1. Interpretation of policies

The policies in this General Policy recognise the need to:

• ensure that decisions are not predetermined by restricting the possibilities provided for in the legislation; and
• recognise the constitutional role of the Minister of Conservation and other decision-makers.

The level of detail included in different chapters in this General Policy varies, depending on factors such as:

• how much direction is already provided in the legislation;
• whether the matter is best addressed at a national or another level (i.e. through General Policy or through conservation management strategies or plans);
• whether the matter involves a statutory or management decision; and
• the degree to which providing guidance is necessary to ensure national consistency and to assist the development or review of conservation management strategies.

Many policies in this General Policy reflect aspects of integrated conservation management; for example, by referring to outcomes planned for places, which may be a combination of different outcomes including those for management of natural resources, historic and cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities. Each policy also needs to be considered in conjunction with all other policies. This ensures, among other things, that the policies for different types of conservation outcomes in Chapters 4-14, are considered with policies in Chapters 2 and 3 which cover how the Department will engage with tangata whenua and with the public in conservation management.

Many policies in this General Policy contain lists of criteria for decision-making. In such lists, where criteria are cumulative and all must be met, the word 'and' is used before the last criterion. Where criteria are alternative and only one criterion (at least) must be met, the word 'or' is used between all criteria.

POLICIES

1 Interpretation of Policies

1 (a) The policies in this General Policy will apply to all lands, waters and resources administered by the Department of Conservation, excluding national parks.

1 (b) Only the policies in this General Policy (identified by being placed in boxes) and the Glossary will have the effect of General Policy.

1 (c) Each policy will be considered in conjunction with all other policies in this General Policy.

1 (d) The words 'will', 'should' and 'may' have the following meanings:

• i. Policies where legislation provides no discretion for decision-making or a deliberate decision has been made by the Minister to direct decision-makers, state that a particular action or actions 'will' be undertaken.
• ii. Policies that carry with them a strong expectation of outcome without diminishing the constitutional role of the Minister and other decision-makers, state that a particular action or actions 'should' be undertaken.
• iii. Policies intended to allow flexibility in decision-making, state that a particular action or actions 'may' be undertaken.

1 (e) Planned outcomes at places should be consistent with the intrinsic values of an area identified as a place in a conservation management strategy or plan.

1 (f) All policies in this General Policy will be applied consistently with the objectives of the relevant legislation and, where applicable, any statutory purposes for which the place is held under that legislation.

1 (g) Interpretation of the policies in this General Policy will not derogate from the provisions of the relevant legislation.

1 (h) Approved conservation management strategies and plans continue to have effect until they are amended or reviewed, except where they clearly derogate from General Policy.

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