Are You Concerned About the Conservation Amendment Bill

One of the things I love most about living in New Zealand is our connection to nature. Whether it's a walk through native bush, a swim in a secluded river, a wander along an empty beach or simply taking in the beauty of our mountains and open countryside, we're incredibly fortunate to have so many wild and natural places on our doorstep. 

Knowing these special places belong to all New Zealanders is something we should never take for granted.

Which is why the Conservation Amendment Bill is so concerning - it's currently going through Parliament right now with public submissions closing on 2 July.

This Bill does not put our national parks up for sale. For example places like Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks remain protected. However, the land surrounding these parks – public conservation land and what is known as "stewardship land" could potentially be sold. 

Much of this stewardship land has been sitting in a temporary category since 1987 and, in many cases, has never been properly assessed for its ecological or conservation value. Under the proposed changes, up to 60% of New Zealand's public conservation land could potentially be sold if it is considered to have low conservation value – even when that value has never actually been measured.

There are three parts of the Bill that are the most concerning ...

Firstly, land could be sold without a thorough assessment of its environmental significance. Secondly, the Department of Conservation would be able to retain the proceeds from land sales. While DOC does incredible work, this creates a situation where the agency responsible for protecting conservation land may also have a financial incentive to sell it.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, the public would have very limited opportunity to have a say. There may be notification of a proposed sale, but there is no guarantee of meaningful public consultation. Once land passes into private ownership, public access could be lost. Walking tracks, fishing spots, access routes to rivers and coastlines – all could depend on the goodwill of future landowners.

Some of this land was even purchased through public fundraising or gifted to the nation with the expectation that it would remain in public ownership for future generations.

ONCE IT'S GONE IT'S GONE!!!

If you care about New Zealand's public land and want your voice heard, submissions on the Conservation Amendment Bill are open until 11.59pm on 2 July. You don't need to be an expert. You don't need legal knowledge or complicated arguments. Simply tell Parliament what these places mean to you and why you believe decisions about public conservation land should involve genuine public input.

Take a few minutes to learn more and make a submission here

And if you think others would be interested, please share this information with friends and family.