To Preserve & Protect Observation Rock, Stewart Island / Rakiura.
Comments
#1
I am opposed to any development at Observation Rock.Furhana Ahmad (Oban, 2022-09-10)
#3
I am signing this petition because I am opposed to any development of Observation Rock - this is a natural geographic feature and an iconic visitor site and should remain so for generations to come.SHARON PASCO (Oban, 2022-09-10)
#4
Generations of our family have holidayed at Stewart Island and enjoyed the unencumbered view from observation rock. As a rate payer and current guardian of our property on the island we should be doing all we can to preserve the natural beauty of the landscape.Neil Rout (Naseby, 2022-09-10)
#6
Leave it aloneHeather Keno (Tauranga, 2022-09-10)
#10
If it ain't broke it doesn't need fixing. Shame to alter the natural environment by such a generic boring idea.Di Amos (Paraparaumu, 2022-09-10)
#11
This will damage a natural beautiful area … stop destroying our planet one small move at a timeRhonda Whelan (Varsity Lakes, 2022-09-10)
#13
It is a natural area that doesn’t need modifications to improve the experience enjoyed by thousands of people past and presentTerence Morecraft (Gold Coast, 2022-09-10)
#14
it's a natural wonder of Aotearoa New Zealand Perfect!!!!Jimi Colville-Smith (Southland, 2022-09-10)
#15
There is no need to improve on nature in respect of Observation Rock. I am a land owner at Stewart Island.Duncan Payne (Bluff, 2022-09-10)
#16
Can’t believe you would want to change anything.Gareth Smith (Oban, 2022-09-10)
#20
I’m against the viewing platform at Observation Rock, it should be left in its natural stateNicky Field (Stewart Island, 2022-09-10)
#21
There is no way that Observation Rock should be changed to satisfy some silly people that safety is an issue here! For goodness sake, leave it alone!!!Pauleen Knowles (Rangiora, 2022-09-10)
#23
I oppose this as it takes the uniqueness away from our island. As an islander of over 7 generations, I feel violated even by the thought of any structure at Observation Rock.
Lee Waite (Stewart Island, 2022-09-10)
#24
Having been brought up Stewart Island and visited observation rock many times I'd hate to see it barricaded and ruined. Noone I know has ever fallen from there so why would you barricade it just in case.Elizabeth Croton (Chrastchurch, 2022-09-10)
#25
I believe Obsevation Rock would be spoiled if platform's and/or other structures are added. It is a safe and beautiful place as it is.Veronica Simonsen (Wellington, 2022-09-10)
#26
Observation Rock has its own natural beauty about it and certainly does not need any man made structure about it .Lee Fewster (Bluff, 2022-09-10)
#27
This will ruin Observation Rock. People, especially the elderly won’t be able to sit down and observe our beautiful view.It doesn’t fit in with our island’s natural beauty. No one wants it. People will climb on it to sit on the rail so they can watch the sunset. No one has every fallen off they way it is in living memory, if ever.
Amanda Pink (Rakiura, 2022-09-10)
#28
I want kids of future generations to enjoy Observation Rock in the same way I did when I was a young. Let’s not build unnecessary structures where none are needed.Mark Squires (Tewantin, 2022-09-10)
#32
I grew up on Rakiura and believe this type of intervention is an unnecessary intrusion in the natural wonders of this special island.Wendy Manson (Gold Coast, 2022-09-11)
#33
I grew up here and we don’t need it turning into a circus with all kinds of barrier etc ruining the beauty of it, leave it alone and let people enjoy it in its natural state.Kara Matuszewski (Nelson, 2022-09-11)
#35
Having lived on the Island and having spent all my Summer holidays as a child on in a house just down the hill from Observation Rock I believe this construction will take away the natural and special nature that makes the Observation Rock what it is. Keep it as natural as possible!Hilary Squires (HÖKERUM, 2022-09-11)
#36
I lived on Stewart Island for 15 years and led a campaign to stop Observation Rock having a viewing platform in about 1984. We didnt need it then and we certainly do not need it now.The view will be impacted by railings.
Nobody has every fallen off the Rock to my knowledge.
