1. Interpretation of policies

The policies recognise the need to:

• ensure that decisions are not predetermined by restricting the possibilities provided for in the legislation; and
• acknowledge the roles 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 the General Policy or through conservation management strategies or national park management plans);
• whether the matter involves a statutory decision or is simply a management matter; and
• the degree to which providing clear policy is necessary to ensure national consistency and to assist the development or review of conservation management strategies and national park management plans.

Many policies in this General Policy reflect aspects of integrated conservation management; for example, by referring to outcomes at places, which may be a combination of different outcomes including those for management of natural resources, historical and cultural heritage, and recreational and tourism opportunities. Each policy also needs to be considered with all other policies. This ensures, among other things, that the policies for different types of conservation outcomes in Chapters 4 to 13, 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 or one criterion (at least) must be met, the word 'or' is used between all criteria.

This General Policy replaces General Policy for National Parks approved in 1983. The existing conservation management strategies and national park management plans were developed under the 1983 General Policy. The adoption of this General Policy is not intended to render those statutory documents invalid and they will continue to have effect until they are reviewed and superseded by new strategies and plans approved during the life of this General Policy.

POLICIES

1 Interpretation of policies

1(a) The policies in this General Policy will apply to all national parks.

1(b) Only the policies (identified by being placed in boxes) and the Glossary in this General Policy 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 Authority 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 worth and values of an area identified as a place in a conservation management strategy or national park management plan.

1(f) All policies in this General Policy will be applied consistently with the objectives of the National Parks Act 1980 and any statutory purposes for which a place within a national park is held.

1(g) Interpretation of the policies in this General Policy will not derogate from the provisions of the National Parks Act 1980 and other relevant legislation.

1(h) Approved conservation management strategies and national park management plans prepared under the 1983 General Policy for National Parks continue to have effect for national park management until they are amended or reviewed, except where they clearly derogate from this General Policy.

back to top