This management plan for Kahurangi National Park has been prepared in accordance with Sections 45-48 of the National Parks Act 1980. This management plan is a statutory document which implements Conservation Management Strategies and provides for the management of Kahurangi National Park in accordance with General Policies and the Act.

A management plan is generally a statement of intent and does not override the provisions of legislation, general policy and agreements. The objectives of this plan express the Department's overall management intentions for Kahurangi National Park over the next ten years. Achievement will be determined by the availability of resources and level of community support. The plan does not establish a promised level of funding. Nonetheless, the stated objectives are underscored by a commitment to endeavour to obtain the necessary funding and support.

This management plan has been prepared jointly by the Nelson/Marlborough Conservancy and the West Coast Conservancy of the Department of Conservation, in consultation with the general public and with representatives from tangata whenua, the Nelson/Marlborough Conservation Board and other interested groups and individuals.

This management plan recognises the mana and tangata whenua status of Ngai Tahu, Ngati Apa, Ngati Rarua, Ngati Tama and Te Atiawa over their ancestral lands and waters within the park and its significance to them. The recognition of mana and tangata whenua status is present through all sections and policies of this management plan.

This plan is a working tool for the future of the park only, but acknowledges the Crown's relationship with and obligations to Ngai Tahu, Ngati Apa, Ngati Rarua, Ngati Tama and Te Atiawa under section 4 of the Conservation Act 1987 which requires the Department to give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. This plan also acknowledges the Department's obligations under the Ngai Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998.

Prior to Kahurangi becoming a national park a discussion document was prepared for the national park investigation. Submissions on that document were taken into account in the development of the draft plan. The first round of public consultation on the draft plan was carried out in July 1996 when a notice was published calling for suggestions.

The draft plan was then notified for public submission on 1 November 1997. A total of 317 submissions were received and 60 submittors were heard in support of their submissions. These submissions were taken into account in the development of this plan.

The plan will be effective for ten years from the date of approval (13 June 2001), but may be reviewed at any time as a result of changes in circumstance.

Hugh Logan
Director-General Department of Conservation

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