Landcorp leases Molesworth under a grazing licence but it expires in 2020 and the survey was a prelude to a new management plan. No decision has been made.
The survey attracted 4503 respondents and shows a public appetite for retaining the working farm and protection of its heritage.
More than 80% of the 3400 who answered the question about whether it should remain a working farm, agree it should.
That support is reflected in related questions with 71% supporting the level of farming as it is now, saying it respects the environment, other users and the farm managers are custodians of the land.
Respondents say land management helps control weeds and pests but equally there is concern stock be kept out of fragile ecosystems.
There were 520 people against continued farming. They claim it damages the natural environment, causes erosion, restricts public access and as marginal farmland is uneconomic and environmentally unsustainable.
They want Molesworth turned into a national park or given another conservation designation.
Despite general support for continuing to farm Molesworth, its farming values rate a lowly seventh in importance by respondents, over-shadowed by the property’s waterways, natural landscape, native plants and animals, historic heritage and recreation and public access.
But people said farming on Molesworth helps urban and rural communities understand each other, reduces the risk of fire and helps control weeds and pests.
Many noted weeds and pests have encroached on the neighbouring St James Station, now a conservation area, as farming is phased out after the land was bought by the Nature Heritage Fund in 2008.
Other comments noted farming is linked to Molesworth’s history, high-country properties are opportunities for sharing knowledge and for training shepherds and farmers while farming structures are viewed as important cultural icons.
The role of farming in managing the property’s natural landscapes is widely supported by respondents who see a link between farming and pest control but also in generating income to fund that control.
Stock access to waterways concerned people who say water bodies and sensitive areas should be fenced off.
Protection of historic values and structures is heavily supported because they reflect early settlement and farming of the station.
Respondents are evenly split on whether public access and opportunities for recreation should change with those in support seeking access for more camping, tramping and cycling. Access for recreation is seen by a large number as a core value.
Those opposed to greater access are concerned increasing tourism will be detrimental to other values associated with the property, heighten fire risk and unbalance the blend of farming, conservation and access.
DOC’s south Marlborough operations manager Phil Bradfield says the degree of interest shows people value Molesworth.
“The survey results and comments show Molesworth is valued for its natural landscape and native plants and wildlife, as a place for recreation, for its cultural and farming heritage and as a place for farming.”
DOC is working with the Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board, the Molesworth Steering Committee, which advises on management of the property, and Te Runanga o Kaikoura to develop the next steps for considering future management of the reserve.
