A long-held dream, a national park that celebrates and preserves the dry highlands of Otago and Southland, has been reignited today as the Federated Mountain Clubs, with support from Forest and Bird and the New Zealand Alpine Club, call for the creation of a The Remarkables National Park.

Since the 1970’s, conservationists and outdoor recreationalists, led by Alan (now Sir Alan) Mark have been calling for increased protection of the vast highland ranges that separate the Clutha / Mata-au  from the plains of southland. This includes the valleys of the Waikaia, Nevis and Pomahaka, and vast ranges of the Garvie, Old Man / Kopuwai, Hector / Tapuae O Uenuku and The Remarkables.

A launch event will be held this evening in Wellington, with Sir Alan Mark speaking. The event will be held at the Southern Cross tavern from 5.30pm. Further information on the campaign, including a booklet that details the natural, historic and recreational values of this region is available here: www.fmc.org.nz/remarkables