12. National Park Management Plans
Each national park is required to have a management plan prepared within two years of the national park’s constitution and reviewed as a whole at not more than ten year intervals. (section 45, National Parks Act 1980)
Statutory public participation processes are followed when national park management plans are being developed or reviewed. These plans provide an opportunity to canvass a wide range of public opinion and strengthen cooperative relationships with the objective of supporting the purposes of national parks.
POLICIES
12 National Park Management Plans
12(a) When developing or reviewing a national park management plan, the Department will consult the relevant conservation board and tangata whenua and seek written comments from, and have regard to the views of, interested people and organisations, including fish and game councils.
12(b) A national park management plan will:
- i) identify national park values at places within the national park;
- ii) identify the range of planned outcomes for places within the national park consistent with the identified values;
- iii) identify the effects, including cumulative effects, of different uses and explain how these effects will be minimised;
- iv) explain how potential conflicts between desired outcomes will be resolved;
- v) identify objectives and policies for the integrated management of the national park so that the unique qualities of the national park and indigenous species, habitats and ecosystems are preserved, and provision is made for public enjoyment;
- vi) take into account the values and objectives for management of other national parks, so that across all national parks a range of opportunities for benefit, use and enjoyment is provided;
- vii) identify the need and justification for creating any new wilderness, specially protected or amenities areas and any proposals for excluding significant areas from the national park; and
- viii) identify matters proposed to be regulated by bylaws.
12(c) A proposed amendment to a national park management plan will be publicly notified except where it does not materially affect the objectives or policies expressed in the plan, or the public interest in the area concerned; examples being where it:
- i) corrects a factual error; or
- ii) reflects changes in legislation; or
- iii) provides clarification of a policy without altering its intent.
12(d) A national park management plan should identify what regular monitoring and evaluation should be undertaken to assess the effects of activities on national park values and specify what actions should be taken if there are any adverse effects on those values.
12(e) The Department will consult the relevant conservation board on matters pertinent to the implementation of a national park management plan, including applications for a concession or authorisation requiring an interest in land.
12(f) The Department should provide the conservation board with a report (at least annually) on the implementation of a national park management plan.
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