New General Policy for National Parks
Media statement: 1 June 2005
The revised General Policy for National Parks is now available to the public, Kerry Marshall, chairperson of the New Zealand Conservation Authority, announced today.
"The Authority approved the policy at its April meeting and it has now been printed and released for public information. Print copies will be sent to public and university libraries and the General Policy can be viewed at the offices of the Department of Conservation. It can also be accessed on the Authority's webpage."
"The General Policy provides guidance to the Minister and the Department of Conservation in their management of national parks," Mr Marshall said. "National parks are treasures that have been set aside for the benefit of the public - it is the job of the Department and the Minister to exercise a high standard of care in looking after them."
"The General Policy provides for the general welfare of the parks and the preservation of their native plants and animals and scenic values on the one hand, and the rights of the public to access and enjoy these special places on the other," Mr Marshall said.
"The Authority acknowledges that there are a wide range of reasons why people enjoy national parks and there is a need to try and ensure that one person's enjoyment is not at the expense of others" he said.
"An example is the use of mountain bikes in national parks. In the past the Authority has not allowed for the use of any sort of vehicle off formed roads. Now the Authority has decided that consideration can be given to allowing non-powered vehicles, like mountain bikes, on a limited number of tracks under strict conditions. Where exactly will be decided on a case by case basis and will involve public consultation. The bottom line is that mountain bike use of tracks cannot be at the expense of the physical welfare of the park or the experience and safety of those seeking to enjoy national parks at a slower pace."
"Each of New Zealand's 14 national parks has its own characteristics" Kerry Marshall said." They all have areas suitable for day visitors as well as for people seeking a back-country experience. I encourage New Zealanders to get out and enjoy them, just as millions of overseas visitors do."
New Zealand's national parks are Tongariro (New Zealand's first national park), Te Urewera, Whanganui, Egmont, Abel Tasman, Kahurangi (north-west Nelson), Nelson Lakes, Arthur's Pass, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Paparoa, Westland/Tai Poutini, Mt Aspiring, Fiordland, and Rakiura (on Stewart Island).
View the General Policy for National Parks.
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