The New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association (NZDA) welcomes Government's decision to purchase the St James Pastoral Lease, in North Canterbury for a public outdoor recreation park. At 88,000 Ha, it is the largest private lease in the country, with iconic mountain and valley landscapes.

"The area is ideally suited for a back-country recreation park and has very high landscape and scenic values." NZDA President Alec McIver said. "A significant amount of it is open river valley, tussockland and grazed open space ideal for most sorts of responsible outdoor recreational activities. It will make this area available for recreational hunting and deerstalking, something not possible in its leased state." he said.

"Protecting this priceless wildland area as a public recreational park protecting its recreational and natural values for New Zealanders for all time is a great outcome."