Submission on the Conservation Amendment Bill
The Commissioner has submitted on the Conservation Amendment Bill, focusing on how proposed reforms could shape the future management of New Zealand’s conservation estate.
The submission acknowledges the need to modernise conservation planning processes and improve the efficiency of decision-making. It examines proposals relating to conservation planning, concessions, visitor amenities areas, decision-making processes and the information needed to support future land management decisions.
The Commissioner emphasises the importance of maintaining public trust, transparent decision-making and access to robust environmental information. The submission also discusses the role of local knowledge, community participation and independent advice in conservation planning.
Preserving and protecting conservation values as economic activity takes place on public conservation land is key. The submission argues that achieving this requires clear statutory direction, strong safeguards and reliable data.
“I am perfectly willing to accept increased development and use of the conservation estate, but only if it is consistent with the purpose of conservation.”