Te Waiotukapiti hut in Te Urewera. This particular hut was given historic status within the Department of Conservation. Photo: Supplied / Pete Shaw
The High Court has ordered an immediate halt to pulling down a network of huts throughout Te Urewera.
Stuff broke news this morning but the judgment of Justice Mark Woolford in the High Court at Rotorua has just been released in full.
The ruling comes after a growing row over the huts.
The Tūhoe settlement entity, Te Uru Taumatua, plans to dismantle 48 huts which it says are derelict, though it said many would be replaced, and until then, some temporary shelters would be put in place.
But Wharenui Clyde, who is also Tūhoe, has gone to the High Court to stop the programme saying he is concerned about the loss of access to Te Urewera for he and his whanau "to use the huts as a base for food gathering, recreational and cultural purposes".
He said authorities had not taken into account the culture and heritage of the huts, and failed to consult on their plan.
He was backed in his application by a conservationist and former manager of Te Urewera Mainland Island project Peter Shaw, who said he was worried that there would be reduced public access to the area if the huts were removed.
Justice Woolford granted the injunction saying there needed to be a hearing on the issues and ordered demolition to stop.
Nga-Tapuwae O Taneatua Tramping Club president Peter Askey told Checkpoint 29 of the 56 huts had been burnt already.
There had been "disbelief" at the decision to burn down the huts and he said his group was never consulted.
"We were very much blindsided. [We are] disappointed obviously as a major recreational user in Te Urewera."
In the past, his group had offered to help with huts if any work was ever needed on themm, he said.
Askey said he hoped it did not rain over the summer holidays as the huts were often used by trampers as a back-up.
"The huts are very important for travellers and trampers, hunters, as a contingency, as a back-up.
"If there is an injury in the party, then there's a hut available.
"For anyone who has spent three days slogging through the wet bush and wading through rivers, having a hut to retire to at the end of the day is pretty good."