Spend the money on protecting the birds, eradicatiing cats or deer. Department of Tourism or Conservation?
Jenny Haydon (Dunedin, 2022-09-11)
#37
Stewart Island is one of the few places in the world that hasn’t yet fallen prey to rampant commercialism. Even though this project in itself doesn’t constitute that, it will however be a pre-cursor to more development which is not in the best interest of the Island or it’s population. Signage is pollution - the view is the view which is special! If people need to know about it have that info readily available at the DOC office. As for a viewing platform - nature has made the best one!Rhondda Bergman (Christchurch, 2022-09-11)
#41
I don't believe we need any alterations or improvements to "observation rock" on Rakiura.Always been as it is.
Leave it at it is
Dave Goodin (Oban, 2022-09-11)
#45
As a past resident of Oban, Stewart Island, I believe this DOC project absolutely detracts from the natural aesthetics of Patterson Inlet, Golden Bay and the surrounding area of Oban.Dion Grey (Northampton 6535, 2022-09-11)
#48
Nothing needs to be done at this place.Kerianne Johnson (Rangiora, 2022-09-12)
#49
I'm signing as im the great great grand daughter of Rev Wohlers and the granddaughter of Arthur Stuart Macdonald....and I consider Stewart Island my home! Observation rock needs to stay the way it has always been....its a special place ....please don't ruin itMrs NICOLA WYBROW (Perth, 2022-09-12)
#50
It is perfect the way it is .Fiona Lord (Oban, 2022-09-12)
#51
I believe in keeping the natural beauty of Observation Rock.Jacqui Haira (Tauranga, 2022-09-12)
#53
Yet another example of government departments spending vast sums of money for the sake of spending. DOC…. Have you seen how many rats are swarming around, quite often in broad daylight?? Divert the $$ into meaningful pest control!Kim Knight (Rakiura, 2022-09-12)
#54
Nature is better when left as isIan Garland (Buderim, 2022-09-12)
#56
I believe a viewing platform will detract from the Stewart Island visitor experience & a man-made viewing platform will hinder the view. There is no risk to public with the current natural viewing area because we don't get idiots visiting the island. Visitors & locals stay away from the edge because they aren't that stupid. There is no need to change anything about Observation Rock. Please don't change our beautiful island, especially for no good reason. It would be a waste of money that could otherwise be used for good.Tam Hallett (Oban, 2022-09-12)
#58
To support friends and whanu on Rakiuru.Maureen Day (Tauranga, 2022-09-12)
#60
DOC needs to leave this site alone. It is perfect the way it is. Don't ruin it with an ugly viewing platform. If this happens, its not Observation ROCK anymore is it?Mary Kapene (Bluff, 2022-09-13)
#61
I'm signing because I live on Rakiura and like everyone else love and honour its natural beauty and want to preserve this. There is nothing wrong or to fix in nature.Sol Pineda (Southland, 2022-09-13)
#67
Because I love sitting up there and soaking up the views.Leanne Shaw (Riverton, 2022-09-13)
#71
I’m signing because it is one of the best and iconic views on the island and it would be ruined if hand rail was erected there. One of the best features of observation rock is when your walking the track to it, how the view reveals it’s self. If there is a guard rail there that would be lost for ever. I believe there is no need for a fence / guard rail. As far as I know for the 50 odd years that I’ve been around there’s never been a reported accident or injure at the site so why the sudden need to fence it and ruin a beautiful natural site.Dave Osborn (Invercargill, 2022-09-13)
#72
It will completely change the natural beautiful setting to a unnatural obstructing man made doc style structure.No thank you 🙏🏻
Put that money into a fresh water reservoir for the summer dry seasons ahead or let’s keep bringing water on the ferry… …..
Pedro Bianchi (Stewart island, 2022-09-13)
#74
Observation rock should be left in its own natural beautyDon Hazlett (Arrowtotown, 2022-09-13)
#82
Stewart Island's point of difference from other tourist venues in NZ is the natural quality of its beauty. The proposed viewing platform will reduce the impact of an iconic view that has delighted thousands of people over many years, to 'just another" tourist focused attraction, similar to so many others. The concern about risk to public safety simply cannot be backed by documented records of accidents, so should not be used as an excuse to destroy the special quality of this place.As we have recently seen the effects of Climate Change in the enormous number of landslips at the top of both the North and South Islands, I also question the wisdom of any interference with the structure of Observation Rock Hill.
