To the Department of Conservation,
New Zealand’s public conservation land is a vital part of who we are as a nation – it’s our mountain peaks, ancient rainforests, wetlands, rivers, and more.
New proposals threaten the future of public conservation land – risking high biodiversity value areas being sold off or developed.
It is my individual submission that any changes must:
Protect conservation land: The intrinsic values of all conservation land, including stewardship land, should be protected and preserved. Government should not make it easier to dispose of conservation land if it is considered ‘surplus’ or to ‘support other government priorities’.
Consider climate change: In a warming climate, it’s important to protect, restore and grow our areas of forests and wetlands.
Prioritise our native plants and animals: New Zealand already has the highest proportion of threatened species in the world. Charges should only be used as part of an overall government plan to deliver a net, sustained increase in investment in biodiversity and conservation.
Keep people connected to nature: Any charge for access to public conservation land should not deter New Zealanders from connecting with the natural environment of Aotearoa.
Let people have their say: It’s important to keep public participation in conservation policy development – having a range of voices means key issues are addressed, and significant policy changes are only proposed when truly necessary.
Maintain robust checks and balances: Aotearoa needs evidence-based conservation policy with independent oversight, it's important that we don’t have ministerial overreach or poorly informed national policy changes.
In response to the discussion documents Exploring charging for access to some public conservation land and Modernising conservation land management, New Zealanders need the Government to prioritise protection for people and our environment.