Nelson Marlborough Board members with staff. Engineers Bridge, Molesworth Recreation Reserve.
Photo: Kath Inwood | DOC

Welcome to the Conservation Boards' Newsletter

March 2018

Kia ora

As a new Conservation Minister who has long been an advocate for nature, I am enthusiastic about the important role and work of Conservation Boards.

They are an important way for people to have their say and influence how public conservation lands and waters are managed. The role and views of boards really matter and they need to reflect the diverse communities they serve.

That’s why I asked the Department of Conservation to reopen nominations for 45 positions on 15 conservation boards earlier this month. I want to ensure that board membership reflects the strong and diverse public interest in conservation and protecting New Zealand’s natural and historic resources.

Please encourage people with knowledge of nature conservation, natural earth and marine sciences, cultural heritage, recreation, tourism, the local community or a Māori perspective to apply.

Nominations close on Saturday 14 April 2018 and Cabinet will decide appointments by 30 June. People who already put their names forward will still be considered.

I welcome opportunities to meet and engage with boards around New Zealand.

NZCA

In March the New Zealand Conservation Authority announced it was putting its proposed review of the General Policy for National Parks on hold.

The general policy drives planning for what activities can occur in national parks. It ensures there is an appropriate balance between the preservation of native plants and animals and landscapes, the welfare in general of the parks, and the rights of the public to access and enjoy these special places.

I appreciate the Authority’s decision to instead use the time and resources it would have devoted to the review into working and advising me and the Government on how to tackle priority issues for our national parks including increasing tourism pressures, whitebait, the biodiversity crisis and the impact of climate change.

Highs and lows

Thank you all for your commitment to and passion for conservation. The recent historic release of takahē into Kahurangi National Park is a landmark. It’s an effort to establish the first self-sustaining wild population outside Fiordland.

Another highlight was news of the success of DOC’s operation to rid the Subantarctic Antipodes Island of an estimated 200,000 mice. So many special birds, insects and plants, some of them found only on the Antipodes are now able to thrive.

Sadly, also in March we had news of five endangered Hector’s dolphins being killed in a single commercial set net. These dolphins won’t have died in vain, I am promoting action to better protect both Hector’s and Maui dolphins.

We all need to keep up the hard work. I very much appreciate the opportunities to hear from and engage with conservation boards.

Hon. Eugenie Sage
Minister of Conservation

Conservation board nominations have reopened

Harness your passion for conservation and your collaborative skills to represent local communities, advise DOC and protect local nature.

Apply today

Updates from the conservation boards

Auckland

The spread of kauri dieback disease has continued to be a key focus for the Board in recent months as the regional response intensifies. The Board is also preparing its progress reporting for the Auckland Conservation Management Strategy, to be submitted to the NZCA later this year.

Bay of Plenty

The Board's focus of the past six months has been on further developing their thinking around the Bay of Plenty Conservation Management strategy. They have been working with the Operations Managers and their teams on developing a vision for the Bay of Plenty, and confirming places that will be further developed as part of the CMS process.

Nelson Marlborough

The Board shares some highlights from its meetings, including information on a survey seeking public views on the future of Molesworth Recreation Reserve. In October 2017 the Board stayed overnight at Onetahua Marae in Golden Bay /Mohua and walked the recently upgraded short walk to Wainui Falls.

Canterbury Aoraki

The Board Annual Awards were held at the end of November 2017, this saw the commendation of a number of local groups and individuals for their conservation efforts. They also continue their work on the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Management Plan review.

Southland

The Board continues to prepare for the Fiordland National Park Management Plan review. Over the past months they have also held several public forums and travelled around Te Anau, Manapouri and on Lake Te Anau.

Consultations open for your comment

Application for a lease/licence by Canyonz Limited
Have your say on an application by Canyonz Limited for a lease/licence at Kauaeranga Valley. Submissions close 4 April 2018.
Intention to grant a lease to Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Incorporated
Have your say on an application for a lease/licence within Tiritiri Matangi Island Scientific Reserve for the construction and use of four buildings or structures. Submissions close 13 April 2018.
Rapids Jet (2004) Limited
Have your say on an application by Rapids Jet (2004) Limited for a lease at Aratiatia Rapids Recreation Reserve, Taupo. Submissions close 13 April 2018.
The future of Molesworth Station
Have your say on the current and future management of Molesworth Station through an online survey. Survey closes 14 April 2018.
Proposal to dispose of conservation land in the St Bathans Conservation Area
Have your say on DOC's intention to dispose of an area of conservation land in the St Bathans Conservation Area. Submissions close 16 April 2018.
Intention to grant a lease to Motuora Restoration
Have your say on an application for a lease/licence to operate a plant nursery and add two small removable accommodation sheds on Motuora Island/Motuora Recreation Reserve. Submissions close 23 April 2018.
Nominations for the Queen Elizabeth the Second National Trust Board
A call is being made for nominations for the Queen Elizabeth the Second National Trust Board. Nominations close 1 pm Monday 30 April 2018.

Keep up to date with public consultations here.

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Email rmcgovern@doc.govt.nz

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