Beverley Osborn (Stewart Island, 2022-09-14)
#83
I object to the desecration of present site. It has worked as a visitors site for decades and is unique. The proposed work would ruin the experienceNicola Mccracken (Riverton, 2022-09-14)
#84
I want observation rock to stay the same. I don't want it spoilt by any man made structure, it would ruin such an iconic place.Kiri Pullen (Riverton, 2022-09-14)
#87
Should be left aloneTodd Meikle (Greenhills, Invercargiill, 2022-09-14)
#88
Leave Stuart Island Natural please !DARRAN RICHARDSON (tauranga, 2022-09-14)
#90
I believe that Observation Rock should remain as it is today and has been for centuries..Allan Duston (Gore., 2022-09-15)
#91
I don't believe this proposal has been sufficiently considered or the residents consulted.There are potential issues of carparking.
In Australia it is popular in National Parks to advise "your safety is our concern and your responsibility " . This should definitely apply in NZ too. Creating intrusive barriers is not promoting responsibility.
By Allen's make the area accessible but not at the expense of the ambience and view.
Sue Lovett (Oban, 2022-09-15)
#93
I’m signing because I grew up on Stewart Island & I know how special this unique view is. This should not be spoilt with an observation deck and all the ensuing damage to the track & plants in the area what will inevitably be caused by the construction. There needs to be a public consultation & also some respect to the natural environment. A warning sign not to go too close to the edge should suffice. Closure of this important viewing point would be a tragedy - even for a few months - as visitors love to see over Golden Bay & into Paterson Inlet.Anthony Mackay (London, 2022-09-15)
#95
I have spent time at observation rock many times over the past 55 years and it doesn't need any sort of mam made structure for safety. Common sense is all that is required. Leave this beautiful place as nature intendedTrish Kerr (Bluff, 2022-09-16)
#96
I am concerned about the scale of the platform, which would significantly reduce the natural character of the existing lookout, not to mention its natural charm. If safety is a motivation for it, I suggest the absence of footpaths for most of the walk to the top of Observation Rock would be a greater safety concern.Neville Peat (Dunedin, 2022-09-16)
#98
I have a deep connection to the island and this spot.Philippa Jones (New plymouth, 2022-09-17)
#100
I want Observation Rock to remain in its natural state. It is a beautiful look out area that doesn't need fencing off.Cheska Pasco (Christchurch, 2022-09-18)
#102
I love the site as it is, no need to ruin the viewMarian Moodie (Christchurch, 2022-09-18)
#106
Leave it the way it is. People should be responsible for their own safety. It would ruin a natural forest environment by getting the platform built and be an eyesore when walking the track towards the beautiful view.Emma Jenkinson (Stewart Island, 2022-09-18)
#107
my family originated from the island and together we believe that this should not be built , that it would do more bad then good for the island .Schuyler Jackson (Auckland, 2022-09-18)
#108
Love this place. Use to live there (Stewart Island) & it's fine the way it is. Just leave it alone. Thanks. Already controlling enough land or have changed stuff that shouldn't of been. Please leave the island b. 👍Shiree Giles (Invercargill, 2022-09-18)
#110
leave it in its natural state , every thing on the island doesn't need to be altered to please the tourists . if some one falls down the bank that's their stupid Fault .Paul Wright (Invercargill, 2022-09-19)
#113
My home was Stewart Island and hate to see this being changed.Jude Dawson (Sunshine Coast, 2022-09-19)
#114
Observation Rock does not need any man made barriers or platforms. Please leave Stewart Islands natural beauty as it is!Kiri Conrad (Christchurch, 2022-09-19)
#115
I dont see the need for this structureJohn DeLury (Pegasus, 2022-09-19)
#116
i dont want our beautiful natural site to be changed....anyta cox (Stewart Island, 2022-09-19)
#120
Observation rock is a unique location, its natural beauty needs to be preserved.Jane Brown (Motueka, 2022-09-19)
#123
