Hi
For those who have an interest in the Dunedin district, they currently have a new bylaw under review that will prohibit camping or new dredging or mining of any kind in their controlled area that includes the Deep Stream catchment and Silverstream. Submissions can be made online through the link below and are due by 2 April.
Thanks Darryl. The battle just never ends does it!
Yes, Tell me about it… Bastards.
I received this.
Hello
Please be aware that the DCC currently has the Proposed Water Supply Bylaw 2026 open for submissions. Submissions close on the 02/04/2026.
Of particular note is the proposed classification of the Deep Stream and Deep Creek catchments as Controlled Catchments. Under this classification, public entry is prohibited unless a person has received specific written approval from the Council.
These catchments include a significant portion of Te Papanui Conservation Park, comprising close to 50% of the park’s total area. As proposed, the bylaw could effectively restrict general public access to a large area of this public conservation land unless approval is granted by the Council. Breaches of the bylaw may also be subject to infringement fees of up to $1,000.
The proposed bylaw establishes three classes of water supply catchments:
• Controlled Catchments – Entry is prohibited unless approved by the Council.
• Restricted Catchments – Unrestricted entry is allowed only for tramping, hunting, trapping and fishing.
• Open Catchments – No restrictions on activities under the bylaw except for any new activity related to dredging or mining.
A comparison with the Water Supply Bylaw 2011 shows several notable changes. In the 2011 bylaw, Restricted Catchments allowed unrestricted entry for tramping, hunting, trapping, shooting and fishing. In the proposed 2026 bylaw, shooting is no longer listed as a permitted activity in Restricted Catchments. The 2026 bylaw also introduces a new restriction on any new activity related to dredging or mining, which was not present in the 2011 bylaw.
Given the size of the area affected within Te Papanui Conservation Park, the classification of the Deep Stream and Deep Creek catchments may have a significant impact on public access and recreational use of the park.
For those wishing to make a submission, several options could be suggested to maintain public access to these areas:
Classify the Deep Stream and Deep Creek catchments as Open Catchments, which would allow continued public access for a range of recreational activities including tramping, hunting, shooting, camping and access for dogs.
Alternatively, classify the catchments as Restricted Catchments, which would allow public access for tramping, hunting, trapping and fishing without requiring approval from the Council. However this may prevent camping and access for dogs.
If this issue is of interest, you may wish to consider making a submission or informing other organisations that may also have an interest in public access to these areas. Organisations that may wish to be aware of the proposal include:
The NZ Deer Stalkers Association
Outdoor Access Commission
Fish and Game New Zealand
Department of Conservation
Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand.
Even short submissions expressing support for continued public access can help ensure that community views are considered.
Kind regards,
………….
I have to laugh at that last sentence. Especially the word, considered. That means they will just screw it up & throw it in the bin. 
More of our rights being eroded. A lot of that land is DOC & not just DCC. Even outside of gold mining, be that detecting, dredging or sniping. It also takes away public access for any other activity. Hunting, tramping, fishing, mountain biking etc. A general public lock out. Even if permission is given for access, it is only for a day. NO overnight camping.
As us gold mining people know, one natural flood will do more damage than a hobby type gold miner could do in a life time.
JW 
JW,
I would suggest that you make a submission that states-
Power & Control, John. These dipshits will do anything to justify ‘their salaries’
Just submitted the form while sipping a cup of Dunedins finest tap water. It doesn’t taste like tailings, so keep digging!
