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The Government has introduced what it describes as the biggest overhaul of New Zealand’s conservation system in nearly four decades, with reforms aimed at speeding up approvals, reducing red tape and increasing investment in visitor infrastructure.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says the newly lodged Conservation Amendment Bill is designed to modernise how conservation land is managed while supporting tourism and regional economic growth.
Tourism and regional growth focus
Potaka says tourism on conservation land contributes around $5.3 billion annually and supports thousands of jobs nationwide.
“More than 1,600 businesses operate on or around conservation land, contributing to regional economies and local livelihoods.”
He says outdated processes under the nearly 40-year-old Conservation Act have slowed investment and created unnecessary costs.
“These changes mean less red tape, faster approvals, and more investment into biodiversity, tracks, huts, and visitor infrastructure.”
Faster concession process
The reforms will streamline concession applications by removing some approval requirements and introducing exempt and pre-approved activities.
The Government says around 30 to 40 per cent of applications would no longer require individual processing.
A new National Conservation Policy Statement would also replace multiple overlapping plans to create more consistent national direction.
Visitor charges proposed
The Bill also includes provisions enabling international visitor access charges at a limited number of high-profile conservation sites.
Potaka says the charges could generate around $60 million annually.
“This is expected to raise around $60 million a year, which will be reinvested back into conservation, biodiversity protection, heritage sites, tracks, huts, and visitor infrastructure.”
He says New Zealanders would continue to have free access to conservation areas.
Balancing conservation and economy
The Government says the reforms are intended to support both environmental protection and economic development.
“New Zealanders shouldn’t have to choose between protecting nature and growing the economy, this Bill delivers both.”
The Bill will now move through the parliamentary process, including select committee consideration and public submissions.