Have a house on stewart island as my husbands whanau are from Stewart island. The rock has been there the way it is for so long, not touched, or disturbed for so long. To protect the innocent of it like doc are supposed to do, it would be way better to have it left that way for future generations to come. A natural observation place were you cannot destroy with litter and to many people.Betty West (Tuatapere, 2022-09-19)
#132
Any kind of platform or barrier rails would completely detract from the nature and views that Observation Rock offers in its current state. I've enjoyed sitting on the ground and existing seating. There is nothing quite like the view, having the lush green forest trailing dricetly below leading to the quaint little houses and beach huts nestled among it, then Ulva Island resting also below, with the water of Patterson Inlet and mountains beyond. Any construction undertaken would seriously detract from this uniquely vertical view. Having visited also at night, a very pleasant experience with up to 20 other people mingling, coming and going, torches on and off, no problem at all. I really do not see any issue with safety due to the gradual sloping terrain and dense bush that would protect anyone who tried to venture off the wrong way. Please don't try and fix something that is so completely not broken!Kim Hayward (Dunedin, 2022-09-20)
#135
Natural features are better devoid of any human intervention and the people who live on Stewart Is are the ones who should have the final say in whether they want another tourist enabling/nature detroying addition to their landscape.Jill Smith (Dunedin 9023, 2022-09-21)
#138
No Public Consultation given. I don't know what they are actually building.John Grandiek (Oban, 2022-09-24)
#139
Observation rock should be kept in it’s natural authentic state in keeping with the rest of the island. Also to my knowledge there has never been any issues with safety/injuries to visitors in the past.Julie Stewart (Gore, 2022-09-25)
#141
As a former resident of Rakiura and having strong family ties to the Island I strongly oppose DOCs intention to ruin an iconic landmark by erecting something that in my opinion is not needed and is a waste of moneyDoug Dawson (Glenfield, 2022-09-26)
#143
The natural beautiful site at Observation Rock. Why change it.Jasmine Stewart (Bluff, 2022-09-29)
#149
I think this fence will detract from the natural beauty of the environment.Samuel Peoples (Hamilton, 2022-10-11)
#150
i like it how it issam white (hamilton, 2022-10-13)
#155
I'm against this developmentDan asher (oban, 2022-10-26)
#156
I'm signing because I am strongly against this move to create a barrier to the most popular viewing spot in the Oban township. I am a frequent visitor to Observation rock, having the use of a family house immediately below the Rock. One night I counted 13 different nationalities up there all enjoying the unmarred view of the sunset. Noone has ever looked like they are in danger of falling over the edge of the hill. To my knowledge, as an Islander for the last 70 years, there have been no significant safety incidents at this prime viewing spot.A bureaucratically motivated barrier is NOT NEEDED. PLEASE DON'T DO IT!
Glenda Hicks (Christchurch, 2022-10-28)
#157
The proposed viewing platform and signage panels are unnecessary. Let the beauty of the spot be allowed to stand as it is.Barbara Sampson (Christchurch, 2022-10-29)
#160
I am signing this because I think the proposed "upgrade" is both unnecessary and will seriously impair the magic of this iconic view and peaceful spaceJohn Vercoe (Invercargill, 2022-11-08)
#162
It should stay as is!Carrie Bailey (Invercargill, 2023-06-23)
#163
It needs to stay in its natural state doesn’t need an observation deckCath O'Loughlin (Westport, 2023-06-23)
#164
Foolishness personified, and it should not be tolerated...Richard Armitage (Canmore, 2023-06-24)
#165
I love Observation Rock and the natural, stunning beauty that greets you as you hikoi up the track. A barrier will completely occlude this. Our eldest resident, who’s 89 and from the island, has never heard of ANY accident up there. There’s no sheer drop and the views are stunning.Amanda Pink (Rakiura, 2023-06-24)
#167
I object to a man made barrier being erected.Briar Humphrey (Auckland, 2023-06-26)