Investigation process - Kauri National Park proposal

Kauri 'Tane Mahuta' in Waipoua Forest

The Department will carry out the investigation in consultation with Te Roroa, the tangata whenua for the area, through their governance entity, the Manawhenua Trust.

The consideration of a national park over these lands is now a government commitment, and the Te Roroa Claims Settlement Act 2008 facilitates this. The investigation process will follow the requirements of sections 7 and 8 of the National Parks Act 1980 and policy 6 of the General Policy for National Parks 2005 (the General Policy).

Public consultation is an important step in any formal investigation of land for national park status. A timetable for consultations will be advised shortly. We will provide regular updates on the progress of the investigation.

Step 1

Before requesting an investigation, the New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) advises the Minister of Conservation, and seeks the views of the Northland Conservation Board, tangata whenua, the Northland Fish & Game Council and territorial authorities (policy 6(d) of the General Policy).

In respect of the Waipoua Forest - Te Tarehu - the NZCA consults with the trustees of the Manawhenua Trust and has particular regard to Te Roroa values in relation to Te Tarehu, and the protection principles (sections 54 and 55 of the Te Roroa Claims Settlement Act 2008).

Step 2

The NZCA advises the Minister of Conservation of its intention to request an investigation and report on the national park proposal (section 8(1) of the National Parks Act 1980 (NPA)).

Step 3

The NZCA requests the Director-General of Conservation to investigate and report to it on the proposal (section 8(1) NPA).

Step 4

The Department of Conservation convenes a working group comprised equally of the Department and the Manawhenua Trust to report to the Director-General in respect of the proposal and Te Tarehu (Te Roroa Deed of Settlement, Schedule 1, Te Tarehu clause 5.6.2).

Step 5

The Director-General considers the joint working group report and prepares a public discussion document.

The Director-General gives notice of the proposal and investigation to the Minister of Energy (section 8(3) NPA).

Step 6

The Director-General investigates the proposal, including:

• publishing the discussion document and inviting public suggestions
• consulting with tangata whenua
• holding hui and public meetings
• preparing a summary of submissions
• assessing the social, recreational, cultural and economic implications for tangata whenua, local and regional communities, and the nation generally
• commissioning expert advice where necessary
• preparing an investigation report for the NZCA, having regard to the views of interested people and organisations (policies 6(e) and 6(f) of the General Policy).

Step 7

The Director-General sends the investigation report and summary of submissions to the NZCA for its consideration (section 8(1) NPA and policy 6(g) of the General Policy).

Step 8

The NZCA consults with the Northland Conservation Board, which gives its advice (sections 7(2) and 30(1) NPA, and policy 6(g) of the General Policy).

In respect of the Waipoua Forest - Te Tarehu, the NZCA consults with the trustees of the Manawhenua Trust and has particular regard to Te Roroa values in relation to Te Tarehu, and the protection principles (sections 54 and 55, Te Roroa Claims Settlement Act 2008).

Step 9

The NZCA considers the investigation report in terms of the criteria and considerations set out in policy 6 of the General Policy, having particular regard to Te Roroa values in relation to Te Tarehu, and the protection principles (section 54, Te Roroa Claims Settlement Act 2008).

The NZCA makes recommendations on the proposal to the Minister of Conservation (section 7(2) NPA).

Step 10

The Minister of Conservation refers the proposed name of the proposed national park to the NZ Geographic Board for review (section 7(2A) NPA).

The Minister of Conservation makes recommendations on the proposal to the Governor-General (section 7(1) NPA).

The Ministers of Conservation and Transport may, jointly with the consent of the Northland Regional Council, recommend the addition of foreshore in the proposal to the national park (sections 7(1) and 7(6) NPA).

Step 11

The Governor-General makes an Order in Council declaring a national park (section 7(1) NPA).

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