In 1999 the Department of Conservation invited hunters and charter boat operators to a meeting to discuss issues at campsites on hunting blocks on Rakiura. DOC suggested building three sided shelters but hunters held that the only solution was to build a hut that could be secured to ensure the exclusion of vermin. Clearly, at that time, huts were out of DOC's budget.
A simple design with six bunks was agreed upon. Rakiura Hunter Camps Chartiable Trust was formed with the aims of reducing site degradation and rubbish, improving sanitation, where appropriate providing seperation between hunters and trampers as well as raising funds.
DOC provided startup funding of $10,000 for each of the first two years. Within a year hunters raised an additional $56, 000 and eight huts were built. Twentytwo hunter huts have now been built on Rakiura. Six were built by Trust volunteers on Rakiura Maori Land blocks and today RHCT owns and manages eighteen huts on conservation land hunting blocks. For more detail Click The History of Rakiura Hunter Camp Trust
HUT MAINTENANCE
The Trust cannot do it all. This is how you can help. Download hut user checklist
Hunting Permits. If you have issues with the new permit system contact DOC stewart Island in the first instance so they can understand the problem. The is no point in bleating about it on social media.