Proposals to modernise conservation

The Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai has released two discussion documents with the aim of modernising New Zealand’s conservation management system.

The discussion documents will:

• explore charging for access to some public conservation land

• streamline concessions and planning processes and enable more flexibility around land exchange and disposals.

These proposals support delivery of the Government’s priorities for the Conservation portfolio, which include generating new revenue, recalibrating costs for conservation, targeting investment into high-value conservation outcomes, strengthening relationships with Iwi/Hapū, and fixing the concessions process.

The proposals include:

• Simplifying conservation rules to make protecting natural areas easier.

• Reducing red tape for eco-tourism and business to promote responsible access and boost regional economies.

• Maximising benefits from commercial activities on conservation land to support nature and local communities.

• Developing amenities areas that protect nature while enhancing manuhiri (visitor) experiences.

• Increasing flexibility for whenua (land) exchanges or disposals that align with conservation and community needs.

• The discussion documents are available here. Consultation closes in late-February 2025.