An important step has been taken to support the reclassification of stewardship land DOC has announced.
“The Department of Conservation is seeking public feedback on proposed legislative changes to streamline the reclassification process,” says Kayla Kingdon-Bebb, DOC policy director.
DOC has launched a discussion document on proposed law changes to make the process for reclassifying and disposing of stewardship land more efficient and effective.
“The goal is to speed up and simplify the reclassification process so land with conservation value is identified and managed appropriately, while land with very low or no conservation value can be made available for other uses,” says Kayla Kingdon-Bebb.
“The proposed law change will see more efficient public consultation and ensure the process to reclassify stewardship land is fit-for-purpose.”
Feedback is being sought on:
- Improving consistency of public notification and submission processes.
- Enabling the national panels to carry out the public notification and submission process.
- Clarifying responsibilities for making recommendations to reclassify stewardship land to national park.
- Removing the statutory step to declare all stewardship land to be held for conservation purposes before it can be reclassified or disposed of.
- Enabling the Minister of Conservation to direct the proceeds of sale of stewardship land to DOC.
- Clarifying the status of concessions on reclassified stewardship land.
Visit the stewardship land reclassification consultation page for more information on the discussion document. Submissions close Friday, March 18, 2022.
Along with the proposed legislative changes, it has been confirmed Ngāi Tahu cultural values and interests will be captured in the reclassification process through the addition of a Ngāi Tahu mana whenua panel to work with two national panels.
The Ngāi Tahu-appointed mana whenua panel will provide the national panels information on mahika kai (natural resources practices), mātauranga Māori (knowledge) and other Ngāi Tahu interests in relation to stewardship land within its takiwā.
