Two discussion documents have been released by the Department of Conservation for public feedback. One proposes implementing fees for access to some public conservation areas, while the other concerns the management of conservation land.
In his press statement at the release of the documents, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced:
“By updating the legislation, we aim to create a conservation system that protects New Zealand’s natural heritage, supports sustainable tourism, builds economic resilience, and strengthens partnerships with local Iwi,”
Exploring charging for access to some public conservation land.
This document proposes to introduce charges for access to certain public conservation land. In the Ministerial forward, Potaka says:
“Access to public conservation land is essential for our Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi partners being able to better fulfil their roles as kaitiaki, to engage in cultural practices, to exercise tikanga and other responsibilities. I look forward to working through the Government’s proposals with Iwi to ensure the Crown upholds its Treaty responsibilities.”
Key questions for public feedback on whether access charges for some public conservation land should be introduced, include:
- Who should be charged – should fees apply only to international visitors or also to Kiwi tourists?
- Where should charges apply – what types of locations are suitable for such fees?
- How should revenue be used – which conservation projects and priorities should benefit from these fees?
The document then states that the Government’s proposal seeks to “ensure that Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi partners can continue to fulfil their roles as kaitiaki and exercise tikanga.” (This indicates that the funds generated through access charges will not only establish a new revenue source for the maintenance and upkeep of the conservation estate but will also be allocated to iwi/hapū to support their cultural practices and their partnership role).
The ‘Exploring charging for access to some public conservation land’ discussion document is available HERE.
Key information on how to make a submission is available HERE
The second paper is titled Modernising conservation land management, which proposes changes to the concessions and planning system. In his foreword, Potaka says:
“I have two bottom lines for this work: delivering for conservation and upholding Treaty settlements. The proposals in this discussion document aim to lower costs on businesses and Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi (Treaty) partners, fix tourism bottlenecks on public conservation land, and create win-win situations for conservation, culture, communities, and the economy. Any changes will need to be worked through with Iwi to ensure the Crown upholds all Treaty responsibilities.”
The Government is seeking public feedback on proposals to:
- provide certainty for investment and achieve better economic outcomes through clear ways of granting concessions
- cut processing times and costs on businesses by allowing more types of activities in advance, and more standardised permits
- provide a clear focus on our conservation objectives and what makes our places special, through a more up to date streamlined and flexible system
- enable more flexibility around the exchange and disposal of land where it makes sense from a conservation perspective
- clarify, and provide certainty about, DOC’s Treaty obligations for concessions.
For more information see Modernising conservation land management
Details on how to make a submission is available HERE
Submissions are now open and will close on 28 February 2025
Public Webinars
DOC will host public webinars to share more information about the proposals and hear your views. The webinars will be held on the following dates:
Wednesday 22 January 2025, 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm
Tuesday 28 January 2025, 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm.
Register online for a public webinar by clicking HERE.
Media releases by Tama Potaka
- New priorities to protect future of conservation 3 September 2024
- Proposals to modernise conservation released 15 November 2024
Media Coverage
RNZ: Government considers charging more for visits to national parks, conservation areas