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The West Coast Tai Poutini and Nelson Marlborough Conservation Boards, and DOC staff at the Oparara Arches
Photo: Suvi van Smit | DOC
Welcome to the Conservation Boards' Newsletter
Number 9 : June 2018
Kia ora anō
It’s been a busy time for conservation, and I appreciate the work that Conservation Board members have been doing to make progress on many significant issues.
I’m looking forward to announcing very soon the Conservation Board appointments to reflect the range of natural heritage expertise and perspectives we have across Aotearoa.
Te Kuha conservation land
With Energy Minister Megan Woods I announced on 16 June we had declined the application to mine 12 hectares of conservation land because it was not considered that the mine’s potential economic benefits were large enough to outweigh the irreparable damage to an area with very high, unique and nationally significant conservation values.
The Te Kuha area is one of the last two areas of intact, elevated Brunner coal measure ecosystems. It is an undisturbed area which is precious and unique and supports complex and diverse habitats for threatened plants and wildlife including great spotted kiwi, land snails and lizards.
Great Walk pricing trial
The differential pricing will aim to manage visitor pressure on the four most popular Great Walks – Milford, Kepler, Routeburn and Abel Tasman – while ensuring fair prices for locals.
I hope the new system will encourage overseas visitors to try other Great Walks, where prices remain the same.
Ngā mihi nui
Hon. Eugenie Sage
Minister of Conservation
Updates from the conservation boards
Te Hiku o Te Ika
The main focus for the Board has been the Te Hiku Conservation Management Strategy, which will form part of the Northland Conservation Management Strategy. They met in Kaitaia in May to receive an update on its progress.
Northland
The Board met in the Hokianga for a site visit to Waipoua Forest on 22 March; they highly enjoyed their tour with Footprints Waipoua and would recommend it to visitors and locals. The formal meeting then took place at the Opononi Hotel the following day during which the Board nominated their new Chair.
Waikato
Board member Pauline Hickey shares an article about the Board's recent field trip to Cuvier Island. They participated in the release of 10 tuatara, 7 of whom were originally removed from the island in 1991 to protect them from predator control efforts.
Tongariro/Taupo
The Board has continued to develop their understanding to support the Department in developing strategies for managing increasing visitor numbers to Tongariro National Park. Park values must be managed sustainably while keeping aware of the upcoming settlement for the park.
Taranaki/Whanganui
The Board travelled to Kaupokonui Beach to learn about beached whale tikanga, seeing it in action with the recent sperm whale stranding. They also continue their focus on whitebait populations by supporting a Curious Minds project.
Chatham Islands
The Board has had a busy start to the year with meetings in February, March and May; they have enjoyed visits from both the East Coast Hawke's Bay Conservation Board and their New Zealand Conservation Authority liaison.
West Coast Tai Poutini
The Board travelled to Haast and up to Karamea for Public meetings over the last 6 months. Their main focus has been the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Management Plan review, the draft of which they are hoping will be notified very soon.
Otago
The Board considered the upcoming reviews of Mt Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park management plans. They also took the time to assess visitor hot spots in the Wanaka/Haast highway area, noting the huge demand for activities. Whitebait populations also continue to be a focus and concern for the Board.
Consultations open for your comment
Proposed revocation of Rodney County reserves management plan
Have your say on the proposal to revoke the Rodney County Reserves Management System – Scenic and Scientific Reserves Management Plan. Submissions close 2 July 2018.Marine biodiversity in the high seas
Have your say on New Zealand's participation in UN treaty negotiations about marine biodiversity. Submissions close 4 July 2018.Application for a marine mammal permit by Rachel McGregor
Have your say on a permit application from Rachel McGregor to operate commercial tours to view marine mammals in the Otago Harbour including Taiaroa Head. Submissions close 20 July 2018.Application for a variation to a lease by DKDnz.com Limited
Have you say on an application by DKDnz.com Limited for a variation to a lease at Whakaari Conservation Area near Glenorchy. Submissions close 20 July 2018.Application for a lease and licence by Path New Zealand Limited
Have your say on an application by Path New Zealand Limited for a lease and licence to build and operate a commercial structure in Fiordland National Park. Submissions close 20 July 2018.Intention to grant a lease to Grand Properties (2011) Limited
Have your say on an application for a lease to construct, maintain and operate two staff accommodation houses in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Amenity Area. Submissions close 23 July 2018.Our interests in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean
Have your say on a statement expressing New Zealand's interests in Antarctica. Comments close 30 July 2018.Proposal to close tracks to protect kauri
Have your say on a proposal to close various tracks in order to protect kauri. Submissions close 31 July 2018.Proposal to review the land classification status of St James Conservation Area
Have your say about a proposal to review the land classification status of St James Conservation Area and adjoining public conservation lands. There will be a statutory public submission process where you can formally record your views about a draft reclassification proposal. Updated information will be provided on this web page.Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Management Plan review
Have your say on the review of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Management Plan. Public notification is expected in late July/early August 2018 and public submissions will be invited.
Keep up to date with public consultations here.
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Email rmcgovern@doc.govt.nz
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