Conservation Bill amended after public concerns

The Government will remove proposed provisions allowing the disposal or exchange of conservation land from the Conservation Amendment Bill following public feedback.

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says the decision follows concerns raised about the proposals.

“We have heard loud and clear the concerns about the potential disposal or exchange of conservation land, and we are acting on those concerns by removing those provisions from this bill,” Potaka says.

He says the Government will work with the Environmental Defence Society, Forest & Bird, iwi and other stakeholders on the bill’s economic development provisions to ensure they deliver strong conservation outcomes.

The Conservation Amendment Bill, currently before a parliamentary select committee, is intended to modernise the management of conservation land while supporting economic growth and improving environmental outcomes.

Tama says the legislation remains “the most significant reform of conservation legislation in nearly 40 years”.