bird wanted NZDF to release all information about future exercises, while Christchurch Tramping Club secretary Jenny Harlow said no-one knew whether NZDF required the region for 10 days or 10 months within the year.

Several recreation groups submitted against NZDF's proposal to acquire more land on the grounds that they were not given enough information about its activities.

Duncan Mackenzie, of Braemar Station, has expressed his concern, although he acknowledged the issue was "out of his hands".

"I have a lot of respect and understanding for what Mr Mackenzie is doing, and his involvement in the tenure review," Mr Murray said.

"But the public must be made aware of what is going on."

Land Information NZ is due to release a second proposal on August 20.